We answer your questions about quarantine and holidaying in Spain
A SHADOW has been cast over thousands of holidays with the introduction of a two-week isolation for Brits returning from Spain.
We explain where you stand.
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WHAT happens if I’m on holiday in Spain now?
ANYONE coming back to the UK from Spain must quarantine for two weeks.
A recent spike in coronavirus cases in Barcelona and Madrid meant the country has been put back on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s list of countries where all but essential travel is advised.
Today it put the Canary and Balearic Islands on the list.
WILL work pay me if I have to quarantine?
SOME employers may choose to give their staff normal pay if they can work from home.
Bosses could ask staff to take unpaid or holiday leave if they so need to self-isolate, especially if they cannot home work.
The Government has urged employers to be “flexible” but firms do not have to give sick pay to staff self-isolating.
Travel: What are your rights to a refund?
MILLIONS of Brits have had holiday plans cancelled.
Firstly, speak to your airline or holiday firm about a refund or rearranging your plans.
You are entitled to a refund if they've cancelled your holiday but many have large delays or may offer vouchers instead.
As the FCO is advising against all but essential international travel, you may also be covered by your travel insurance if the holiday provider or airline is not helping you.
Keep in mind the travel insurance must have been taken out before the FCO advice changed, otherwise you won't be covered.
If you don't have travel insurance, you may be able to claim your money back through your credit or debit card provider.
Credit card payments between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Rights Act.
To start a claim, you need to contact your credit card provider directly - has a free tool that can help you do this.
I BOOKED a package holiday to Spain, will I get a refund?
YES, you should get a refund or the chance to rearrange your holiday if you are due to go on holiday to a destination on the FCO’s no-go list.
But DO NOT cancel the holiday yourself, you will need to wait for the travel company to do it.
If your package holiday operator does not cancel, you can still demand a refund if the country is on the list.
You also have the option to take a voucher instead of cash.
These are protected by the Government’s Atol scheme as long as the voucher is issued before September 30.
It means holidaymakers who opt for vouchers can still get their money back if the tour operator goes out of business.
WHAT if I booked hotel and flights separately?
UNLESS you were savvy enough to make a booking with a no-questions-asked cancellation policy, it is unlikely you will get a refund.
Hotels and holiday rentals do sometimes have flexible cancellation policies — so it is a good idea to check.
If not, you may be able to move your flights or accommodation to a later date.
CAN I not claim on my insurance?
IF you bought your travel insurance after March 10 when a pandemic was declared, you are unlikely to be covered for Covid cancellations.
If you had already bought insurance, you may be able to claim for cancelling your holiday, but you should speak to your travel company or airline first.
Malcolm Tarling, from the Association of British Insurers, said: “If you go to Spain and defy government advice not to travel to a country, this could invalidate your insurance.”
But those already in Spain will be covered for medical treatment and lost possessions with their existing policies. Check your policy.
WHAT countries are on the list we can travel to quarantine free?
COUNTRIES with no self-isolation on arrival in the UK include Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece and Italy.
Check the advice by visiting the gov.co.uk website for guidance.
ARE other countries likely to be locked down?
SPAIN may not be the last country where holiday plans are ruined.
The Government warns it “won’t hesitate” to add more countries to its list at short notice.
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CAN I drive via France to another country?
YOU won’t have to quarantine if you are driving through France to another country unless you show symptoms.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
If you travel to a country on the FCO’s no-go list, you then have to follow the quarantine rules on your return.
- If you have a Covid-related problem, email [email protected].
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