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We understand that recent news about devastating wildfires in parts of Europe may have left you concerned about an upcoming holiday. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the local communities, visitors and emergency teams affected by these continuing incidents.
However, a wildfire in one area does not always mean you need to cancel your trip. Fires are often localised, while airports, resorts and attractions elsewhere in the same country remain open. In fact, travellers are being encouraged to travel as normal unless they’re directly affected or local authorities advise otherwise.
Unless the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), local authorities or your travel provider tell you not to travel, you can usually continue looking forward to your holiday. Check the advice for your exact destination, stay prepared and follow local instructions.
We’re here to lend a helping hand, with practical tips and clear answers to your most pressing questions.
Can you still travel if there are wildfires?
In most cases, yes. Many popular holiday destinations affected by wildfires continue to welcome visitors. Local authorities and emergency services work to protect residents, visitors, transport links and essential infrastructure.
Unless your airline, accommodation provider, local authorities or the FCDO tell you otherwise, you should continue with your travel plans.
A wildfire in one part of a country doesn’t necessarily mean your resort or travel route is affected. If you’re unsure, contact your airline, accommodation provider or tour operator before leaving home.
They’ll be able to confirm whether:
- Your flight is operating as planned
- Your accommodation remains open
- Your transfer route is affected
- Alternative arrangements have been made
- Your holiday can continue safely
Avoid cancelling your trip based only on news reports or social media posts. Check the position for your specific destination first.
How could wildfires affect your holiday?
Although most holidays continue without interruption, wildfires can sometimes cause temporary disruption. This is more likely when a fire is close to a resort, airport, major road or other transport route.
Depending on the circumstances, you may experience:
- Flight delays, diversions or cancellations
- Road closures or changes to transfer routes
- Changes to excursions and outdoor activities
- Temporary evacuation instructions
- A change of accommodation
- Reduced air quality caused by smoke
- Local restrictions introduced by the authorities
These disruptions are often limited to the immediate area and can change quickly as emergency services bring fires under control.
If you’re already abroad, follow instructions from your hotel, tour operator and local authorities. Don’t enter an affected area or ignore an evacuation notice.
Which destinations are experiencing wildfires?
Wildfire activity can affect popular destinations across Europe during periods of hot, dry weather.
Destinations where wildfires are commonly reported include:
- France
- Spain
- Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia
- Portugal
- Greece
Conditions can change throughout the wildfire season. An area listed in the news may no longer be affected by the time you travel, while new incidents may develop elsewhere.
Always check official local updates and the latest FCDO advice before and during your trip.
What should you do if your flight is cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled because of disruption caused by a wildfire, your airline or travel provider should be your first point of contact.
They may offer to:
- Rebook you onto another flight
- Arrange an alternative route
- Offer a travel voucher
- Refund the cancelled flight
If you’re delayed while waiting for alternative travel, the airline may also have a duty of care. Depending on the length and circumstances of the delay, this could include:
- Food and refreshments
- Hotel accommodation when an overnight stay is necessary
- Transport between the airport and your accommodation
If these arrangements aren’t provided directly, keep receipts for any reasonable expenses. You can then ask the airline whether these costs can be reimbursed.
You should try to recover your costs from your airline, tour operator or another responsible provider before making a Travel Insurance claim.
Keep copies of:
- Your booking confirmation
- Your boarding pass
- Cancellation or delay notices
- Emails from the airline
- Details of any alternative offered
- Receipts for reasonable expenses
- Evidence of refunds or compensation
What if your accommodation is cancelled or unavailable?
Contact your accommodation provider, booking company or tour operator first. They may be able to offer:
- Alternative accommodation
- A change of resort
- Different travel dates
- A refund
If your accommodation is part of a package holiday, your tour operator should explain what alternatives are available. Don’t arrange costly replacement accommodation without first speaking to your provider.
If you can’t recover your eligible costs elsewhere, optional Natural Disaster Cover may help in certain circumstances.
Can you get Travel Insurance cover for wildfires?
Whether you’re covered will depend on your AllClear policy and the circumstances affecting your trip. If you’ve purchased optional Natural Disaster Cover, you may be covered if a natural disaster disrupts your travel plans and the policy conditions are met.
