Category: Holiday

Free, downloadable play packs so families can still share travel experiences – A Luxury Travel Blog

With both flights and kids grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global travel site Skyscanner has created free, downloadable play packs to enable families to still share travel experiences, discover other cultures and teach children about destinations around the world.

Each week, Skyscanner’s network of travel experts from across the globe will create activity packs that encourage children to be curious about travel, while helping parents by providing activities and craft projects to entertain little ones whilst at home.

The downloadable activity packs for kids aged 5-10 years include:

The first play pack is now available to download from here. Brand new play packs will be launched weekly throughout April.

What’s more, the play packs include ‘at home adventures’ for families to share via social media. Skyscanner families will be setting challenges for kids across the globe, including:

The ethos behind the idea is that travel provides a unique education for children. Whether they are exploring just an hour from home or discovering a long-haul destination, the power of understanding and appreciating others’ lives and cultures is critical to becoming a global citizen. Travel builds tolerance, empathy and awareness, something that we are endeavouring to recreate for families, who currently are unable to let their children truly interact with the world.

Skyscanner is working hard to support travellers through the COVID-19 pandemic with dedicated advice and product support for those searching to get home or for future adventures when the world re-opens. Their recent research revealed that 60% of their travellers are optimistic that they will be able to travel internationally later this year, of which half are very optimistic. The most recent launches from Skyscanner are part of their #WeWill movement, which is designed to focus on the future, ensuring that hope and faith endure during this difficult time.

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‘Go Wild’ During San Diego Zoo’s Virtual Spring Break Event

The current closure of the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park due to the COVID-19 outbreak inspired its animal experts and zookeepers to find ways of bringing the zoo’s resident wildlife to straight audiences at home.

Targeted for kids who’re stuck at home in search of entertainment (and education), its ‘Virtual Mission: Spring Break’ is running now through April 19. While it may be a youth-oriented online program, there’s nothing stopping the young-at-heart from enjoying a fascinating up-close look at wildlife.

First, there’s a downloadable list of 101 things for kids to do—backyard missions that can be accomplished with the aid of a computer, tablet or mobile phone, or by printing out pages and ticking off each task as you go. It contains fun practical challenges, animal trivia and quiz questions to test your zoological knowledge.

For kids and adults alike, wildlife talks from zoo experts are scheduled to inform and intrigue animal lovers, including a presentation by an elephant specialist and another by a serval ambassador. If visitors miss the live version, the talks will be available afterward on the zoo’s Facebook page.

Next, San Diego Zoo Global has just released its newest app, ‘Danceabout Australia,’ which brings a full-on Kangaroo Dance Party straight into your living room or backyard through the magic of augmented reality (AR). Join in the Outback Disco fun, filled with dancing kangaroos and hopping dance tracks.

You can also record your unique AR experience and share on social media or upload to Instagram using the tag #DanceAboutAustralia.

Audiences are also invited to get to know the zoo’s animal inhabitants via YouTube videos that offer up-close, intimate views onto animal behavior and feature everything from lions, hippos, elephants and gorillas to koalas, polar bears, penguins and tortoises.

Finally, as discovered by Narcity, the zoo is providing lifestreams of a variety of animals, up-close inside their habitats, where you can watch them eating, resting, grooming, running, jumping, pouncing and playing throughout their day! The list of livestreams includes:

—Ape Cam

—Baboon Cam

—Burrowing Owl Cam, presented by Ori and the Will of the Wisps

—Butterfly Cam, presented by Wheelhouse Credit Union

—Condor Cam

—Elephant Cam, presented by Planet Zoo

—Giraffe Cam

—Koala Cam

—Panda Cam (archived video)

—Penguin Cam, presented by Alaska Airlines

—Polar Cam, presented by the Coca-Cola Company

—Tiger Cam

For more information, visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/missionspringbreak.

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Send us a travel photo and the story behind it for a chance to win £200 towards a Sawday’s stay

With all of us confined to our homes for the near future, this week we are asking for reminiscences of your great holidays through photography – a lovely way of recalling past travel glories. Landscape shots, people shots, fun family snaps, architecture, wildlife, cities, countryside … the choice is yours. But bear in mind your personal story behind the photo is as important as the quality of the image itself.

Please ensure your tip stays around 100 words.

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

Photographs should be at least 700 pixels wide and please ensure you are the copyright holder.

The prize is £200 for a stay at a Sawday’s property – the company has more than 3,000 in the UK or Europe and the prize will now be valid for 18 months. The winner will be chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet.

The competition closes on Tuesday 14 April at 10am BST

If you’re having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here.

