As of today, the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against:

• All travel to Hubei Province, PRC
• All but essential travel to the rest of the PRC - and if there now and able to leave: do so.
• All travel to Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan in South Korea
• All but essential travel to Italy

Travel advice for China:

• In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Chinese authorities continue to impose control and quarantine measures including restrictions on movement, reduced transport, local entry and exit controls, and isolation requirements for travelers.
• Some British and other foreign nationals have been put under compulsory quarantine or home isolation upon arrival.
• Travel from China to Hong Kong may be restricted.
• British Consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou can provide documentary services (only) to British nationals wishing to leave China.

Travel advice for South Korea:

• The number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea is growing, and there have been instances of community-based transmission.
• The Government of South Korea has designated the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan as "special care zones" because of high numbers of cases of COVID-19.
• Air service between South Korea and some other countries has been reduced.
• Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei Province PRC within the previous 14 days will be denied entry.

Travel advice for Italy:

• On 9 March the Government of Italy imposed various controls and restrictions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Although flights have been reduced, airports remain open, and British nationals are able to depart Italy without restriction.
• Italian authorities advise against travel for tourism purposes, and that tourists already there on holiday should return home.
• Suspended venues and activities include:
  • Museums
  • Cultural institutions
  • Public gatherings
  • Sporting events
  • Religious ceremonies
  • Funerals
  • Ski areas
  • Childcare facilities, schools and universities closed until 3 April
• Restaurants and bars remain open but with reduced hours.

Will FCO post an advisory re COVID-19 in Spain?

Spain is the second-most affected country in Europe after Italy, with 1695 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 and 36 deaths. Currently 700 guests at a hotel in Tenerife are under quarantine and authorities are watching outbreaks in Torrejon de Ardoz near Madrid and Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country.

Will FCO advise against travel to Spain? Stay tuned for updates.