Natural Disaster Cover only applies if:
- You paid the additional premium
- It’s shown on your policy schedule
- The disruption was caused directly or indirectly by a natural disaster
- The event wasn’t known when you bought your policy or booked your trip
- Your circumstances meet the relevant policy terms and conditions
Depending on what has happened, Natural Disaster Cover may help with:
- An extended delayed departure
- An extended missed departure
- Additional travel costs
- Additional room-only accommodation
- Unused accommodation you can’t recover elsewhere
- Alternative accommodation if you can’t use your original booking
- Returning home early with prior approval, where necessary
For example, the cover may apply if your scheduled public transport is cancelled, delayed for more than 12 hours, diverted or redirected after take-off. It may also help if you arrive at your destination but can’t use your booked accommodation and need to move elsewhere.
As with every claim, the circumstances will be assessed individually in line with the terms, limits, conditions and exclusions of your policy.
What if you have a medical emergency relating to a wildfire?
Your safety should always come first. If you’re injured or become ill because of a wildfire, smoke or a heatwave, your policy may cover eligible emergency medical treatment.
Always seek urgent local help if you need it.
You should also contact the 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance team using the number in your policy documents if:
- You’re admitted to hospital
- Your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than the amount stated in your policy
- You need significant medical treatment
- A doctor says you may need to return to the UK
- You need help finding suitable medical care
You won’t be covered for a claim if you travel against FCDO advice.
What if you want to cancel your trip?
If you’re considering cancelling because you’ve heard reports of wildfires, first check whether your destination has actually been affected.
Many wildfires are limited to particular areas, while most travellers continue with their holidays as planned.
Before deciding to cancel, you should:
- Check the latest FCDO travel advice
- Speak to your airline or tour operator
- Contact your accommodation provider
- Check whether your journey or resort is directly affected
- Review your AllClear policy schedule
- Contact AllClear if you have questions about your cover
Please remember that choosing not to travel because you feel worried – sometimes called a disinclination to travel – isn’t covered under your policy.
Travel Insurance may provide cancellation cover in specific circumstances listed in your policy. It doesn’t usually cover a personal decision not to travel when your holiday is still operating, and there’s no official advice preventing you from going.
If a medical practitioner advises you not to travel because your existing medical conditions place you at significant risk, a claim may be considered subject to the policy terms. You may need to provide suitable medical evidence, and each claim will be assessed individually.
What happens if the FCDO changes its advice?
FCDO advice can change as a wildfire develops. An update may apply to one particular town, island or region, so read the advice carefully to understand whether it affects your destination.
If the FCDO changes its advice after you’ve bought your policy or booked your trip and advises against all travel or all but essential travel, your policy may provide cover under the cancellation section of your policy.
If the advice changes:
- Contact your airline or tour operator
- Ask whether your trip is being cancelled or rearranged
- Request any available refund or alternative
- Keep written confirmation of their response
- Check your policy schedule and wording
- Contact AllClear if you have eligible costs you can’t recover
Avoid travelling against FCDO advice. There may be no cover for claims connected to the reason for that advice.
Can you cancel your holiday because of wildfires?
If you’re thinking about cancelling your holiday because you’re worried about wildfires, it’s important to speak to your airline or holiday provider first.
Choosing not to travel when your holiday can still go ahead isn’t usually covered.
However, if official travel advice changes or your travel provider cancels your holiday, you may have different options available. Always check with your travel provider before making any decisions.
Staying safe if you’re travelling near wildfires
If you’re travelling to an area where wildfires are active:
- Follow instructions from local authorities.
- Keep up to date with local news and weather alerts.
- Avoid entering restricted areas.
- Be prepared to change your plans if necessary.
- Keep your mobile phone charged and carry any essential medication with you.
- Make sure you know your accommodation’s evacuation procedures.
A little preparation can help you feel more confident if conditions change while you’re away.
Travel with confidence
Wildfires can make headlines, but they don’t necessarily mean your holiday will be disrupted. In many destinations, daily life continues as normal, with restrictions limited to the area immediately affected.
Unless your travel provider or the authorities advise otherwise, you should continue with your plans and look forward to your trip. Keep checking official updates, focus on the advice for your exact destination and speak to your airline or tour operator before making changes. If disruption does occur, your travel provider should usually be your first point of contact.
We’ll continue to monitor the latest travel advice and update this page when necessary.
Please note: The current wildfires are a known event as of 22nd July. For more information, visit our Help Centre where you can find the latest guidance and support.
