After the Government’s amended guidance for Spain, how will my holidays be affected?

Q I’m currently in Spain, what should I do?

A You do not need to do anything straight away and you can finish your holiday. Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said the Government has made clear that you will not need to return early. However, you will need to quarantine for 14 days after you return.

If you do want to return early over fears of the infection rate in Spain you will need to organise and pay for your own flights.

Q I have a holiday booked to Spain, should I cancel?

A No you shouldn’t, Mr Boland said, as you could jeopardise your consumer rights. He warned: “It’s absolutely crucial you don’t cancel the holiday yourself, as you may lose your right to a refund.”

Q Will I get a refund if my tour operator or airline cancels?

A You should. If a package holiday is cancelled the firm should refund the traveller within 14 days, while if a flight is cancelled by an airline it should pay up in seven days. However, many operators have been taking far longer than this to pay back money, with thousands still waiting for refunds for trips cancelled earlier in the pandemic.

Most firms are offering credit notes or vouchers, which customers can use at a later date, but only some of these are protected in the event a company fails.

Q Will my insurance still cover me?

A According to the Association of British Insurers, which represents the industry, those who are already in Spain should still be covered. However, travelling to countries against FCO advice is likely to invalidate cover and this would apply to those who travel to Spain now.

Further, if your trip was booked after the pandemic broke out, you may not be covered for cancellation.

Q What about the Balearic Islands?

A While travellers returning from Spain will have to quarantine for 14 days, the Balearic and Canary Islands are exempt from the FCO advice against all but essential travel. This could give you less protection if you cancelled as a result of the quarantine measures, Mr Boland said.

Q Will travel advice change for other countries, too?

A It could, and there have been warnings regarding some holiday hotspots. The Spain announcement was made at very short notice, so anyone planning a holiday abroad faces uncertainty.

Q Is anyone exempt from quarantine?

A Some roles critical to the pandemic response, national security or infrastructure are exempt from quarantine. However, while this includes health care workers considered internationally significant, there is no blanket exemption for key workers.