Read the terms and conditions

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Nevada Extends Casino Closures Through April

Nevada has extended its closure of casinos and other nonessential businesses through April 30 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“This directive builds on previous directives around school closures, social distancing, closure of nonessential businesses, and bans on public gatherings of 10 or more people by requiring you to stay at home unless leaving is absolutely necessary,” Gov. Steve Sisolak said via the Las Vegas Sun.

Sisolak originally ordered all nonessential businesses across the state to close for 30 days on March 17.

MGM Resorts International and other casino owners and operators suspended operations at the same time.

“While this will undoubtedly have a significant negative effect on our business in the near-term, we are well-positioned to emerge from the current crisis in light of our strong liquidity position and valuable asset portfolio,” said Bill Hornbuckle, Acting CEO and President of MGM Resorts in a statement last month. “We are currently making very difficult decisions, but believe these will be in the best interest of the Company long-term.”

Despite the challenges, many hotels and resorts continue to make their rooms available to healthcare workers and others impacted by COVID-19.

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We’re taking the kids camping – in the living room

Desperate times call for creativity, and for cooped-up outdoor enthusiasts that means attempting to conjure up a sense of adventure at home.

Across the country, lovers of camping are pitching their tents in gardens or living rooms, complete with marshmallows for toasting and guitars to play around mock campfires. Emma Cuff of West Malling in Kent is among the small but growing group of indoor campers dusting off their tents. “We’ve got four camping trips booked this summer which may or may not go ahead, so for some fun we dug out an old tent from the loft.” She posted the results on Instagram with the hashtag #thevirtualcampsite – and won a tent from Cool Camping, one of several companies encouraging people to post their home creations on social media. This week Cool Camping is giving away a pair of hiking boots to the best effort. Outdoor gear specialist Cotswold Outdoor is hosting a virtual Easter camp on Saturday 11 April, inviting people to share photos of pitches, camp food and views (#campingathome), and offering tutorials and demonstrations. Go Outdoors plans to offer tips in its GO Indoors project. The upside? Rain can’t ruin an indoor camping trip.

In other indoor antics, adventure travel company Much Better Adventures has put together a spoof self-guided itinerary on its site, which includes the “Camino de Kitchen-Living Room pilgrimage” and “wild camping in your Living Room National Park.” So far one person has attempted to book the trip.

Meanwhile, outdoor swimmers have been trying to get that cold-water high in their gardens and bathrooms. Deya Ward posted photos of her wheelie bin dip on Instagram (“the quarry is small, so I recommend maybe dipping solo – but I highly recommend if you are also after the cold swim feeling”). Others are attempting the #virtualicemile, like @harvmania who wrote of her wheelbarrow swim: “Laughter and community are the remedy to most problems and by god, as swimmers we’ve got that in spades.”

If you would like to tell us about the inventive ways you are getting your outdoor fix at home, share them on Instagram with the hashtag #guardiantravelsnaps. Good luck – and remember: no real fires indoors!

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Family holidays: All aboard for the very best spring days out

1. BEAUTIFUL BLUEBELLS 

The Bluebell Railway, Britain’s oldest preserved standard-gauge railway, is renowned for its historic carriages and enchanting stations, redolent of another age. 

As the name suggests, the Sussex woodlands bordering the line are at their best in spring, a mass of deep blue among the trees. 

Each station is restored to a different period: Sheffield Park to the 1880s; the country junction of Horsted Keynes to the 1920s; Kingscote to the 1950s. 

Among the railway’s historic carriages are two 1920s Pullman cars, which form part of the Golden Arrow Pullman dining train on Saturday evenings and for Sunday lunches.  

Board and alight at Sheffield Park, East Grinstead. Adult return/advance purchase All Day Rover £16 (bluebell-railway.com). 

2. AL-PACA YOUR WALKING BOOTS 

Cheeky and charming, alpacas are the perfect companions for a spring walk in Northumberland. Hemscott Hill Farm has eight fluffy friends to walk around the farm. £25pp, over 12s only. 

Under 12s can enjoy Meet the Alpaca sessions at the farm. Afternoon tea available after the walk for £12.50pp (tractorsandtents.com). 

Meanwhile at Ferny Rigg Alpacas, you can stroll with these gentle creatures in the Upper North Tyne Valley, in the Northumberland National Park. The beautiful countryside is within sight of the Kielder dam and all walks are at a slow “alpaca pace”. £22 per alpaca walked. Children 10 to 16 must be with an adult, children aged six to 10 must be closely supervised (fernyriggalpacas.co.uk). 

