Coronavirus Travel Update by Skyscanner
Information is changing every day which can make it hard to keep up with the facts that are most relevant to you. We’re continually keeping this page up-to-date regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19. So whether you need it now, or in the near future, it could be worth a bookmark. This information is as of June 9, 2020.
We strongly recommend reading the coronavirus travel advice from your local authorities and governments — such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of State — as well as the guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), a reliable and trusted source of global news and information.
Government coronavirus travel advice
As of March 19, 2020, the State Department has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory that advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel.
If you do need to travel domestically, please be aware that numerous states have varying guidelines that may restrict the types of businesses that will be open. CNN has created a comprehensive list of each state’s guidelines, which can be found here.
Coronavirus travel restrictions for the US
- Starting May 29, individuals cannot travel to the US if they have been to Brazil within two weeks of their desired entry date.
- As of March 20, 2020, all non-essential travel between the United States and Canada land border has been temporarily restricted.
- As of March 20, 2020, all non-essential travel between the United States and Mexico land border has been temporarily restricted.
- As of March 16, 2020, US citizens, legal permanent residents and their immediate family members returning to the United States from the following countries must follow enhanced entry screening and quarantine guidelines:
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland)
- China
- Iran
- As of March 13, 2020, individuals who are not US citizens or permanent residents cannot travel to the United States from the following countries (with limited exceptions):
- China
- Iran
- Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland)
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
The US government asks that all individuals traveling to the US from abroad self-isolate for 14 days.
Coronavirus travel restrictions by country
- Australia: Australia announced a travel ban on all non-residents and non-Australian citizens entering Australia that went into effect on March 20, 2020.
- Brazil: On March 27, 2020, Brazil banned all non-residents from flying to the country. As of March 19, 2020, Brazil has closed all land borders.
- Canada: As of March 20, 2020, all non-essential travel between the United States and Canada land border has been temporarily restricted due to coronavirus. Additionally, Canada has banned air travel for those who are not citizens or permanent residents (with limited exceptions).
- China: As of March 26, 2020, China is no longer allowing non-residents to travel to the country with limited exceptions.
- France: Per European Union guidelines, non-EU residents are barred from non-essential travel to France until June 15 with limited exceptions. Additionally, as of May 4, France has asked that all travelers from areas outside the Schengen Area and Britain self-isolate for 14 days.
- Germany: Per European Union guidelines, non-EU residents are barred from non-essential travel to Germany until June 15 with limited exceptions.
- Hong Kong: As of March 25, 2020, individuals who are not residents of Hong Kong and are traveling from countries other than mainland China, Macau and Taiwan are not allowed entry. Individuals who are not Hong Kong residents and are traveling from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan will not be allowed entry if they have been overseas less than 14 days prior to their travel to Hong Kong.
- Italy: Per European Union guidelines, non-EU residents are barred from non-essential travel to Italy until June 15 with limited exceptions.
- Japan: Starting April 3, 2020, Japan has enacted a travel ban on non-residents from 73 countries, including the United States.
- Mexico: As of March 20, 2020, all non-essential travel between the United States and Mexico land border has been temporarily restricted. There are no coronavirus-related travel restrictions for flights between the United States and Mexico, but some airports have additional screening measures that individuals will need to follow.
- Spain: Per European Union guidelines, non-EU residents are barred from non-essential travel to Spain until June 15 with limited exceptions.
- United Kingdom: There are no travel bans for individuals traveling to the UK from the United States, but the area is currently under lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
For additional information on coronavirus travel restrictions, including more information on countries not included in the above list, please see the US Department of State website here.
Coronavirus Flight Cancellation and Policy Updates
- American Airlines has suspended flights to countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America as well as reduced its domestic flight schedule due to decreased demand and coronavirus travel restrictions.
- For the most up-to-date flight schedule, click here.
Change and Cancellation Policy
- American is waiving change fees on existing and new tickets booked by June 30 for summer travel through September 30, 2020. This includes AAdvantage® award tickets. For individuals who choose to rebook, their new flight must depart on or before December 31, 2021.
- Individuals who purchase a new trip between now and June 30, 2020 can also change their flight without a change fee. This includes AAdvantage® award tickets but excludes Basic Economy tickets.
- Anyone with a ticket expiring between March 1 and September 30, 2020 can use the value of their unused ticket for travel through December 31, 2021.
- To change or cancel an American Airlines flight, click here.
