Coronavirus Update: Travelling Abroad

Currently the FCO does not advise against travel to Singapore. The advice of the FCO is as follows:

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and elsewhere in the region, including in Singapore. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.

You can keep up to date on the current advice of the FCO regarding travel to Singapore via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/singapore

On 31 January 2020, the Singapore authorities announced an extension of measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus. From 11.59pm local time on 1 February 2020, all new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China within the previous 14 days will not be granted permission to enter or transit Singapore. Check the Singapore Ministry of Health website for full details.

If you’re returning to the UK from Singapore, consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on actions you should take if you develop symptoms on your return.

In line with the advice from the FCO, Distant Journeys is still operating our stopovers in Singapore as planned.

Currently the FCO does not advise against travel to Hong Kong.  The advice of the FCO is:

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere in the region, including Hong Kong. On 28 January, the Hong Kong SAR Government announced a series of measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus. Expect increased health screening measures, including temperature checks, on entry to and departure from Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has implemented a 14-day mandatory home quarantine period for new arrivals (of any nationality) who have been to mainland China in the previous 14 days. 

The Hong Kong SAR Government has stated that all border crossings with mainland China will remain closed indefinitely from 4 February 2020, with the exception of the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. All ferry crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China, and Hong Kong and Macao will also cease. On 5 February, the Government announced that Kai Tak Cruise and Ocean Terminals would also be closed to passengers indefinitely. There has also been a significant reduction in flights between mainland China and Hong Kong, though some flights are still operating.

Separately as a result of the coronavirus, a number of airline operators have reduced capacity on their worldwide flights into and out of Hong Kong. Check your travel plans with your travel provider before departure.

Those transiting through Hong Kong airport will not be automatically subject to mandatory quarantine, but will be subject to advanced screening measures, including temperature checks. Those deemed to have high temperature will undergo further checks by the Port Health Office at the airport. If they meet further risk criteria, they will be transferred to Hong Kong public hospital for mandatory further checks/treatment.

You can keep up to date on the current advice of the FCO regarding travel to Hong Kong via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong

In line with the advice from the FCO, Distant Journeys is still operating our stopovers in Hong Kong as planned.

Currently the FCO does not advise against travel to Thailand.  The advice of the FCO is:

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and the region, including Thailand. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.

If you’re returning to the UK from Thailand, consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on actions you should take if you develop symptoms on your return. 

You can keep up to date on the current advice of the FCO regarding travel to Thailand via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/health

In line with the advice from the FCO, Distant Journeys is still operating our stopovers in Bangkok as planned.

There have currently been no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Indonesia.

Currently the FCO does not advise against travel to Indonesia.  The advice of the FCO is:

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and elsewhere in the region. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the Indonesian authorities.

The Indonesian authorities have announced a temporary suspension of flights between Indonesia and mainland China from 5 February 2020. Anyone who has visited China within the previous 14 days will not be permitted to enter or transit the country.

If you have existing travel plans between Indonesia and China, contact your travel company or airline for the latest information.

You can keep up to date on the current advice of the FCO regarding travel to Bali via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia/health

In line with the advice from the FCO, Distant Journeys is still operating our stopovers in Bali as planned.

Currently the FCO does not advise against travel to Dubai.  The advice of the FCO is:

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, China, but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and in some countries, including the United Arab Emirates. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.

You can keep up to date on the current advice of the FCO regarding travel to Dubai via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/health#health-risks

In line with the advice from the FCO, Distant Journeys is still operating our stopovers in Dubai as planned.

Currently the FCO does not advise against travel to Australia.  The advice of the FCO is:

On 1 February, the Australian Government announced temporary restrictions on travellers from mainland China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Australia will deny entry to anyone who has left or transited mainland China from 1 February, with the exception of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents including spouses, minor dependants and legal guardians. Given the fast changing situation, you should check the latest entry requirements for your destination or check with your airline before you travel.

If you have been in mainland China from 1 February 2020 and you are not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or immediate family member (spouse, minor dependant or legal guardian) of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the advice of the Australian government is do not travel to Australia at this time.

You can keep up to date on the current advice of the FCO regarding travel to Australia via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/australia/health

Tourism Australia have also produced their own advice with regards to travel to Australia and the Coronavirus:

https://www.australia.com/en-gb/travel-alerts/coronavirus.html

In line with the advice from the FCO, Distant Journeys is still operating our holidays to Australia as planned.

Currently the FCO does not advise against travel to New Zealand.  The advice of the FCO is:

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and in some countries in the region. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the New Zealand authorities.

On 2nd February New Zealand announced temporary restrictions on travellers (including those transiting) from mainland China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Given the fast changing situation, you should check the latest entry requirements for your destination on the New Zealand Immigration website or check with your airline before you travel.

You can keep up to date on the current advice of the FCO regarding travel to New Zealand via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/health

The New Zealand immigration website have also produced their own advice with regards to travel to New Zealand and Coronavirus:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/coronavirus-update-inz-response

In line with the advice from the FCO, Distant Journeys is still operating our holidays to New Zealand as planned.