Or go for an hour-long walk with an alpaca at Barnacre Alpacas, where you’ll also meet sheep, angora and pygmy goats, chickens and hares. £20pp. Minimum age seven (barnacre-alpacas.co.uk). 

3. THE GRUFFALO & FRIENDS

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in south west London, will become home to author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s much-loved characters from April 4-19. 

Visitors are invited to follow a specially curated trail to track down The Gruffalo, with springtime horticultural highlights along the way. Advance online tickets £16.50 (kew.org/kew-gardens). 

Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, will also be hosting its own Gruffalo Easter programme. £14.50 adults, children free (kew.org/wakehurst). 

Meanwhile a new 3D interactive trail starring Zog, the lovable dragon, is launching at Warwick Castle for Easter, featuring zogtastic tasks from testing the Roar-o-meter to capturing a princess. 

Advance online tickets from £13 (warwick-castle.com). 

4. GARDEN GRANDEUR 

Iford Manor Gardens in Wiltshire is set to star on the big screen in a new version of children’s classic The Secret Garden in April. 

Discover for yourself the award-winning Grade 1 listed gardens, featuring steep terraces, pools, fountains, colonnades and statues tucked away at the bottom of a tranquil valley. Adults £7.50, concessions £6.50, under threes free (ifordmanor.co.uk). 

Also, the RHS is joining forces with The Secret Garden to host garden-themed workshops, arts and crafts across the UK, and, at the four RHS gardens (Wisley, Surrey, Hyde Hall, Essex, Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire and Rosemoor, Devon) visitors can follow trails to find six hidden keys (rhs.org.uk). 

5. DO THE ZIG-ZAG WALK 

Nationwide celebrations will mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of the “world’s first ecologist”, the Rev Gilbert White.   

Born in Hampshire in 1720, his pioneering work helped shape the modern scientific approach to natural history and inspired naturalists from Charles Darwin to Sir David Attenborough. 

Follow in his footsteps on the Gilbert White Circular Walk, a six-mile, figure-of-eight route starting from Selborne. 

The first circuit is through the village churchyard and Lythes meadow to Priory Farm and back through the beech trees of Dorton Wood; the second includes walking The Hanger, part of a 275-acre meadow, woodland and common overlooking the village, on a famous zig-zag path cut in 1753 by Gilbert and his brother (visit-hampshire.co.uk). 

6. SOUTH WALES WONDERS 

Dyffryn Gardens is the National Trust’s most visited property in Wales and its 55 acres of formal and informal gardens are particularly colourful in springtime. 

For the children there’s a touring exhibition of Judith Kerr’s much-loved children’s book The Tiger Who Came To Tea until May. 

See the illustrations in the house, make tea with the tiger in Sophie’s kitchen and explore the gardens on the Tiger Trail. Adults £12, children £6.50 (nationaltrust.org.uk). 

Afterwards, if you fancy soaking up some sunshine at the seaside, visit Barry Island, home of hit TV show Gavin And Stacey and rent one of the 24 colourful beach huts. £10.50 half day (visitthevale.com). 

7. DOGGY DELIGHTS 

You won’t have to ‘ruff’ it at Dogstival – it’s back for a second year, this time with dog-friendly camping and glamping. Taking place on May 16 and 17 at Pylewell Park, The New Forest, this is a weekend dedicated to all things doggy. 

At the Happy Hound Den, TV’s Vet on the Hill Scott Miller will share his hound-care tips, dog-appropriate refreshments will be served at the on-site Dog Pub and four-legged friends can have a massage at the K9 Chill Out Zone. 

In the Main Arena, there will be displays of working dogs, rare breeds and fire-leaping rescue dogs. Adults £13.90, children £8, children five and under free. Camping £20pppn, glamping in bell tent (sleeps four), £150 for two nights (dogstival.co.uk). 

8. BLOSSOM AND FLOURISH 

The team of gardeners at Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent, have been busy throughout autumn adding 130,000 extra bulbs for this year’s Spring Bulbs Festival, with more than 1,000 added to Trentham’s famous Fairy Trail. 

Other highlights include new displays in the Rose Border and Trellis Walk, sweetly scented narcissus and hyacinths in the balustrade borders and floral displays adding colour to the platforms of the Trentham Fern’s railway stations. Adults £12, concessions £10, children £9, (trentham.co.uk). 

Meanwhile, in the short window between the end of April and the beginning of May, the 329 Taihaku cherry trees at Alnwick Garden, Northumberland, display their beautiful blooms and visitors can sit on the swinging benches to admire the fluttering white blossom. From £8.09 (alnwickgarden.com).  

