Showing posts with label covid-19. Show all posts
Showing posts with label covid-19. Show all posts

Emirates Free Global Coverage for Covid-19



Emirates just released this news today that it will provide 150,000 EUR coverage to passengers who contract Covid-19.   Here are the details:




What’s not covered by the policy?


However, the coverage is not valid if your home country has issued a travel advisory.

"The free insurance does not cover travellers for the cost of testing for the virus before or during a trip.

If a destination requires travellers to have a PCR test upon arrival or show negative Covid-19 test results before boarding a flight, this must be paid for by the individual.

Emirates does not provide any cover for passengers in their own country of residence and is not valid if travellers decide to fly against the advice of their local government. Passengers must follow all the rules of local authorities in their destination or cover will be invalid.

Like all insurance policies, there’s also a long list of circumstances that render Emirates' Covid-19 cover invalid. These include, but are not limited to, civil war, hostage situations, riots and terrorism.

The cover also won't hold up in the event of another pandemic or epidemic, and travellers participating in gambling, crime or fighting, or who have consumed alcohol or drugs, will not be covered by the airline’s Covid-19 insurance."

The bottom line is, until Canada removes the Travel Advisory for travelling abroad, we don't have any medical/covid-19 coverage for travelling to Dubai.


Dubai Covid-19 Travel Response



Must Read




https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2020/June/21-06/Supreme-Committee-of-Crisis-and-Disaster-
Management-announces-new-air-travel-protocols


For the most recent Dubai Covid news, here's the link to the Dubai Travel Forum.


Visa protocols


Canadian passport holders do not require a Visa to visit Dubai.  Upon arrival, a 30 day tourist visa will be supplied free.


International tourists


International tourists travelling by air to Dubai must ensure they meet all requirements for entry to the UAE. Downloading the COVID-19 DXB app and registering their details on it are critically important since it facilitates easy coordination and communication with health authorities if they experience COVID-19 symptoms. In addition to filling the ‘Health Declaration Form’ before embarking, they should ensure they have a valid health insurance in order to enter the country. The airline has the right to refuse boarding at the airport of departure if they display any COVID-19 symptoms.

Tourists must do a PCR test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure. They will be required to show proof of not being infected with the virus on arrival at Dubai airports. If they cannot provide proof, they will undergo a PCR test at the airport.

All arrivals will be subject to thermal screenings. If a traveler is suspected to have COVID-19 symptoms, Dubai airports have the right to re-test to ensure the tourist is free of the virus. It is mandatory for tourists who test positive for COVID-19 to register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app and isolate themselves at an institutional facility provided by the government for 14 days at their own expense.

All positive COVID-19 cases should strictly adhere to the measures outlined by the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre.

Passenger responsibilities


The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management stressed that travelers should commit to meeting their responsibilities to ensure their safety and that of others. These include:

All passengers must make themselves aware of the protocols and conditions specified by the Government of Dubai and destination countries before travelling and ensure they comply with them.
Passengers must disclose any health symptoms before travelling by filling out the ‘Health Declaration Form’ provided by the airline company.
UAE nationals must notify UAE embassies in the countries they are visiting if they test positive for COVID-19.
Tourists must ensure they have international health insurance before travelling.
All tourists must show that they have tested negative in a PCR test done four days (96 hours) before the departure date. If they cannot provide test results, they will be tested at Dubai airports.
Those who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate themselves for 14 days at their home or in an institutional facility provided by the government at their own expense.
Travelers must strictly follow physical distancing guidelines in accordance with measures followed at Dubai airports and use face masks at all times.
All passengers should stringently observe precautionary measures and monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.
The Committee stressed that comprehensive precautionary measures will continue to be implemented in Dubai as previously announced. Compliance with travel measures is critical to prevent delays in completing check-in and boarding procedures. Air travel protocols, conditions and preventive measures for citizens, residents and tourists can be viewed on the websites of all airlines operating out of Dubai airports, including Emirates Airline (www.emirates.com) and flydubai (www.flydubai.com).

Passengers will be provided all assistance required to travel safely and comfortably, consistent with the high standards of Dubai Airports that have earned it top global rankings over the past several years.  

The Supreme Committee commended employees of national airlines for their commitment to helping residents and citizens enjoy a smooth travel experience despite the challenges in the current circumstances.

It expressed its appreciation for the relentless efforts of the international community to mitigate the impact of the crisis. The Committee also praised the UAE's role in providing assistance to friendly countries through various initiatives to enable them to overcome the repercussions of the pandemic.





Show stopper - No Canadian insurance coverage




"Travel insurance providers no longer cover travel booked on or after March 13, 2020, when the official global travel advisory came into effect."





Covid-19 Cases in United Arab Emirates



Covid-19 in UAE status as of July 16, 2020





Was originally brought to UAE from China Wuhan tourists.  

Emirates Video on New Safety protocols



Very impressive cleaning!



Canada Travel Advisory in effect


Canada Travel Guidelines




The governments of those destinations that have opened their borders to tourists could impose strict travel restrictions suddenly, should they experience an increase in cases of COVID-19. International transportation options could be reduced significantly, making it difficult for you to return to Canada. There are no plans to offer additional repatriation flights. Should you decide to travel despite our advisories, know that you might have to remain abroad longer than you expected.
If you choose to travel despite these advisories:
  • you may have difficulty obtaining essential products and services
  • you may suddenly face strict movement restrictions and quarantines at designated facilities and at your own cost
  • your insurance may not cover your travel or medical expenses
  • we may have limited capacity to offer you consular services.

If you are currently outside Canada or you are returning home, see COVID-19 safety and security advice for Canadians abroad.




Conrad/Hilton Covid-19 Policy




FYI, Conrad hotels are part of the Hilton hotel chain.

https://www.hilton.com/en/corporate/coronavirus/

Flexibility for the Future: Any individual reservations booked on and between March 12 and August 31, 2020 for any future arrival date can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival day.
If you cancel a rate which required an advance payment or deposit, we will do everything we can to process your refund as quickly as possible. Due to the influx of cancellations, it may take up to 30 days to complete your request. If you are a Hilton Honors member and cancel an Advance Purchase rate, you may be eligible for a free night certificate for each cancelled night. Free night certificates can be used at our more than 6,100 properties worldwide. Stays must be completed by August 31, 2021. In lieu of a refund, guests at select hotels may choose to receive a hotel voucher redeemable toward a future stay at that hotel. Changes are subject to availability and rate differences.
If you need to adjust reservations made via the Hilton website, Hilton Honors mobile app or call center, you can change your reservation here or contact the Hilton Guest Assistance team. If you need to adjust reservations made through another travel site, please contact them directly for assistance.



Emirates Covid-19 Policy


Emirates Travel guidelines




Bookings


For bookings before July 31, 2020 and travel before November 2020, all airfares can be extended for a period of 24 months with no extra fees.


Last updated : 1 July 2020, 14:55, Dubai (GMT +4)

We’d like you to know that you now have two new options that offer you the flexibility to fly with us again when you’re ready if you booked a ticket on or before 31st July 2020 for travel on or before 30 November 2020.


What are the different reasons your ticket/ booking could be affected (for tickets issued on or before 31st July 2020 with at least one coupon where the scheduled Emirates departure is on or before 30 November 2020)?

  • Flight Cancellation: Emirates flight is cancelled for a specific date or route is suspended for a continuous period of time
  • Travel ban: Where there is an explicit government notification that prohibits travel from either point of journey origin or  destination
  • Travel advisory: A general government advisory against non-essential travel but no travel ban
  • Visa process change / Quarantine: Visa process which required visiting an embassy/consulate OR mandatory quarantine at origin or destination
  • Passenger is unable to reach airport:   Countries which have a government lockdown and passengers are unable to reach airport

How to simply keep your ticket for the future


You can choose to keep your ticket and we’ll extend its validity to 24 months from the date of your original booking. The fare amount you paid for your original booking will be accepted for any flight to the same destination/region* at any time with no fees during this period.


How does the ‘Keep your ticket’ option work?

You don’t have to call us if you have a cancelled booking. We’ve now extended the validity of your ticket for up to 24 months so you can just call us to reschedule your flight whenever you’re ready to travel again.

What do I need to do to select this option?

You don’t need to do anything, we’ll keep your booking status as open and you can reschedule your flight whenever you’re ready to travel again.

What is the “Travel voucher” option for?

You can also convert your original booking into a travel voucher. The value of your travel voucher will be equivalent to the amount you paid for your original booking. We can only provide a travel voucher for the part of your booked itinerary that you have not completed.

The travel voucher will be valid for one year from the date of issue, and you can use it for flights or other Emirates products and services up to its value and can be extended for another year.

Can I use the travel voucher for other products and services?

Yes, with the travel voucher, you convert the amount you paid for your ticket and any add-ons into credit for your future trips. You can also use it to pay for other Emirates services. The travel voucher gives you the flexibility to make as many transactions as you need until you have completely used up its value.

Can I change my destination with ‘Keep your ticket’ or a travel voucher?

Yes, you can change your destination with either options. It will be valid for one year from the date it is issued and can be extended for another year.

The fare you paid will be accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region. For example, if your original booking was for London, you can rebook it for Amsterdam at no extra charges.

The Emirates regions are:

  • Africa
  • Australasia
  • Europe
  • the Far East
  • the Gulf, Middle East and Iran
  • Indian Ocean Islands
  • North America
  • South America
  • West Asia

Are there any change fees with either option?

There are no change fees when you rebook within the 24-month period either if you simply ‘Keep your ticket’ or with the travel voucher, so you have more flexibility for planning ahead.

Are these options available for tickets booked anytime?

These options are available for bookings made on or before 31st July 2020. Bookings made from 1 August onwards are subject to the fare conditions applicable at the time of your booking.

Can I use the travel voucher to buy Emirates products and services for my friends and family?

Yes, you can buy Emirates products and services for any person of your choosing using your travel voucher.

What if I can’t fully utilise the voucher within this period?

You can extend the validity of the voucher for another year. If you are unable to utilise the full value of the voucher within this period you can request a refund of that amount.

We hope you make the most of these new options and look forward to having you on board with us again. 

Learn more about the ticket validity extension and how you can use the travel voucher on our Travel voucher / Refund page and choose the option that suits you best.

If you would like to proceed with a refund instead of requesting the voucher, please also submit your request on the Travel voucher / Refund page. Due to the current situation, we are experiencing severe delays in processing times. Thank you for your understanding.

Can I request a full refund or travel voucher even if my flight hasn’t been cancelled?

Yes, you can request a refund or travel voucher if your flight hasn’t been cancelled. However, if your request is not related to the current COVID-19 situation, the refund or voucher amount will be processed according to the fare rules available on your ticket. A change fee and/or a difference in fare may also apply if you choose to change the date or destination of your booking.

What can I do if I have a ticket for a destination that currently has travel restrictions but I’m not sure if this will still be in effect on my date of travel?

You have several options available to you if your flight has not yet been cancelled. You can keep your booking and look out for updates on the situation at your destination. You can also reschedule or cancel your booking.

However, please note that if your situation doesn’t fall under the requirements of our relaxed policies due to the COVID-19 situation, a change fee and/or fare difference may apply if you decide to change or cancel your trip.

What can I do if my situation is not covered under your relaxed polices due to COVID-19 but I want to cancel my trip anyway?  

You can still reschedule or cancel your flight. However, please note that a change fee and/or fare difference may apply. And if you choose to request a refund for this booking, the amount will be processed according to the fare rules of your ticket.