A new Coronavirus is causing a global epidemic in 2020.
The infection continues to grow and the prospects for the future are completely uncertain.
For those who are planning a trip for the holidays, or for the summer holidays or simple holidays, or have already made a reservation, are worried: “Can I travel?” I guess there are a lot of them.
Spread of new coronavirus infection! Travel precautions
The spread of the new Coronavirus is spreading from East Asia to the Middle East, Europe, America and Africa.
Information on infections in the country or region can be checked in the “Infectious Disease Risk Information” section of the “Safety Information Abroad” section on the Foreign Ministry ‘s Safety Abroad website.
The danger levels used as travel guides are classified from 1 to 4 levels .
As of March 5, 2020, some areas in mainland China, South Korea and Iran, where infections are most common, are Level 3 (travel suspension recommended) . Traveling in the affected area for any reason will be prohibited.
If you have already booked a trip and are wondering if you are planning to travel, you should check the information on the Foreign Security website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as one of the judgment factors.
In some countries, travelers from areas with the new Coronavirus infection cannot enter the country. Even if you travel because there is no danger information on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , you may not be able to enter the country and return home as is, or even if you can enter the country, you may be isolated for a certain period of time (quarantine), or you may be barred from leaving .
Tourist attractions, theme parks, inns and hotels are relatively vacant due to the decrease in foreign tourists, some facilities are closed and events are interrupted one after another.
Even if you travel to an area with a limited number of infected people, you may be infected when using public transport. Also, if you live in an area with a high number of infected people, there is no guarantee that you will not be infected with the infection while traveling.
We must judge whether to travel and whether we are in a position to do it completely by observing the situation at that moment.
Lof major concern for those who have booked a trip- “R.Will I be able to get a refund?? “-
One of the concerns for those who have already booked a trip is the cancellation fee for canceling the trip . Even if you decide to cancel your travel booking due to the new Coronavirus based on the judgment of the airline, you often have to pay if it is within the period that the cancellation fee will occur.
Some routes have been suspended or reduced flights due to the spread of the infection, so in these cases you will not be able to travel and will be able to cancel or change without a penalty . In some cases, even if the flight is in operation, the airline may decide to waive the cancellation fee due to the increased level of risk.
However, this is an unprecedented event , so each airline’s ratings will be split and change as the days go by. In case of cancellation or modification, please consult the airline or travel agency booked and follow the instructions.
Even in the case of tour packages, it may be possible to cancel the tour or cancel it without cancellation fees at the discretion of the travel agency.
As of March 5, 2020, many travel agencies have limited organized tours to certain areas, such as China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Italy , for a limited time. If you are applying for travel to another country or region where the tour is taking place, the cancellation fee will be substantially charged as prescribed.
The answer will vary depending on the status of the infection, so check with your travel agency’s website or contact them directly.
Regardless of whether traveling is a personal choice, it is best if in this important historical period you do it conscientiously and making sure you have all the accurate and up-to-date information. Be cautious , such as refraining from traveling to areas with a high number of infected people and respecting them precautionary measures announced on the official website of the Ministry of Health , Labor and Welfare.
I hope that the new Coronavirus ends sooner, and that you will be able to travel wherever you want.
