Mass evacuations and significant disruption are currently affecting parts of France and Spain as wildfires continue to burn across both nations. More than 300,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, with many individuals currently sleeping in sports halls and other temporary shelters. The situation has become so severe that Sophie Brocas, the prefect of the French department of Gironde, issued a direct plea to visitors on Sunday, stating, "I urge tourists not to come," while simultaneously advising those already in the area to consider traveling to an alternative destination.
For those with upcoming holidays to these regions, the UK government has not specifically warned against travel to any part of France or Spain, though it does advise citizens to exercise caution. In France, officials note that access to affected areas may be restricted and roads could close at short notice. The government also warns that further evacuations may take place and has issued a general advisory regarding the high risk of wildfires in France throughout the summer season, which spans from April to October.
Travelers in either country are strongly encouraged to follow instructions and updates from local authorities and emergency services at all times. Those needing emergency help in either France or Spain can call 112.
The UK government notes that parts of Gironde and Landes in the south-west of France are currently affected. According to the official French wildfire map, Gironde and Pyrénées-Orientales are at the highest fire alert level, while Aude and Var are at the second-highest level. As of Monday, the map indicated that more than 20 fires were burning across the country, including on the island of Corsica.
In Spain, authorities have declared a national emergency due to wildfires in parts of Madrid and Ávila, and the UK government reports that there are also fires in other inland areas of the country.
Regarding financial protection, Anna-Marie Duthie, a travel insurance expert at the financial rating firm Defaqto, explains that if a trip was booked before the fires started, travelers might be covered for cancellation or curtailment. However, she emphasizes that individuals must check their specific policy wording to confirm coverage. Chris Bose, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), notes that if travel plans are disrupted by a wildfire and the policy includes trip disruption cover, insurance may cover some of the resulting costs.
Crucially, analysis from Defaqto indicates that only half of travel insurance policies include "catastrophe" cover, meaning many travelers might not be protected.
Bose recommends that in the case of cancelled flights or accommodation, travelers should seek refunds from their airline, tour operator, or accommodation provider first. If a holiday was booked as a package, this refund should cover all elements, including flights, accommodation, and transfers. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, notes that this is especially important for those not due to travel in the next week or two. He warns that travelers who cancel now will likely forfeit their right to a refund or rebooking.
Because the UK government has not warned against travel to these countries, Boland says travelers are unlikely to be able to claim on their travel insurance, as firms generally do not make allowances for a "disinclination to travel." He advises holidaymakers to wait until closer to their departure date to see if the holiday can proceed or what flexible options are offered, noting that travel companies will prioritize those due to depart in the next couple of days.
The broader environmental context is also shifting, as the World Health Organization reports that the amount of land burned by wildfires across Europe has increased by 57% since the summer of 2022. The organization adds that climate change is intensifying wildfires and increasing their frequency. While Duthie notes that insurance firms are adapting to these potential new and increasing risks, she says it is unlikely providers will change their policies in the near term.
Current clauses may refer to "severe" or "extreme" weather, but definitions vary, and no providers currently specify criteria such as maximum temperatures. However, she suggests that in the longer term, there is a chance we may see fewer insurable destinations and increased premiums.
Travellers should also bear in mind the UK government's advice can and does change in response to moving events.
Once again, the answer depends on your policy.
