Here's the latest FCO travel advice for the countries most affected by coronavirus

As the number of cases of Covid-19 - the coronavirus that's spreading across the world - continues to increase, the advice on travelling to certain regions of the world is changing.

Nearly 116,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, with over 4,000 people dying as a result of the outbreak.

The virus now affects over 100 countries and territories worldwide, and rounding up all of the travel advice for each of them would be counter-intuitive.

So, here is the official travel advice for some of the more popular destinations most affected by Covid-19:

China

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, but cases have been confirmed in all provinces of China.

On 23 January the Wuhan authorities closed all transport hubs including airports, railway and bus stations. Some shops and amenities are closed; public events have been cancelled and Chinese authorities have advised the public to avoid crowds.

Travel restrictions are in place across Hubei Province. Due to the severity of travel restrictions and difficulty accessing medical assistance, the FCO assisted the departure of British nationals and dependents via charter flights on 31 January and 9 February.

The Chinese authorities are focused on tackling the impact of the virus and continue to impose various control and quarantine measures across the country:

Temperature checks are in place at transport hubs, hotels, commercial buildings including restaurants, and other locations. There is extensive screening of arrivals in some airports, including Shanghai, with reports of processes in some cases taking many hours, including planes being held on the tarmac for lengthy periods before passengers are allowed to disembark.Some restrictions are in place on entering and leaving residential compounds, including temperature checks and restrictions on access for non-residentsThere are quarantine arrangements for travel between different parts of the country. Beijing requires those returning to the municipality to undergo 14 days of isolation in their place of residence or in group observation. Quarantine is enforced at the neighbourhood level, and procedures vary across neighbourhoodsForeign nationals arriving in China from overseas will be asked to register their residence, and may be required to undergo 14 days of isolation. Local authorities in Beijing, Shanghai and in Guangdong province have announced 14 days of mandatory quarantine for people who have visited or transited Italy, Iran, Japan and the Republic of Korea before arriving in China (Shanghai and Guangdong have specified this will be effective for anyone visiting these countries up to 14 days prior to arrival in China). The number of provinces and cities implementing such restrictions is likely to increase and may also apply to arrivals from further countries. There have been reports of British and other foreign nationals being put under compulsory quarantine or home isolation in Beijing and other locations across China, including following arrival from other destinations beyond those specified above. Before you travel, check with your travel operator or hotel for any changes or restrictionsThere are tight controls on entry and exit to villages and townships across the country, and varying degrees of restriction on movement within every province, and individual cities and municipalitiesSome businesses and many tourist attractions have closed. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has suspended all tour group companies’ activities to prevent further virus spread.

Medical facilities across the country may come under significant pressure. Some are not accepting patients and others have long queues.

A large number of airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have announced a suspension of flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder to access departure options over the coming weeks.

The possibility that local authorities impose mandatory quarantine in response to fresh outbreaks is high. You should keep up to date with the latest developments and this travel advice.

If you’re in China, Public Health England advise that you should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.

If you’re returning to the UK from China, consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care.

Further information on coronavirus, including advice on preparing for foreign travel and helping reduce the spread of the virus, is available on the TravelHealthPro website. Keep up to date with local health advice and comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.

You can find more information about cases in China on the TravelHealthPro country page.

Italy

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Italy, due to an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) and in line with various controls and restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities on 9 March.

British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction. Airports remain open throughout Italy. However, airline schedules are subject to change and some flights are being cancelled. Travellers are advised to check flight details with airlines.

Additional restrictions include the closure of museums, cultural institutions and the suspension of all public gatherings and sporting events. Religious ceremonies and funerals are suspended. Ski facilities are closed. Childcare facilities, schools and universities are closed until 3 April. Restaurants and bars remain open with restricted hours and reduced seating.

If you’re returning to the UK from Italy, consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on actions to take.

You can find more information on measures on the Ministry of Health website (in Italian).

Call Italy’s 112 emergency number if you believe you have symptoms. English speaking operators are available.

You can find more information about cases in Italy on the TravelHealthPro country page.

Iran

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus originated in China, but cases have been confirmed in several other countries, including Iran, where there have been a number of fatalities.

Some health measures have been put in place in parts of Iran, including temporary closures of schools, universities and public events. Some airlines are no longer flying in and out of Iran and many neighbouring countries have closed their borders or started monitoring travellers from Iran.

There may be further measures introduced at short notice. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities, and keep up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans.

If you’re returning to the UK from Iran, consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on actions you should take. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be at heightened risk.

Further information on coronavirus, including advice on preparing for foreign travel and helping reduce the spread of respiratory diseases, is available from Public Health England and on the TravelHealthPro website.

You can find more information about cases in Iran on the TravelHealthPro country page.

South Korea

The FCO advise against all travel to the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan.

The Government of South Korea has designated the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan as “special care zones” following a high number of cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in these areas. Medical services in these areas are under pressure and you may experience delays in receiving treatment should you become ill.

If you’re already in Daegu, Cheongdo or Gyeongsan, follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities and pay particular regard to virus control testing and measures.

For British nationals in all affected areas, Public Health England advise that you should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.

While the majority of new and existing cases are within the designated “special care zones”, the number of cases elsewhere in South Korea also continues to rise. You should exercise caution throughout the country, follow the advice of local authorities, and continue to comply with any additional screening measures put in place.

Further advice and details on confirmed cases can be found on the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare website in English and Korean. South Korea’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) also provides daily updates in English and in Korean.

If you’re returning to the UK from South Korea, consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on actions to take.

Further advice on coronavirus is also available from Public Health England and on the TravelHealthPro website.

Spain

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, but cases have been confirmed in other countries, including Spain. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. For more information from the Spanish authorities, see the Spanish Ministry of Health website.

The Spanish authorities are dealing with confirmed cases of coronavirus in the H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel in Tenerife. If you’re in this hotel, you should follow the advice of the local authorities. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Further information on coronavirus, including advice on preparing for foreign travel and helping reduce the spread of the virus, is available from Public Health England and on the TravelHealthPro website.

You can find more information about cases in Spain on the TravelHealthPro country page.

France

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus originated in China, but cases have been confirmed in other countries, including France