9. ECO-FRIENDLY FUN 

GreenWood Family Park in Felinheli, North Wales, was voted best family day out in Wales for seven years running – and all the attractions are eco-friendly. 

Along with a ‘people-powered’ roller coaster, Solar Splash is the UK’s first solar-powered ride and visitors can pull themselves along a canal using ropes and a paddle on the Enchanted River Ride. 

There is also the BareFoot Trail, a sensory experience of walking barefoot across different terrains including sand, bark, straw and timber, plus the Forest Theatre, woodland crafts and the chance to learn circus skills. Advance online peak season bookings from £16.20 (greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk). 

10. INTO THE FLYING PAN 

Moat Brae House and Garden in Dumfries, Scotland, is where Peter Pan author JM Barrie found his inspiration for the wonders of Neverland as a child. The Georgian townhouse was saved from demolition, restored and opened as a tourist attraction last spring. Visitors can discover the heritage and secrets of the lovely house and gardens by the River Nith, then relax in the cafe. 

Fittingly, it is the National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling. 

Closed Mondays in term time. Adult £6.50, child £5. (peterpanmoatbrae.org).

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Listen to Mother Earth – A Luxury Travel Blog

Life has always held uncertainty at its core, but daily life as we know it has now come to a standstill. Humanity all over the world is facing an invisible but very real threat: SARS-COV-2, otherwise known as COVID-19. Businesses closed, public spaces empty, and only essential workers in fields like healthcare and supply chain remain active out of necessity. Aside from them, only those who are ill-informed and have a false sense of invincibility still roam the streets. This pandemic, the likes of which we have never seen before, is a serious matter. Mother Earth is very clearly telling humanity to sit still and take a breather.

Necessary changes like physical distancing will likely feel extreme at first, jarring you from the comforts of routine and a sense of normalcy. Sequestered at home, you may become physically, mentally, and spiritually restless. It is natural to feel anxious about the wellbeing of your family, friends, community, and the rest of the world. Reach out to them, share memories of happy times, and be sure you make plans for the future together. Read travel blogs and research stunning locations around the globe because dreaming up your ideal luxury vacation is one way that you create positive intentions that will uplift you. Determine if you are in a position to help others in some way, shape, or form in the here and now as well because serving others always inspires a sense of purpose and goodwill. Remember that civilization itself begins and ends with our willingness to help others through difficult times!

As with all difficulties in life, it always helps to look for positives within the problem. If there is one upside to this pandemic, it is clearly the fact that the world-wide rates of pollution are the lowest they have been in many years! In light of recent events, responsible people are staying at home for the foreseeable future, and therefore emissions are much lower. It is definitely time to come up with solutions for the imminent climate crisis we are also facing. It is a looming threat that we cannot continue to collectively “sweep under the rug” to deal with another day.

Aside from indulging in the typical and fun distractors that can occupy your mind for a while, like consuming the many different forms of media at your fingertips such as tv and movies, don’t forget to take this time to reflect on the current state of affairs with a critical eye. What are your priorities, the things you think are the most important aspects of a life well-lived? Perhaps this pause is necessary for humanity to take stock of its priorities and look long and hard at itself in the mirror. Since the status quo has been derailed, there is no better time than the present to reflect on the suitability of your current path and make plans for an even brighter future.

For indigenous groups like the Kichwa Añangu, this self-reflection can be relatively short and sweet. This community in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest has been committed to conservation efforts and eco-tourism for more than 20 years. In the local language, “Sumak Huasi” and “Sumak Kausay” represent the core belief that people must live in harmony with nature in order to thrive. That ancient knowledge is exactly what much of the world has forgotten. It is also what will restore our ailing Mother Earth and her plethora of children who call this planet home.

Of particular importance are the elderly knowledge keepers who teach the cultural beliefs and traditional practices to younger generations and the adventurous travellers who come seeking both a luxury travel experience and an authentic connection with the Amazon Rainforest. That is arguably the most profound loss the world is experiencing throughout this pandemic. The loss of our elders, and the wealth of experience they have gathered over so many years, is priceless and irreplaceable. In these troubled times, figuratively hold your near and dear loved ones close to your heart while keeping a safe physical distance from them to avoid any possibility of compromising their safety.

Though it will cause tremendous hardship, temporarily closing Yasuní National Park to protect the entirecommunity of 200+ people as well as uncontacted communities well within the embrace of the forest is necessary to ensure the wellbeing of everyone, both locals and tourists. Safety is always priority number one. Forced to seal itself off from the outside world, for now, the Añangu await the day when it’s safe to welcome the outside world once more. In the meantime, the power of technology means that you can pay a virtual visit to this lush Ecuadorian destination and many other gems around the world.

