Coronavirus: Latest travel advice for Italy, South Korea, Japan, China and Iran as outbreak spreads

Since starting in Wuhan in China it has reached as far as the UK and the United States, although with only minimal cases.

Italy has recently experienced an outbreak of the disease, while Japan and South Korea have also seen a high number of people being diagnosed with coronavirus.

If you are thinking of travelling to any of the areas worst hit by the outbreak, here is the latest travel advice:

Italy

So far seven people have died from coronavirus and 229 people have been diagnosed with the disease.

This is the foreign office’s latest advice for anyone travelling to the country:

‘There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere, including Italy.

‘The government of Italy has introduced extraordinary measures that allow regions to implement civil protection measures in response to Coronavirus.

‘This includes the isolation of 10 small towns in Lombardy and one in Veneto.

‘The regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piemonte and Emilia Romagna have implemented measures including the suspension of public or private events, the suspension of schools and higher education and the suspension on the opening of museums and cultural institutions for seven days.

‘If you are already in the regions affected you should follow the instructions of local authorities.’

While the government is advising that anyone returning to the UK from northern-Italy should self-isolate.

South Korea

There have been 10 deaths from Coronavirus in South Korea so far.

The worst hit city has been Daegu which is in North Gyeongsang Province towards the south of the country.

For any British travellers thinking of travelling to South Korea, here is the latest advice:

‘The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Daegu and Cheongdo due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

‘The government of South Korea has designated Daegu and Cheongdo cities as ‘special care zones’ following a growing number of cases of coronavirus.

‘If you’re already in Daegu or Cheongdo you should follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities.

‘There is an ongoing risk of coronavirus (COVID-19), throughout South Korea, with a growing number of cases across the country in recent days, including instances of community-based transmission. It may cause more severe symptoms in older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. You should exercise caution throughout the country, and follow the advice of local authorities.

‘The government of South Korea has announced that foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days will not be allowed to enter South Korea.’

Japan

There have been 850 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Japan, most of them on the quarantined cruise liner the Diamond Princess.

Here is the latest travel advice for Brits heading to the country:

‘There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in Japan, including instances of in-country transmission.

‘It may cause more severe symptoms in older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

‘The Japanese authorities have introduced a number of measures, including immigration restrictions and enhanced quarantine procedures at entry points to Japan.

‘There has been a confirmed outbreak of coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. This ship is currently in quarantine in Yokohama. If you need urgent consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100.’

China

This is the latest advice for Brits travelling to China following the outbreak of coronavirus:

‘The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Hubei Province.

‘The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). The British Consulates-General in Wuhan and Chongqing are currently closed.

‘If you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be at heightened risk.’

Iran

Fatalities from coronavirus in Iran have risen to 15, the state media has said.

The FCO advises against all but essential travel for British national to Iran, while people with dual British-Iranian nationality advised against all travel.

In relation to the coronavirus outbreak, the foreign office says: ‘There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and in some other countries, including Iran.’