THOUSANDS of holidays to Croatia and Austria have been thrown into chaos after the government imposed new quarantine rules.
Travellers returning from either country to the UK will now have to self-isolate for two weeks, starting from 4am tomorrow.
It follows similar bans on all non-essential travel to France, Spain, Andorra, Belgium and the Bahamas due to rising coronavirus cases.
The latest travel restrictions were confirmed last night by transport secretary Grant Shapps, giving Brits abroad just hours to get back if they want to avoid quarantining.
As many as 20,000 British tourists are thought to be holidaying in Croatia right now.
But what does it mean for future bookings and can you get a refund? We explain.
I’ve got separate flights and hotels booked – can I get a refund?
If you no longer want to travel, but your flight and hotel booking hasn’t been cancelled, you may struggle to get a refund.
Your first step should be to speak to each individual operator to discuss your options.
Some companies may let you rearrange your trip for free – although they don’t have to do this, and it depends on when you’re due to travel.
For example, Ryanair will let you change trips booked in July, August, and September for free as long as it’s not within seven days of departure.
easyJet meanwhile will waive fees if you change fares online more than 14 days before travel.
For hotel bookings, contact your booking provider to check what cancellation policy they have in place.
If your flight or hotel booking has been cancelled, then you should receive a refund from your provider – but only if they cancel your trip for you.
What about travel insurance?
If you’ve got travel insurance, you may be entitled to make a claim – but this largely depends on when you took out the insurance.
Policies purchased before coronavirus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on March 11 may include cover for travel disruption and cancellations.
However, some policies now have clauses that won’t cover holiday cancellations due to coronavirus.
Check your insurance carefully to see what cover you have – if in doubt, speak to your provider.
If you’re already in Croatia or Austria, your travel insurance is likely to remain in place until you return home – but travelling now, so against FCO advice, will invalidate your policy.