Posted 5:30pm Tuesday 4 February.
Travel to China has been affected by the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019- nCoV). According to smartraveller.gov.au, the Australian Government is advising residents to reconsider the need to travel to China overall.
The outbreak of the flu-like virus has been linked to Wuhan City in China’s Hubei Province. Since Thursday, 23 January, 2020, all inbound and outbound rail, long-distance bus, air and ferry travel from Wuhan has been prohibited indefinitely.
The impact of the coronavirus is not limited to Hubei Province – the Chinese Government has restricted travel for parts of the country and may extend these restrictions at short notice, which could leave travellers stranded.
Authorities have also shut major tourist sites, including the Forbidden City in Beijing and a section of the Great Wall. The Disneyland Resorts in Shanghai and Hong Kong have also been closed temporarily.
Travel Associates is working to ensure all customers travelling to China are aware of the current situation and to assist with alternative destinations and rebook or cancel tours if required. Travel Associates company owned offices will not charge any cancellation or amendment fees for customers with existing bookings to China. Please note some travel provider fees may apply. All major airlines with routes to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have also issued waiver policies for flights booked prior to the outbreak (27-28 January, 2020, depending on the airline).
If your travel to Mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan is affected, contact your travel advisor to find out your relevant airline policy, travel insurance policy and other travel options.