The cities, our jobs, tourist sites, luxurious travel destinations, and the great outdoors will all be waiting for us once it’s safe to return to the “new normal”. But maybe we will be able to do so with a better understanding of what is truly valuable about the world we live in, and we will return to a more natural state of prioritizing the health of our planet. During this time of reflection and global unity against a common enemy, will you listen to the Earth’s plea for change? How will you choose to realign yourself?

Miguel Andy is General Manager of Napo Wildlife Center. Napo Wildlife Center is an eco-lodge offering unforgettable experiences in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, inside Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, which is managed by the Añangu kichwa aboriginal community.

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Coronavirus travel updates: which countries have restrictions and FCO warnings in place?

As of 23 March, the FCO is advising UK nationals who are travelling abroad to return home immediately if commercial flights are still available.

This article was first published 28 February and is being updated daily. It was last updated at 11am (GMT), 24 March

If UK nationals are usually based in the UK, the FCO advises returning if possible:

“International travel is becoming very limited as air routes close, land borders close and new restrictions are put in place that prevent flights from leaving.”

“We are working with airlines to keep routes open, and calling for international action to keep routes open to enable British people [to] return home on commercial flights. We are also working around the clock to support those British travellers who are already finding difficulties in coming back to the UK. If you are a permanent resident overseas, you should stay and follow the advice of the local authorities in the country you live in.”

In cases where UK nationals are unable to return home, travellers should follow the advice of local authorities, including local measures to help minimise exposure. This may include remaining in a hotel room or accommodation for 14 days; being moved to quarantine facilities; being tested for coronavirus and, if positive, in some cases, hospitalisation abroad. For travellers who have visa enquiries or visas that may soon be expiring, they should contact local immigration authorities in the country or the UK-based embassy.

Coronavirus map: how Covid-19 is spreading across the world

The Foreign Office (FCO) is advising UK nationals against all but essential international travel. This advice took effect on 17 March, for an initial period of 30 days. Border closures and other travel restrictions are increasing globally.

Within the UK, the government is calling on people to avoid travelling at all unless essential.

“Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, campsites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence. Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.”

The following countries have travel restrictions in place that may affect UK nationals (who do not have residencies in other countries).

This includes quarantine measures, border closures, flight suspensions, health screenings and other measures. Restrictions are constantly changing and we are updating as quickly as possible:

Europe

* EU proposes suspension of non-essential travel

The EU has proposed that all non-essential travel should be suspended to the European Union for 30 days, the president of the EU commission has announced. This would affect travel from outside the EU, but the UK would be exempt.

Albania and Slovenia
All flights suspended.

Austria
No direct flights between Austria and the UK, or direct air or rail connections from Austria to Italy, France, Spain or Switzerland. Travellers coming from Italy by road will be stopped at the border and must present a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus. Ski resorts closed on 15 March in Tirol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg.

Andorra, Monaco and the Netherlands
Cultural and sporting activities are prohibited; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars are closed; shops likely to be open at limited hours; public transport limited; health screenings on arrival likely. Some flights suspended.

Azerbaijan
Mandatory quarantine for 14 days. E-visas suspended. Flight schedules reduced. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult.

Coronavirus: travel companies allow trips to be postponed free of charge

Belgium
Flights from outside the EU are suspended. Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie except food shopping, medical care). Cultural and sporting activities are prohibited; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars are closed; shops likely to be open at limited hours; public transport limited. Some flights suspended.

Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Check with airlines if transit is permitted before travelling. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving these countries as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Flight schedules are reduced, some land/sea borders closed and some non-essential movement restricted.

Bosnia-Herzegovina
Self-quarantine for 14 days. Some borders are closed and some flights suspended. Travellers may be asked for proof of accommodation booking. Under 18s and over 65s must self-isolate until 31 March.

Croatia
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Borders closed form 19 March for 30 days.

Cyprus
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended until 4 April at least.

Denmark
Ban on entry to UK travellers. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving these countries as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Some flights suspended. Flights suspended from Greenland from 21 March to at least 4 April. Flights to Faroe Islands severely reduced. Borders with Sweden closed to travellers from 14 March.

France
Some flights suspended. Cross-Channel train and ferry services reduced. Restrictions on non-essential movement from 17 March for 15 days (ie food shopping, medical care, exercise of up to 20 minutes running or walking). Cultural and sporting activities are prohibited; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars are closed; shops likely to be open at limited hours and public transport limited.

Greece and Ireland
Self-quarantine for 14 days. Cultural and sporting activities are prohibited; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars are closed; shops likely to be open at limited hours and public transport limited; health screenings on arrival likely.

