March 23, 2020 - Currently, the coronavirus is spreading around the world. There are currently 328,375 cases in more than 160 countries and all continents are affected. After China, Europe is now the epicentre of the epidemic and drastic measures have been taken in several countries to contain the disease. These containment measures are aimed at limiting interactions between people, so people are scrupulously advised to stay at home. Of course, the epidemic also has consequences in the area of travel, and it is important to take regular stock of the situation in order to be able to provide reliable information to all those who are planning to go on holiday in the spring.
What are the usual precautions?
Wherever you are in the world, there are simple barrier gestures to preserve your health as well as that of the people you meet. These include washing your hands with soap or a hydro-alcoholic solution, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, using disposable tissues, not shaking hands and kissing, keeping a distance of 1m from other people and avoiding going to places where people gather. If symptoms such as fever, coughing and breathing difficulties occur while travelling, consult a doctor on site as soon as possible and wear a surgical mask to avoid contaminating people you come across. In any case, regardless of the country in which one is located, one should be regularly informed of the decisions of the local authorities concerning the epidemic, as they are likely to change very regularly.
Which countries are closed to the French?
As France is one of the European countries hard hit by VIDOC-19, a large number of countries are closed to French nationals, for a period that can vary from 15 to 30 days depending on the destination. These are the following destinations: United States, Canada, Germany, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Jordan, El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Mongolia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Jamaica, Lebanon, Singapore, Oman, Norway, Madagascar, Denmark, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Qatar and Kenya
Other countries did not close their borders to the French but quarantined them once they arrived on the territory. These measures require people to isolate themselves for 14 days and monitor their condition from the date of entry into the territory. These are the following countries: China, the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Russia, Peru, Mozambique, Armenia and Tunisia
Nepal has temporarily decided to stop issuing visas upon arrival in its territory, while Laos is asking nationals of countries affected by VIDOC-19 to self-monitor for 14 days and to report any symptoms
How to return to France while abroad?
For people who are currently outside France, the government has made various arrangements and recommendations depending on their situation. Among these different travel advice, we note that French citizens residing in the Schengen area and outside the Schengen area are asked to avoid all international travel, including returning to French territory. If there are any reasons to return, you should contact the embassies and consulates on the spot. In all cases, it is important to follow the recommendations of the local authorities
People who are temporarily abroad must take all necessary measures to return to France quickly. To this end, the Ministry of Transport has asked the airlines to maintain their connections to France as far as possible, at reasonable prices, and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs is mobilised for the use of special air links. In conjunction with Air France, a global and worldwide mechanism will enable French nationals to return, with an air plan adapted to local emergencies. To stay informed, please consult the embassies' websites as well as the Air France website. The details of this mechanism will be presented shortly during the week so that French nationals residing in France and stranded abroad can return home
Can we get reimbursed for a trip planned in the spring?
Many French people have booked a trip when the weather is fine. For people who have subscribed to what is called a tourist package (flight + hotel + car rental...), it is possible to cancel the trip free of charge. But with very numerous requests for cancellations, the SETO (Syndicat des entreprises du tour operating) has obtained from the authorities that the reimbursement be replaced by a postponement measure. This is an allowance valid for one year. For the time being, this concerns trips that were planned up to 30 April. A trip which is therefore postponed but which can still be made at another time! If the trip has to take place after this date, the possibility of reimbursement is possible, especially if the trip was planned to take place in a risk area or if a service cannot be provided, such as flying.
For persons who are not covered by the package tours and who have booked the services independently, it is advisable to contact the airlines and accommodation providers concerned for further information. Each one takes decisions, such as Air France, for example, which proposes postponement of travel to the same destination, a change of destination or a non-refundable credit valid for one year on Air France and KLM flights
Can we book our holidays abroad for this summer?
As spring has come and many French people have had to cancel or postpone their spring trip, many are wondering what will happen this summer. For the moment, as mentioned above, SETO advises postponing all scheduled departures until April 30, with a minimum delay until December 30, 2020. But there is no indication that you should not book your holidays for the coming summer. On the contrary, we can even imagine that after a period of pandemic and confinement, many French people will want to leave and relax. It may still be too early to predict what will happen in the next few months, but one thing is certain, travellers can always make reservations and it is even advisable to do so in order to set goals. But whether you are dreaming of travelling to Australia, Peru, northern Scotland, the Greek islands or South Africa, it is advisable to keep yourself informed of the situation in the country you want to travel to by visiting the website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
