Travel expert says 'set up alerts' as FCDO warns against popular country
Travel expert says 'set up alerts' as FCDO warns against popular country
The Foreign Office has advised against all travel
Carrizalillo beach, on the Mexican Pacific coast
A tropical storm, Storm Erick, is set to hit parts of Mexico on Wednesday, June 18, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is now advising against all travel to affected areas - from Puerto Angel in Oaxaca to Punta Maldonado in Guerrero. Half a million UK tourists visit Mexico each year and Oaxaca is a popular destination thanks to its beaches and resorts
Travel insurance expert Alicia Hempsted from MoneySuperMarket said: 'Most standard travel insurance policies include clauses that exclude coverage if you travel to a destination where the FCDO advises against travel, even if you're not aware of a change to FCDO advice.
'You can set up alerts for the country that you're planning to visit, so that you can stay up to date with any government safety warnings. You can do so by visiting the FCDO website. 'Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, can leave holidaymakers facing increased delays, travel disruption and cancellations. Travellers who are affected should check their travel insurance policy documents to see if they are eligible for compensation due to natural disasters.
'Travel insurance policies that include natural disaster cover will generally cover you for cancelled accommodation, travel and activities in the event of a natural disaster, as well as emergency medical care and evacuation should you need it. Under UK and Mexico regulations, airlines are not required to compensate you for delayed or cancelled flights in 'extraordinary circumstances', which include disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis.
'If your flight, however, is delayed because of this, your airline has an obligation to offer food, drink and accommodation depending on the length of your delay.'
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'If extreme conditions are forecasted before you book or leave for your trip, and you choose to travel regardless, your insurance provider may not cover you for any related problems.
'Buying your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip can ensure you are protected against the unexpected. Check your policy terms before buying your insurance, as some travel insurance providers may not cover you as standard in the event of a natural disaster.
'Be aware that if your policy includes natural disaster cover, this will only be paid out if the FCDO warns against anything other than essential travel. If your plans are impacted by a disaster, contact your insurance and airline as soon as you can.'
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Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Wales Online
Travel expert says 'set up alerts' as FCDO warns against popular country
Travel expert says 'set up alerts' as FCDO warns against popular country The Foreign Office has advised against all travel Carrizalillo beach, on the Mexican Pacific coast A tropical storm, Storm Erick, is set to hit parts of Mexico on Wednesday, June 18, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is now advising against all travel to affected areas - from Puerto Angel in Oaxaca to Punta Maldonado in Guerrero. Half a million UK tourists visit Mexico each year and Oaxaca is a popular destination thanks to its beaches and resorts Travel insurance expert Alicia Hempsted from MoneySuperMarket said: 'Most standard travel insurance policies include clauses that exclude coverage if you travel to a destination where the FCDO advises against travel, even if you're not aware of a change to FCDO advice. 'You can set up alerts for the country that you're planning to visit, so that you can stay up to date with any government safety warnings. You can do so by visiting the FCDO website. 'Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, can leave holidaymakers facing increased delays, travel disruption and cancellations. Travellers who are affected should check their travel insurance policy documents to see if they are eligible for compensation due to natural disasters. 'Travel insurance policies that include natural disaster cover will generally cover you for cancelled accommodation, travel and activities in the event of a natural disaster, as well as emergency medical care and evacuation should you need it. Under UK and Mexico regulations, airlines are not required to compensate you for delayed or cancelled flights in 'extraordinary circumstances', which include disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis. 'If your flight, however, is delayed because of this, your airline has an obligation to offer food, drink and accommodation depending on the length of your delay.' Article continues below 'If extreme conditions are forecasted before you book or leave for your trip, and you choose to travel regardless, your insurance provider may not cover you for any related problems. 'Buying your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip can ensure you are protected against the unexpected. Check your policy terms before buying your insurance, as some travel insurance providers may not cover you as standard in the event of a natural disaster. 'Be aware that if your policy includes natural disaster cover, this will only be paid out if the FCDO warns against anything other than essential travel. If your plans are impacted by a disaster, contact your insurance and airline as soon as you can.'