Isle of Man
Self-quarantine for 14 days.

Luxembourg
All passenger flights suspended from 23 March. Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie except food shopping, medical care). Cultural and sporting activities are prohibited; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars are closed; shops likely to be open at limited hours; public transport limited.

Malta
Travellers in Malta are advised by the Maltese government to leave as soon as possible.

Moldova
No direct flights to the rest of Europe. Ban on entry to travellers who have been in China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Macao, South Korea or Taiwan in the 14 days before arrival.

Montenegro
Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Iran and Hubei province of China. Self-quarantine for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Slovenia or Austria.

Portugal
Land border restrictions with Spain (ie cross-border commuters and deliveries only). Flights from outside the EU suspended (not including UK, US, Canada, Venezuela, South Africa and Portuguese-speaking countries). Self-quarantine for 14 days for anyone arriving in Azores, Madeira and and Porto Santo. Restrictions to non-essential movement are likely to be imposed soon.

Romania
Ban on entry to UK travellers. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Flights, bus, and rail routes from Italy suspended. Large gatherings restricted and some public transport suspended.

Spain
Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed for entry from 23 March for 30 days. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Hotels and short-stay accommodation must close by Tuesday 24 March (measures do not apply to long-term accommodation, such as long-stay campsites, provided travellers can cater for themselves and do not rely on communal facilities, which will be closed). Some flights suspended. Land-border restrictions (ie cross-border commuters and deliveries only). Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie except food shopping, medical care).

Sweden
All Scandinavian Airlines flights suspended. Other travel options are limited.

Switzerland
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Land border restrictions (ie no non-residents, and cross-border commuters and deliveries only) and some flights restricted (residents only). Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie food shopping, medical care, exercise, those that can’t work from home only). Cultural and sporting activities prohibited; ski resorts closed; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars closed; grocery shops likely to be open at limited hours and public transport limited.

Turkey
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights to the UK suspended from 17 March. Land borders closed. Travellers who test positive on arrival will be quarantined in a government facility for 14 days, and negative test results in 14 days self-quarantine. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult

Asia

Armenia, Bhutan, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Macao, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkmenistan and UAE
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended.

Bahrain
Suspension of visa-on-arrival scheme. Self-quarantine for 14 days.

Bangladesh
Suspension of visa-on-arrival scheme. Self-quarantine for 14 days. All travellers must present a health certificate within three days stating that they are not affected by coronavirus. Some flights suspended. Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in Europe (not including UK).

Brunei
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Royal Brunei Airlines has suspended direct flight from Brunei to London – currently it is the only airline flying from Brunei, with twice-weekly flights to Hong Kong, Manila, Melbourne, and Singapore.

Cambodia
Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain or the US.

Hong Kong
Ban on entry and transit to UK travellers. Some flights suspended.

India
Ban on entry to all travellers from the UK, EU, and Turkey from 18 March. Commercial flights suspended until 31 March. All visas and e-visas invalid until 15 April.

Indonesia
Ban on entry to travellers who have been in the UK, Iran, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Switzerland in the 14 days before entry. All visas suspended until 20 April initially.

Japan
Ban on entry to travellers who have been in China, Iran or Italy in the 14 days before arrival.

Jordan
No commercial flights in or out of Jordan, and all land and sea borders closed. Restrictions on large gatherings and non-essential movement (ie except food shopping, medical care).

Laos
Borders closed with Thailand. Thai Airlines and Thai Smile have suspended flights between Vientiane and Bangkok. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult.

Lebanon
All borders closed and flights suspended – a decision that will be reviewed on 29 March. Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie except food shopping, medical care) and violators could face imprisonment; public and private gatherings banned; two people per car only; public transport suspended.

Malaysia
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Transit permitted through Kuala Lumpur airport, but not between terminals, so travellers should confirm before travelling. Some flights suspended.

Myanmar
UK travellers are advised to leave as soon as possible. UK travellers must present a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus, or self-quarantine for 14 days.

Nepal
Suspension of visa-on-arrival scheme. All land borders closed. All mountaineering expeditions for spring 2020 have been suspended. All travellers require a health certificate stating that they do not have coronavirus

Pakistan
All flights suspended until 4 April. Some borders closed. Large gatherings prohibited. Travellers must present a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus, issued in the 24 hours prior to arrival.

Philippines
Ban on entry to all UK travellers. Public transportation suspended, limited flights until 13 April.

