International Travel Bans from the UK Amid COVID-19 Concerns

A growing number of nations are banning flights from the UK until at least early next year. These measures are being implemented as fears escalate over a potentially more transmissible strain of the coronavirus spreading rapidly across southern England.

Countries Imposing Flight Bans

Countries such as Canada, Israel, and Argentina have joined several European nations, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland, in implementing flight bans. This significant move coincides with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to place London and the southeast of England under Tier 4 restrictions, aiming to combat the spread of this new strain of COVID-19.

Impacted Regions and Local Measures

The British government has enforced stricter lockdown measures in the affected regions, which include:

• Closure of all nonessential retail
• Prohibition on traveling outside of the region
• Continuation of the ban on household mixing

Britain’s transport minister, Grant Schapps, emphasized the importance of adhering to new guidance to protect others and the NHS. He noted that individuals in Tier 4 are not permitted to travel or stay away from home overnight.

Travel Options and Refund Policies

In light of these travel bans, airlines such as Virgin Atlantic have provided customers with flexible rebooking options until December 31, waiving name change and two date change fees. British Airways allows customers to rebook without extra charges or to opt for a voucher for later travel. Similarly, Aer Lingus ensures all customers affected by cancellations will receive a voucher or full refund. Ryanair has also stated that passengers whose flights are canceled will receive a full refund or practical alternatives.

Travel Recommendations from the US

The US has not instituted a travel ban on the UK; however, the State Department currently advises travelers to reconsider visiting the UK. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against traveling there during this time.

Current List of Countries with UK Travel Bans

As of the latest updates, the following countries have imposed travel bans on the UK:

• Argentina: Banned all inbound UK flights from December 21.
• Belgium: Banned inbound UK flights for at least 24 hours from December 20.
• Bulgaria: Banned flights to and from the UK until January 31.
• Canada: Banned all UK flights for 72 hours from December 20.
• Chile: Banned flights from the UK from December 22.
• Colombia: Banning all flights to the UK.
• Croatia: Restricting travel for air passengers from the UK.
• Denmark: Suspended flights from the UK for 48 hours from December 21.
• El Salvador: Travelers from Britain or South Africa within the past 30 days are not allowed entry.
• Estonia: Suspended flights from the UK until further notice.
• Finland: Suspended all flights between Finland and the UK until January 4.
• France: Banned all travel from the UK for 48 hours from December 20.
• Germany: Suspended all air travel with the UK until December 31, with cargo flights exempt.
• Hong Kong: Bans all flights arriving from the United Kingdom from midnight local time on Monday.
• Italy: Travel ban remains in place until January 6 for those who have been in the UK.
• India: Suspending all flights from the UK until the end of the year.
• Iran: Suspending flights from the UK for two weeks since December 20.
• Ireland: Banned all flights from the UK for at least 48 hours.
• Israel: Barring entry to foreign citizens traveling from the UK.
• Latvia: Suspended flights from the UK until further notice.
• Lithuania: Suspended flights from the UK until further notice.
• Morocco: Banned all flights to the UK beginning on December 20.
• Norway: Banned flights from the UK for at least 48 hours from December 21.
• The Netherlands: Banned flights from the UK for the rest of the year starting December 20.
• Poland: Suspending flights from the UK as of December 21.
• Romania: Banned all flights to and from the UK for 14 days from December 21.
• Switzerland: Suspended flights until further notice.
• Turkey: Suspended flights from the UK.