Coronavirus: latest news

Last updated: 25 September, 13:00

Here is our latest information and travel advice regarding the ongoing coronaviris (COVID-19) situation. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising British citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Cape Verde due to the current assessment of COVID-19 risk (this advice is being kept under constant review). Cape Verde's external borders are closed and international flights are suspended.  

Our ATOL and ABTA bonding means that any package holiday booked with us is fully protected in the event that government restrictions are still in place to Cape Verde at the time of travel.

Please see our FAQs below:

What is happening with my holiday?

If you have an existing booking and are travelling on or before 18th October 2020, we have been in contact with you to discuss your options.

What happens if I no longer wish to travel?

If you are booked to travel after the 18th October 2020 and we can provide the holiday as booked, but you decide you no longer wish to go, our standard terms and conditions will apply. We will always endeavour to assist our customers and it might be possible to defer your booking to later in the season or to 2021 (additional charges may apply).

If you have a specific reason for not wanting to travel, we recommend you contact your travel insurers and talk to them about whether you would be covered for cancellation under your policy.

If I rebook my holiday for next year, is my money financially protected?

The package holidays (flight inclusive) or flight only arrangements we sell are protected by ATOL under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number [1866]. Our accommodation-only holidays are covered by ABTA bonding, which means that the cost of your holiday is underwritten by these trade regulators and your money is protected.

Do I need to be insured against Covid-19?

It is essential you have the correct travel insurance and that your policy covers you for medical expenses, subsistence, and repatriation if you or a member of your party contract COVID-19 during your holiday. If you took out a single trip policy or renewed an annual policy before the outbreak began in February, you should be covered but you will need to contact your insurance to check. Some insurers are allowing customers extensions on their policies to cover specifically for COVID-19. ABTA has recently launched a new insurance product and we are also aware that other insurers, including AllClear Insurance, Cover for You, Stay Sure, AXA and Trail finders, are now offering policies that specifically cover COVID-19. 

What happens in the event of a “Local” lockdown in the UK preventing our group, or any member of our group from travelling. Will I be entitled to a refund?

In the event of a local lock down you would not be entitled to a refund from us but if you are prevented from travelling you should be able to claim from your travel insurance provided you took out the policy before the lockdown was imposed.

In the event of a local lock down you should first check with your local authority to ascertain if the local ban prevents you from travelling abroad as some local lock downs only apply to services provided in the area affected. If you are not allowed to travel, provided you took out your insurance before any local lockdown preventing you from travelling, your policy should cover you for this eventuality. You should ensure that your insurance policy has the option of ‘Travel Disruption Extension’. 

What happens if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 while I am on holiday?

Should you, or anyone in your party develop any symptoms of COVID-19 whilst on holiday please inform our representative, the hotel staff (if applicable) and your insurers immediately. You will then be offered assistance and advice on the measures you will need to follow.