Singapore
Ban on entry and transit. UK travellers that wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Sri Lanka
No new visas being issued, but those currently in the country can extend visas until 12 April. Most flights suspended from 19 March, and Emirates suspending flights out of Colombo by 25 March. National curfew in place – some areas lifting this curfew on 23 or 24 March and then imposing it again. There is a national helpline for tourists: +94 11 244 4480 / +94 11 244 4481 / +94 11 597 8730 / +94 11 597 8734 / +94 11 597 8720.

Tajikistan
All flights suspended from 20 March. Ban on entry to travellers who have been in or transited through, China, Iran, Italy or South Korea in the 14 days before arrival.

Thailand
Travellers who have recently been in affected countries require a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus. Self-monitor for 14 days. Songkran celebrations postponed and other large gatherings likely to be cancelled or postponed.

Uzbekistan
Self-quarantine for 14 days. Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in China, Italy, Iran, France, Spain and South Korea.

Vietnam
Ban on entry to UK travellers. No new visas being issued for 15-30 days, and 14-day quarantine for all travellers entering Vietnam. Some flights suspended.

Americas

Anguilla
Sea and airports closed for 14 days from 20 March (11:59pm local time). Self-quarantine for travellers who have been outside the Caribbean Region within the 14 days prior to arrival.

Argentina
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Borders closed and suspension of all flights for 30 days from 12 March. Nationwide quarantine until 31 March.

Aruba
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended until 31 March 2020.

Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Honduras, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and NevisSaint Maarten, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended. UK travellers that wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met.

Antigua & Barbuda and Montserrat
Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in China, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea or Singapore.

Barbados
Mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

Bermuda
Ban on entry to UK travellers from 20 March (11.59 local time). No incoming passenger flights from LF Wade international airport for two weeks.

Bolivia
Ban on entry to UK travellers from 20 March. All flights suspended from 21 March. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

British Virgin Islands
All airports and seaports closed until 6 April (11.59pm local time), initially.

Canada
Ban on entry to UK travellers. US border closed to non-essential travel from 20 March (midnight EST). Some flights suspended. UK travellers that wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met.

Cayman Islands
Ban on entry to UK travellers. International passenger flights suspended for three weeks from 22 March. UK travellers that wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Chile
Land and sea borders closed and all flights suspended for all travellers from 18 March. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Colombia
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Airports will close and international flights suspended from from 23 March. Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie except food shopping, medical care) until 13 April initially. Land and sea borders closed. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Cuba
Self-quarantine for 14 days. Travellers staying in casas particulares may be moved to hotels. Restaurants and bars will be restricting services and hours; public transport likely to be affected.

Dominican Republic
Closure of all air, land and sea borders from 19 March. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie food shopping, medical care, exercise. Cultural and sporting activities prohibited; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars closed; shops likely to be open at limited hours and public transport limited.

Ecuador
Suspension of all flights until at least 5 April. All travel to Galapagos has been suspended from 16 March and all national parks have been closed until further notice. Restrictions on non-essential movement from 16 March for 15 days (ie food shopping and medical care).

Guatemala
Some flight suspensions. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Grenada
Ban on entry to traveller who have been in the 14 days before arrival (and on also on travellers who have been to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or US)

Guyana
All international flights suspended from the Cheddi Jagan airport at Timehri and the Eugene Correia airport at Ogle for 14 days from 17 March. Land border restrictions with Brazil. Self-quarantine for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Malaysia, Panama, Thailand, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, South Korea or US.

Mexico
Some flights suspended. Large gatherings restricted. Land border with US closed from 21 March (midnight local time) to all non-essential traffic for 30 days.

Panama
Ban on entry to UK travellers. National curfew between 9pm and 5am – travellers should not leave their accommodation outside of these hours. Some flights suspended. UK travellers that wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met. Closure of commercial and leisure establishments, restrictions on entry to supermarkets.

Paraguay
Ban on entry to UK travellers. International flights suspended from 21 March. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie food shopping and medical care only) until 28 March initially. Closure of commercial and leisure establishments, restrictions on entry to supermarkets.

Peru
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Land and sea borders closed and air travel limited. Travellers should get in touch with the embassy to register for repatriation. Send a full name, location and contact details to [email protected] UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. All borders closed and restrictions on non-essential movement from 16 March for 15 days (ie food shopping and medical care only).

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Self-quarantine for 14 days. Ban on entry to travellers who have been in China, Italy or Iran in the 14 days before arrival.

Turks & Caicos
Ban on entry to travellers who have been in affected countries in the 21 days before arrival – a list of countries that is subject to change frequently. All airports closed 24 March.

Uruguay
All flights suspended with Europe from 20 March. Large commercial premises closed until further notice. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

US
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Border with Canada closed to non-essential travel from 20 March (midnight EST). Some flights suspended. UK travellers that wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met.

