COVID-19 travel guide
Resources to help you travel smart and travel safely
Whether you have to travel or you're just exploring options for future trips, there's much more to consider before you depart. Like you, we love to travel, and we will travel again. When that time comes, we'll help you travel smart and travel safely, every step of the way.
Ready to travel? Check COVID-19 travel advisories for your destination.
Articles
Check COVID-19 advisories
Get more information about COVID-19 travel restrictions and health advisories. Read more
Change or cancel your booking
Need to change or cancel your travel plans? We're here to help. Read more
What to expect where you're staying
Hotels, holiday rentals, and other lodgings are enhancing routine cleaning procedures. Read more
Lodging cleanliness guidelines
Find out more about country, association, and brand-specific lodging cleanliness guidelines. Read more
How airline credits work
Get answers to common questions about booking a flight with an airline credit. Read more
Travel smart
Use this checklist to make sure that you've covered the essentials. Read more
Flexibility matters
We've made it easier for you to find travel options with free cancellation and no change fees. Read more
What to expect when you pick up your car
Many car rental companies have introduced enhanced cleaning protocols. Read more
What to expect at the airport
Airports around the world are putting new features and processes in place. Read more
What's in your policy?
Find out how travel insurance can help you. Read more
Travel safely
We've compiled guidelines to help you to make informed choices when you travel. Read more
Track your refund
Due to the high number of cancellations, some refunds have been delayed. Read more
What to expect during your activity
New health and safety measures are being added for many events, activities, and attractions. Read more
What to expect on your flight
From deep cleaning to temperature checks, airlines are enhancing their onboard protocols. Read more
Other resources
Get in the travel zone
Take advantage of quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand. Read more on the Expedia blogOpens in a new window
Frequently asked questions
I have travel booked already. Can I cancel or change because of COVID-19?
Yes. The best place to start is your online itinerary. Make sure that you check for the cancellation policy that applies to your booking. Many bookings already qualify for either free cancellation or change options with no fees. Just sign in to your account and check your itinerary. If you don't have an account, you can use the itinerary or confirmation number in the email that you received when you first booked your trip. If you booked a package holiday, you'll have to cancel your accommodation and your flight separately.
How do I know if I am eligible for a refund?
Many of our travel partners are continuing to review and update their policies. Check your online itinerary to for the cancellation policy that applies to your booking. If it doesn't qualify for free cancellation, you can still cancel, but standard cancellation policies will apply.
If I booked a non-refundable ticket, am I still eligible for a refund?
Policies vary by carrier. Many airlines are offering airline credits and eliminating cancellation and change fees for travel that is affected by COVID-19. Check your online itinerary or the airline's website for the most recent policies affecting your flight.
When will I get my refund?
Due to the high volume of cancellations, there may be delays in processing refunds. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Timelines vary by the type of booking:
- For accommodation, hire cars and activities: It may take up to 48 hours to receive your refund. If the hotel processed the charge, they’ll determine the refund timeline.
- For flights: Most refunds are issued within twelve weeks. However, depending on the airline, some refunds may take longer.
- For packages: The individual parts of your holiday package are processed separately. Package refunds may take longer than usual.
What if I have a trip booked and still want to travel?
Before you depart, make sure that you find out what regulations might be in place at your destination. Check for any updates for the airports that you'll be travelling through, too. We also encourage you to check COVID-19 travel and health advisories.
Allow yourself some extra time, make sure that you have your own personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and hand sanitisers, and take precautions such as washing your hands thoroughly and frequently.
What if I still want to get away despite COVID-19?
We recommend that you follow the guidance from governments and public health officials to help to slow the spread of COVID-19. The decision to travel is a personal one. Ultimately, it's up to you to determine what's best for you and your family.
What's the best way to find flights that have flexible change policies or are refundable?
Most airlines don't offer free cancellation, but many do offer the option to reschedule your flight without a change fee. All you pay is the difference between the original flight and the new flight that you select. When you're searching for flights, you'll see a No change fees filter at the top of your search results and in the list of filters on the left.
How can I stay informed about COVID-19?
We encourage you to check COVID-19 travel and health advisories.
Was this information helpful? Give us feedbackOpens in a new window