Owing to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been a lot of uncertainties in the global travel industry which may affect your travel plans.
We’ve prepared this guide to help you navigate through and make a more well-informed decision on your next business trip during this unprecedented situation.
Table of Contents
- Latest Information on COVID-19
- Travel Advisories and Entry Restrictions Imposed by Countries
- Major Airline COVID-19 Policies
- Major Hotel COVID-19 Policies
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Latest Information on COVID-19
For the latest information on the COVID-19 situation, please refer to:
- World Health Organisation (WHO);
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
- United Nations World Tourism Organisation; or
- your local health authority;
2. Travel Advisories and Entry Restrictions Imposed by Countries
For entry restrictions and border closures, you may refer to the following interactive maps:
Interactive Coronavirus (Covid-19) Travel Regulations Map (powered by Timatic)
The map includes information regarding area lockdowns, quarantine measures, flight restrictions, school closures and links to more information.
For more travel information related to your destination, you may refer to the following list for each country’s official COVID-19 websites.
Asia
Europe
North America
Other Countries
Official COVID-19 Web Portals by Destinations
3. Major Airline COVID-19 Policies
For more information related to the latest news, cancellations, change fees and refunds for your airlines, you may refer to the following list:
- AirAsia
- Air Canada
- Air China
- American Airlines
- ANA
- Asiana Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- China Southern Airlines
- Emirates
- Eva Air
- Hainan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Jetstar
- Korean Air
- Malaysia Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Scoot
- Thai Airways
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
As the measures imposed could result in flight cancellations and reduction in flight frequency, you are advised to check with your airline or travel agency to ensure that your flight routes are still operating before departing for the airport.
4. Major Hotel COVID-19 Policies
For more information related to the latest news, cancellations, change fees and refunds for your hotels, you may refer to the following table for each hotel’s COVID-19 policies.
Accor Live Limitless
- Fairmont
- Grand Mercure
- Ibis
- Ibis Budget
- Ibis Styles
- Mercure
- Mövenpick
- Novotel
- Pullman
- Raffles
- Sofitel
- Swissôtel
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
The conditions and dates depend on local regulation. Check out the individual commercial policies per country.
Choice Hotels
- Quality Inn
- Ascend Hotel Collection
- Cambria Hotels
- Clarion Hotels
- Quality Inn
- Sleep Inn
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
Travellers who have booked through third parties are advised to contact their booking provider for more information or assistance.
Four Seasons
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
This is applicable for all Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world.
Hilton Worldwide
- Conrad
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Hilton Hotels and Resorts
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
Travellers who have made reservations via the Hilton website or app can contact the Hilton Guest Assistance team.
Those who have booked through third parties are advised to contact their booking provider for more information or assistance.
Hyatt
- ALiLa
- Andaz
- Grand Hyatt
- Park Hyatt
- Thompson Hotels
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
Travellers who have booked through third parties are advised to contact their booking provider for more information or assistance.
InterContinental Hotels Group
- Crowne Plaza
- Holiday Inn
- Holiday Inn Express
- Hotel Indigo
- Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts
- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
- Regent Hotels & Resorts
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
Travellers who have booked through third parties are to contact their booking provider directly for more information or assistance
Marriott International
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Four Points by Sheraton
- JW Marriott Hotels
- Marriott Hotels & Resorts
- Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
- Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
These policies do not apply to travel associated with group bookings.
Travellers who have booked through third parties are advised to contact their booking provider for more information or assistance.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Days Inn
- Dolce Hotels and Resorts
- Microtel Inns & Suites
- Ramada
- Wyndham
Latest updates on hotel cancellation and modification policies can be found here.
These policies do not apply to travel associated with group bookings.
Travellers who have booked through third parties are advised to contact their booking provider for more information or assistance.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take if I need to travel?
Travellers are recommended to take the following precautions:
- Maintain good personal hygiene at all times;
- Wash your hands with soap often, for at least 20 seconds each time;
- Avoid close contact and, remain at least 6 feet apart from others;
- Wear a face mask when around other people;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily;
- Monitor your health by watching out for symptoms;
- Seek medical consultation pre-trip to understand important health risks associated with your destination and determine the need for any vaccinations;
- Register yourself with your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) so as to allow them to contact you and provide assistance in case of emergency;
- Travel with comprehensive travel insurance;
- Bring along a medical kit for all destinations where there may be significant health risks; and
- Seek medical consultation post-trip
What should businesses do if they have employees who have travelled recently?
CDC recommends self-quarantine for people who have returned home after international travel. You may find out more on post-travel precautions here.
Various states and countries may also have stricter or different regulations or requirements. As the situation is rapidly changing, be sure to check with local authorities for the latest requirements and recommendations.
Businesses should ensure that their employees adhere to any movement restrictions or recommendations made by local authorities regardless of whether the trip was for personal or business reasons.
When should I start booking business travel again?
CDC currently recommends that travellers avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas. Companies and travellers may check out CDC’s recommendations for their intended destinations here.
Companies should also review official websites of the respective destination countries for official updates on the local situation as well as the applicable restrictions and recommendations for inbound visitors.
How can we help?
With the outbreak of the Coronavirus, businesses are dealing with more cancellations than new trip bookings. Understandably, that managers are having a hard time dealing with the drastic changes in their tasks and responsibilities. We all know business travel is bound to change after the Coronavirus and you will need to be ready to adapt accordingly.
In a situation like this, it would be advisable to implement a travel management solution to help you manage your travels through this uncertain time. If you are not working with a travel management company already, then do check out our all-in-one solution for business expense and travel management.
