Thousands of British holidaymakers face difficulties obtaining refunds after wildfires in southwestern France and parts of Spain forced tens of thousands to evacuate, raising questions about travel cancellations and insurance coverage.
Since Sunday night, wildfires have compelled the evacuation of approximately 55,000 people near Bordeaux, with campsites, tourist accommodations, and residential areas affected. Across France and Spain, an estimated 360,000 residents have been displaced due to the fires. French authorities have described the situation as unprecedented. Eric Brocardi, spokesman for the National Firefighters Federation of France, labelled the phenomenon as unlike anything previously experienced in the country. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the area on Monday, meeting first responders and stating that the crisis represents a challenge “more difficult than at any time since the Second World War.”
Despite the severity of the wildfires, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has so far refrained from issuing a formal travel warning against visiting the affected regions. Instead, it advises travelers to consult local authorities, keep informed about emergency updates, and liaise with accommodation and travel providers before making plans or traveling. On its website, the FCDO notes, “Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde and Landes in the southwest of France […]. If you are in an affected area, or planning to travel there: follow instructions and updates from local authorities and emergency services at all times.”
The preferential guidance has resulted in ambiguity concerning cancellations and refunds for British tourists. Frazer Lyall, senior policy adviser at the Association of British Insurers, indicated that most travel insurance policies do not typically cover cancellations unless the traveler or close family member falls ill or is otherwise prevented from traveling. He advised potential travelers to consult their insurance providers before altering travel arrangements, as policies are generally restrictive in these circumstances. Lyall also recommended contacting airlines, tour operators, or accommodation providers to explore options such as trip rescheduling.
The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) highlighted that travelers who booked package holidays may be entitled to alternatives or refunds if the holiday provider can no longer deliver the service. However, for independently booked flights and accommodations, the terms and conditions of individual providers apply, and a decision not to travel when the holiday is still operational is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
Local officials in France have adopted a firmer stance, with Sophie Brocas, the prefect of Gironde, urging tourists to avoid traveling to the area until the fires are under control. French authorities continue emergency efforts to contain the blazes as they threaten communities close to Bordeaux and beyond.
The Foreign Office has been approached for further comment on the situation but has not provided an update beyond existing guidance.
The unfolding wildfires and the response from travel and insurance sectors underscore the challenges faced by holidaymakers seeking to navigate cancellations amid rapidly evolving natural disasters, with financial losses mounting for those caught in the uncertainty.