Oceania

Australia
Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closing on 20 March (9pm local time) and could be closed for at least six months (to non-citizens and residents). Self-quarantine for 14 days. Large gatherings restricted. Transit permitted to travellers departing from New Zealand with a confirmed onward ticket on the same calendar day to return home up to 14 March (11.59pm local time), but must not have been in China, Iran, Italy or South Korea in the 14 days prior to transit.

Fiji
Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in China, Iran, Italy or South Korea. No connections through Australia or New Zealand.

French Polynesia and Solomon Islands
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended.

Kiribati
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Tarawa airport closed until 30 April. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult.

Micronesia
Must have been spent 14 days in a country without any cases prior to arrival. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult.

Nauru
Ban on entry to travellers who have been in or transited through China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Macao or South Korea in the 21 days before arrival.

New Zealand
Ban on entry to all UK travellers from 19 March (11.59pm local time). Self-quarantine for 14 days. Large gatherings restricted.

Palau
Ban on entry to travellers who have been in China, Hong Kong or Macao in the 14 days before arrival.

Samoa
No connections through Australia or New Zealand. Travellers must present a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus. Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR China), Iceland, Italy, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates or USA.

Tonga
Ban on entry to all UK travellers.

Vanuatu
All borders and airports closed until further notice. Ban on entry to travellers who have been in China, Hong Kong Japan, Macao, South Korea, Singapore or Taiwan in the 14 days before arrival.

Africa

Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Uganda
Borders closed and flights suspended.

Angola
Flights suspended. Ban on entry to travellers who have visited China, South Korea, Iran, France, Spain, Portugal or Italy since December.

Benin
Quarantine in allocated hotels for all travellers arriving by air. Entry and exit at border crossings will be limited to “extreme necessity”.

Botswana
Temporary ban on visas for nationals from affected countries affected. Some land border restrictions.

Cape Verde
All sea borders closed and restricted flights from 18 March.

Comoros
All airports closed. Must have spent 14 days in a country without any cases prior to arrival.

Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia,Gambia, Malawi and Mozambique
Self-quarantine for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in affected countries. Some flights suspended.

Egypt
Ban on entry to UK travellers until 31 March. All air traffic suspended from 19 to 31 March.

Eritrea
Quarantine of 14 days for travellers who have recently been in China, South Korea, Italy, Germany or US.

Eswatini
Land borders closed with South Africa. UK travellers can transit through Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Guinea
Visitors must submit their passports for a 14-day monitoring period.

Kenya
Ban on entry to UK travellers. All flights suspended fro 25 March (11.59pm).

Namibia
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended with affected countries until 16 April

Mauritius and Seychelles
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended.

Liberia
All flights suspended. Restrictions on movement and social distancing enforced. Quarantine of 14 days likely, for travellers who have recently been in affected countries.

Madagascar
No commercial passenger flights with Europe for 30 days from 20 March. Self-quarantine for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in affected countries. Air France will be commissioning flights for European citizens from Antananarivo to Paris on Monday 23 March (1:45am) – contact Air France to buy tickets by phone or at the Air France desk at Ivato airport.

Morocco
Flights suspended with the UK from 16 March (return flights from 19 March). Restaurants, bars and other public spaces closed.

Rwanda
All flights suspended from 20 March for initial period of 30 days. Borders closed and and restrictions on non-essential movement outside of residences, including travel between cities and districts from 21 March for two weeks.

Senegal
All commercial flights suspended from 20 March. Large gatherings restricted

South Africa
Ban on entry to travellers who have been in UK, US, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany in the 20 days before arrival. Suspension of visa on arrival scheme, and no entry without a visa. Some flights suspended form 21 March. Travellers in the country who received a stamp on arrival allowing them to stay for 90 days do not need to apply for a visa. UK travellers only permitted entry if transiting home, but there is a ban on both entry and transit to travellers who have been in China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, USA or United Kingdom, since 15 March.

Tanzania
Quarantine for 14 days for anyone coming from an affected country, at the travellers expense.

Tunisia
Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended and sea borders closed. Curfew 6am to 6pm and restrictions on non-essential movement (ie except food shopping, medical care). Cultural and sporting activities are prohibited.

Zambia
Quarantine for 14 days for anyone coming from an affected country.

Cruise ships

The FCO is advising against all travel on cruise ships for passengers aged 70 years and over or those with high-risk conditions. Some destinations are placing bans on cruise ships docking or passengers disembarking, including Australia, Chile, Colombia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro and Portugal.

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