Leading UK travel trade association ABTA is strongly urging people to check the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office as more and more bans are issued across the globe.

The news came after the US extended its travel ban on European countries to the UK and Ireland last week, and Spain and France followed in Italy’s wake in announcing emergency restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement, ABTA said: “The evolving coronavirus situation is extraordinary and the Foreign & Commonwealth (FCO) advice in relation to specific destinations is changing rapidly, so it is very important that anyone due to travel imminently checks the FCO advice for their specific destination and liaises with their travel provider.

“Travel companies are working around the clock to support customers, their decisions will be guided by the operational situation and Government advice.

“Given the extraordinary volume of enquiries and the rapidly changing situation, the best course of action for travellers with future bookings is to monitor and follow FCO advice for the destination they are travelling to, and wait for their travel provider to contact them if the situation changes in regards to their booking.

“Many travel companies are doing all they can to offer flexible booking policies at this time, such as giving customers the option to change their departure dates without charge, so we’d recommend talking to them about the options that are open to you.”

In order for people to stay up-to-date with the latest travel information, ABTA is continually updating its advice page, which includes the specific destinations the FCO is advising against all but essential travel to along with supporting information: abta.com/coronavirus.

Meanwhile, major cruise lines have suspended their operations in light of the outbreak and the government warning last week that those over 70 should not travel on a cruise ship.