- Frontier has significantly reduced its flight schedule for domestic flights and has suspended certain flights to Mexico and Canada due to the impact of coronavirus. For a list of all current flights, click here.
Change and Cancellation Policy
- Individuals who purchased a ticket between March 10 and April 15, 2020 have the ability to make a one-time change without incurring change fees, as well. For changed flights, the flight must be completed by September 12, 2021. Individuals who wish to cancel their flights will also have their cancellation fee waived and will receive a credit for the value of the flight that must be used within 90 days of the cancellation to purchase a new flight.
- For additional information on changing or cancelling Frontier flights, click here.
- Delta has significantly reduced its domestic schedule and has adjusted its schedule in Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Europe and Asia.
- For the most up-to-date flight schedule, please click here.
Change and Cancellation Policy
- Delta has waived change fees for all flights departing between June and September 2020 and all tickets purchased between March 1 and June 30, 2020.
- For those who would like to change their ticket to a more expensive flight, the price typically charged for the fare difference will be waived for changes to existing travel between March and September 2020 if the original ticket was purchased before April 17, 2020 and the individual is traveling to the same destination before September 30, 2020.
- For more information on rescheduling or cancelling Delta flights, click here.
- Spirit has adjusted its domestic and international flight schedule due to the impact of coronavirus. To check their updated schedule, click here.
Change and Cancellation Policy
- Spirit is waiving change and cancellation fees for flights impacted by coronavirus. For those looking to cancel their flights, Spirit is providing a reservation credit and allowing individuals to rebook within 12 months (though the flight itself can take place after that time frame).
- For more information on changing or cancelling a Spirit flight, please click here.
- Due to the impact of coronavirus, Turkish Airlines has updated its domestic and international flight schedules.
- For more information on current flights, please click here.
Change and Cancellation Policy
- Those who purchased their tickets before March 20, 2020 can change their ticket for the same cabin class until February 28, 2021 without a change fee.
- Those who purchased their tickets after March 20, 2020 can change their ticket for the same cabin class until December 31, 2021 without a change fee.
- For more information on changing or cancelling a Turkish Airlines flight, please click here.
- United will suspend all flights to Canada starting April 1, 2020 and will have a reduced flight schedule for Mexico after March 24, 2020. It has also suspended certain flights to cities in Europe and Africa.
- United has also significantly reduced its domestic flights and has suspended certain flights to Hawaii.
- For the most up-to-date flight schedule, visit United’s page here.
Change and Cancellation Policy
- Change fees are waved for tickets booked on or before March 2, 2020 for travel dates between March 3, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Rebooked travel must take place within 24 months of the original ticket issue date. Individuals who booked travel on or before March 2, 2020 for a trip taking place between June 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 must make all changes or cancellations on or before June 30, 2020.
- To change or cancel your United flight, click here.
Have you been impacted by coronavirus flight cancellations? Get more useful advice in our article on what to do if your flight is canceled or delayed.
Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
While this is a fast-developing situation, here are four coronavirus travel need-to-knows:
How can I stay safe when traveling?
There are a lot of practical steps you can take. Regularly wash your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel), avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and stay at least three feet away from someone who is coughing or sneezing. Read More.
I want to cancel my travel plans due to coronavirus. How do I do this and can I get a refund?
First of all, call the airline, hotel, or online travel agent who you booked with. Not sure which company you used? You’ll see their name on your bank or credit card statement as well as the email you received from them to confirm the booking.
My flight has been canceled due to coronavirus. How do I get a refund?
Call the airline or online travel agent you booked with. With so many travel plans changed, it may take longer than usual to speak to someone who can help, but keep trying. If the airline or online travel agent tells you that a refund isn’t available or they’ve stopped trading, it might be worth getting in touch with your credit card company if that’s how you booked. If you have travel insurance, get in touch with the provider as well.
Will my travel insurance cover coronavirus flight cancellations?
It all depends on your policy. Check their website or give them a call to find out more about your specific situation.
Original skyscanner article found HERE. For more answers to commonly asked questions on coronavirus, click here. We have also responded to the top questions from our traveler community in a Q&A, which is available here.
This page was last updated on June 9, 2020. To our knowledge, the information on this page was correct at the time of publication. However, given the nature of the COVID-19 crisis, information will vary by location and change at short notice and over time. We will do our best to keep this page up-to-date, however this cannot be guaranteed.
This page has been created for general guidance only and has not been designed for you or any specific circumstances relevant to you. It is highly recommended that you check your government’s latest travel advice before travelling or making any decisions to travel.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay