Quick answer
Before you travel, check your own government’s travel advisory for your destination, the destination’s official entry and health requirements, health notices from the CDC or WHO, and your airline’s flight status. If a flight is cancelled or badly delayed, your rights depend on where you’re flying: the EU’s Regulation 261/2004 and the US DOT’s refund rules are two of the most important.
This page used to cover COVID-19 travel updates
Pandemic-era rules no longer apply, so we’ve replaced the old content with a guide to the official sources that stay up to date.
1. Government travel advisories
Advisories rate safety risks by country and flag events like unrest, natural disasters and health outbreaks.
- Canada: travel.gc.ca advisories, with four risk levels from “take normal security precautions” to “avoid all travel”.
- United States: US State Department travel advisories
- United Kingdom: FCDO foreign travel advice
- Australia: Smartraveller
Advisories can affect your travel insurance, so check them before booking and again before departure.
2. Health guidance
- CDC Travelers’ Health: destination pages list recommended vaccines and current travel health notices.
- WHO Disease Outbreak News: official updates on outbreaks worldwide.
- Your destination’s own health ministry or border agency, for any entry health requirements.
Some countries introduce temporary border health measures during outbreaks, so check close to departure. See a travel health clinic 4–8 weeks before you go for vaccinations.
3. Flight and airport disruptions
- Your airline’s app or website: the most reliable source for your specific flight.
- Your departure airport’s website for security wait times and operational updates.
- In the US, the FAA National Airspace System status page shows airport delays and ground stops.
4. Know your passenger rights
Flights to, from or within the EU
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, as explained on Your Europe, you may be entitled to compensation of €250, €400 or €600 depending on distance if you arrive more than three hours late or your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice, unless extraordinary circumstances apply. You also have a right to care, such as meals and accommodation, while you wait. It covers all flights departing from the EU, and flights into the EU on EU airlines.
Flights in the United States
Under US Department of Transportation rules adopted in 2024, passengers are entitled to automatic refunds when an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and they choose not to travel or accept alternatives. Significant changes include delays of more than 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally. See DOT Air Consumer Protection for current rules.
5. Travel insurance
Read what your policy covers for cancellations, delays and medical care abroad. Many policies don’t cover events that were already known when you bought the insurance, such as a named storm, so buy cover soon after booking.
Pre-departure checklist
- Travel advisory checked for every country on your route
- Entry and health requirements confirmed on official sites
- Vaccinations and medication sorted
- Airline app installed and notifications on
- Insurance details and emergency numbers saved offline
- Embassy or consulate contacts noted
For the full list, see our international travel checklist and travel planning mistakes to avoid.
Sources checked November 2026: Government of Canada, GOV.UK, CDC, WHO, FAA, European Commission (Your Europe), US DOT.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
