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Is it safe to travel to India? Latest advice as first coronavirus cases are confirmed

TWO new cases of the deadly coronavirus have been reported in India - one in Delhi and another in Telangana.

Now, a total of five people have tested positive for the disease in the nation. Here is everything you need to know if you're planning to travel there.

Follow our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates

 Tourists wearing protective masks are pictured at the historic Taj Mahal in Agra, India
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Tourists wearing protective masks are pictured at the historic Taj Mahal in Agra, IndiaCredit: Reuters

Is it safe to travel to India?

e states that foreign nationals and Overseas citizen of India (OCI) cardholders travelling from China to India will not be allowed into the country.

Foreign nationals who have been in China since January 15 will also be denied entry into India, including via borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan.

People who have been in China since January 15 are advised to check with their airline before booking a flight to India -  and be clear about recent travel history.

The Foreign Office also recommends that potential travellers should check the website for the latest restrictions on travel to India.

Several hundred Indian nationals are being monitored following their return to India from China.

Airports have introduced additional measures to screen passengers from affected regions.

The authorities have designated a number of hospitals across the country to quarantine any suspected cases of the virus.

Anyone in India seeking more information should call on +91-11-23978046 (Government of India, 24 hour helpline) or +91-471-2552056/1056 (Kerala Public Health Department, 24 hour helpline).

 Anyone who's travelled to China since January 15 will be denied entry into India
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Anyone who's travelled to China since January 15 will be denied entry into IndiaCredit: AFP - Getty

Can I cancel my holiday to India?

All flights are still operating from major airports, so any Brits due to travel to India are unlikely to get their money back.

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.


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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.

To find out more about whether travel insurance covers coronavirus and if you can cancel your holiday, click here.

Here's the travel advice if you're heading to Majorca and Tenerife.

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Here is what to know about Thailand and Bali amid the coronavirus update.

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