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits sent urgent hurricane warning as terrifying maps show 110mph winds
As Tropical Storm Erick continues to intensify, with fears over 'life-threatening' consequences, the UK government has issued an urgent warning to any Brits travelling overseas Brits travelling abroad have been issued an urgent warning, as Tropical Storm Erick develops into a full-blown hurricane. The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has warned that "life-threatening flooding and mud slides are possible, especially in steep terrain", as forecasters warn the brewing storm could make landfall on Mexico's Pacific coast. Erick is currently south-east of Punta Maldonado, off the southern coast of the country, with 50 mph gusts recorded late on Tuesday. It's expected that Erick will escalate today (June 18), with winds reaching hurricane strength of 74 mph at least, The Washington Post reports. From then on, it's anticipated that Erick will accelerate until it hits shore at midday tomorrow (June 19). Current forecasts at landfall put Erick as a strong Category 2 with winds of 110 mph. This places it just under a Category 3, which are classified as storms with 111 mph winds - ie a 'major hurricane'. While these predictions have already raised concerns about widespread destruction, it's feared that such estimates could be conservative, with the NHC asserting that there is a "significant chance" for rapid intensification before Erick makes landfall. As a hurricane warning is put in place for the Pacificic Coast from Puerto Ángel to Punta Maldonado in southern Mexico, the UK government has urged against all travel to affected parts of Mexico, issuing a stern warning. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised Brits that their travel insurance could well be rendered invalid if they fail to adhere to the advice issued, meaning they won't receive the protection they'd usually expect. According to the FCDO: "You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders. "See the tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare for travel during hurricane season and what to do ahead of a storm. In the aftermath of a hurricane, there can be flooding, high winds and continued rainfall." A previous travel warning reads: "The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. "After a hurricane, there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders." According to the Weather Channel, the Eastern Pacific's fifth storm has usually formed by July 23, as per the 1991-2020 average, making Erick's arrival a month earlier than expected.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
Foreign Office issues travel warning for holiday hotspot as storm becomes hurricane
Tropical Storm Erick is forecast to become a hurricane and the government has advised against travel to parts of Mexico Tourists have been issued with a Foreign Office travel warning for parts of Mexico as Tropical Storm Erick is now forecast to become a hurricane. It's expected the storm, which is gaining strength around the Pacific Coast of the country, will develop into a hurricane today (June 18). Mexico attracts upwards of 500,000 tourists every year making the country one of the largest tourism markets. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising against travel to parts of the country. And they said travel insurance may be invalidated if the advice is ignored. Tropical Storm Erick is currently 430 miles south-east of Punta Maldonado in Mexico. A hurricane watch is in effect for the Pacific coast from Bahia De Huatulco to Punta Maldonado. Heavy rain is forecast to affect Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz, reports the Mirror. Forecasters said Erick was moving west-north-east at 12 miles per hour and will move closer to Mexico's coastline by late Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour being reported on Tuesday. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned Britons that their travel insurance could be rendered invalid if they fail to adhere to the advice issued. The FCDO's website issued the following warning: "Tropical Storm Erick is expected to make landfall on the pacific coast on 17 June with heavy rains affecting Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas and the south of Veracruz. "It is expected to gain strength and become a Category 2 hurricane by the afternoon of 18 June affecting an area along the southern pacific coast from Puerto Angel in Oaxaca to Punta Maldonado in Guerrero." The FCDO has warned: "You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.", reports the Express. "See the tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare for travel during hurricane season and what to do ahead of a storm. "In the aftermath of a hurricane, there can be flooding, high winds and continued rainfall." The government had previously issued a warning about possible hurricanes in the country which happen at this time of the year. It said: "The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. "After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders." Hurricane season starts on June 1 and in 2023, Hurricane Otis was a category five which devastated Acapulco, Mexico.
