Can I cancel my trip free of charge if there is a travel warning for my destination area?
September 9, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Sophia Breitwieser
Dear travel lawyer,
I am reaching out to you with a question regarding my planned vacation trip. I am planning to travel to a specific destination in the near future, for which there is currently a travel warning in place. Due to this warning, I am now concerned about whether it is possible to cancel my trip free of charge.
The current situation in my destination area is causing me great uncertainty, as I fear that my health and safety on site may not be guaranteed. Additionally, I have concerns regarding potential quarantine regulations or travel bans that could affect my trip.
Therefore, I would like to know from you if it is legally possible to cancel my trip free of charge in such a case and possibly get refunded for any payments already made. Are there any legal regulations or contract clauses that could help me in this situation?
I would appreciate a prompt response and legal assessment of my situation. Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Alwin Kock
Dear Mr. Kock,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your planned vacation trip to a destination for which there is currently a travel warning. It is understandable that you are concerned due to this warning and are wondering if it is possible to cancel your trip free of charge.
In such a situation, it is important to first determine whether the travel warning is an official warning issued by the Foreign Office. The Foreign Office regularly issues travel advisories for various countries to provide travelers with information about potential dangers or risks in specific destination areas. If there is an official travel warning for your destination, this can be an important factor in being able to cancel your trip free of charge.
Generally, travelers have the right to cancel free of charge if there is a travel warning for their destination, as this can be considered a case of force majeure. This means that unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political unrest, or epidemics can justify a free cancellation of the trip. However, it is important to carefully review the exact terms and conditions of your travel provider, as these may vary.
If you have already made payments for your trip, you should contact your travel provider and discuss the possibility of a free cancellation due to the existing travel warning. In many cases, travel providers are accommodating and offer alternative solutions, such as rescheduling to later dates or credits for future trips.
It is advisable to seek legal advice in such a situation to fully understand your rights and options. An experienced attorney specializing in travel law can help assess your situation and assist you in communicating with the travel provider.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am happy to assist with any further questions. Thank you for your trust and I wish you all the best for your planned trip.
Best regards,
Sophia Breitwieser
Attorney specializing in travel law
