Is it safe to travel to Austria? Latest advice as coronavirus cases hit 246
CORONAVIRUS cases in Austria are continuing to rise, with 246 confirmed reports of the virus.
Here is the latest travel advice for Brits heading to Austria on holiday.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
What is the travel advice for Austria?
The UK government has no current travel warnings for Brits heading to Austria in regard to coronavirus.
The latest advice states: "There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, but cases have been confirmed in other countries, including Austria. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities.
"The Austrian government has announced a range of restrictions on travel and events. All direct flights and trains between Austria and Italy are affected. Restrictions are currently in place on the border with Italy. Anyone wishing to cross the border is required to hold a medical certificate.
"The certificate needs to include the result of molecular biological test and must be no more than four days old, in English, German or Italian. Non-stop transit from Italy through Austria remains possible."
Last month, 108-room hotel Grand Hotel Europa in the centre of Innsbruck was locked down after a receptionist and her partner were diagnosed with the virus after visiting Italy.
Another 12 people who came into contact with the woman were also quarantined.
Austria Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said there was "no reason to panic," adding last night that they locked down the hotel so that "if other infected people are staying in the hotel, the virus won't be spread."
Brits will not need to self-quarantine if they return to the UK from Austria.
Can I cancel my holiday to Austria?
If you are flying to Austria in the next few days, then your flights will remain unaffected.
However, you are advised to keep up to date with the latest travel advice as it is likely to change at short notice.
Concerned passengers can contact their airline to find out whether they can change their flights if concerned, but they are unlikely to offer refunds or free changes.
The only time that tour operators are required to give a refund on holiday packages is if the Foreign Office changes its travel advice for a region and turns it into a no-go area, which they have not done in this case.
Independent hotels are not even required to refund money in this instance, so if you have paid in advance and choose not to turn up then you will lose your money.
If the hotel is a large chain, it could be worth asking to change your stay to another location or delay your trip but they are under no obligation to grant this.
Holidaymakers are advised to check with their travel insurance providers to see if there is something they can do, but that is also unlikely.
Most read in travel
Officials have advised not cancelling your holiday abroad - if you are concerned about your trip, then we explain how you can cancel it.
Here is the latest travel advice for Brits heading to Thailand, regarding flights and whether it is safe to visit.
We've also rounded up the holiday destinations which have no reported cases of coronavirus.
Get extra savings with The Sun Vouchers including discounts and voucher codes for TUI, First Choice, Expedia, On the Beach, Lastminute.com, easyJet Holidays, Jet2 Holidays and many more holiday providers.