As the number of positive Covid-19 infection rates increase in the UK, countries are beginning to become more cautious when it comes to permitting Brits to holiday in their country. Some have introduced new rules for those looking to get away, while others have banned Britons from visiting altogether.
In recent days Barbados has implemented harsher quarantine restrictions and entry requirements for Brits looking for a Caribbean break. UK holidaymakers are now expected to arrive in Barbados with a negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 before departure. Travellers will then be required to quarantine at a government-approved facility (this could be a holding hotel, approved villa at your own expense, or a government facility free of charge) for 4-6 days, and then have another Covid-19 test. If this second test comes back negative, they will no longer be subject to quarantine and are free to continue their holiday.
Tunisia has also hit headlines as it reclassified the UK as a ‘red’ country and placed restrictions on who can enter the country. From September 28, British citizens will only be allowed to enter Tunisia if they are a Tunisian national or a permanent resident. British nationals looking for a break will no longer be able to fly to the country for a holiday.
The question is, where does this leave holidaymakers with upcoming trips to the popular winter-sun destinations?
Well, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to Tunisia, so technically, British tourists shouldn’t be travelling there anyway.
Most travel insurance policies will be invalid if tourists do travel against FCDO advice. And those that have cover to travel against the FCDO’s advice included in their policy will also most likely not be able to claim for any lost costs, should they travel and be denied entry.
It gets tricky where Barbados remains on the FCDO’s travel corridor but has quarantine restrictions for British tourists.
Most travel insurance policies have specific reasons for cancelling a trip detailed in the policy wordings. In most cases, cancelling a trip because you do not want to quarantine or fear that your holiday may not be as enjoyable, isn’t a reason that most insurance policies will cover.
However, with more insurers covering claims related to Covid-19, we would recommend that holidaymakers check their policy wording to see if their policy includes cover for cancellation as a result of having to quarantine.
