What to know about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and travel

We know things are changing by the minute and, as travellers ourselves, it can be overwhelming to know what to do. That’s why we’ve gathered the information you need on the latest restrictions and changes, whether you have travel booked or are considering future travel. From new filters and alerts to partner cancellation policies, we can help you make travel decisions for you and your loved ones.

Note: As things change, so do policies. It’s important to stay up-to-date on travel restrictions and travel providers’ change and cancellation policies. We will do our best to update this list as soon as possible, but suggest to always check with the provider directly for the most current information.

Travel Advisory – Do not go overseas. A travel ban is in place.

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Quick links

How our flexible search filter and travel alerts can help
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and travel
Additional resources

What you need to know

Airlines

What to know if you need to cancel or change upcoming flight bookings, including the airlines with flexible change policies.

Hotels

What to know if you need to change upcoming reservations, including the hotel chains with flexible change policies.

Car hire

What to know about car hire during coronavirus, including lowered age restrictions and flexible change or cancellation policies.

Travel restrictions

What to know about current restrictions on travel.

Flexible search filters and travel alerts

We’re continually updating search filters and providing timely travel alerts within your results.

Flexible Options filter

As airlines and hotels update their policies, we’ve added two new filters that let you sort your search results by providers offering free cancellations (usually in the form of travel credits) and providers that are waiving change fees. (As always, it’s good practice to check a provider’s full policy when you book.)

New alerts on the KAYAK site

Route-specific alerts on KAYAK: For those destinations that may have current travel advisories issued by authorities, we’re including alerts on our site when you search that will let you know there could be an issue with your route.

COVID-19 and travel: Your most frequently asked questions

According to the Australian Border Force, Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are restricted from travelling overseas. All non-essential domestic travel is also restricted from 25 March 2020.

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Travellers who have a compassionate or compelling reason to travel can apply for an exemption from the Border Force.

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Due to the current health situation, many airlines and hotels are waiving change and/or cancellation fees.

Learn more about airlines

Learn more about hotels

Learn more about car hire

KAYAK is adding a Flexible Option filter on site to keep you up to date on current travel advisories and to help you stay informed about airlines and hotels waiving change and cancellation fees so you have all the information you need to make a smart decision.

Travel insurance is generally a good idea with international travel (be sure to also check coverage offered by your insurance provider). However, if you’re purchasing it due to concerns related to COVID-19, be sure to read the policy carefully as rules may differ by company. It also may not widely cover cancellation or offer the travel flexibility you’re seeking. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine whether you are covered.

Additional resources

Smartraveller.gov.au
Australian Department of Health
Australian Border Force
World Health Organization (WHO)
International Air Travel Association (IATA)