Advice for travellers affected by Hurricane Irma

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Hurricane Irma has hit land and is causing widespread disruption across the Caribbean and beyond. Here’s the latest advice for travellers affected by the storm. 

Hurricane Irma: what do we know so far?

On Wednesday morning (6th September), Hurricane Irma was upgraded to a Category 5 storm and declared the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic. Irma is so big that it would cover the whole of the UK and Ireland. With winds of up to 185mph and torrential rainfall lashing the Caribbean, the US National Hurricane Center has warned of “potentially catastrophic” impacts.

Advice for British and Irish nationals travelling west

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office is providing regular updates on the situation regarding travel to the countries affected by Hurricane Irma. British nationals should check the latest advice here (or use the links for the specific countries below). Irish residents can get the latest updates from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade here.

Hurricane Irma has already hit St Martin and Puerto Rico. The storm is also forecast to reach:

• British Virgin Islands

• US Virgin Islands

• The Bahamas

Also at risk are:

• The Dominican Republic 

• Haiti

• Turks & Caicos Islands

• Cuba

• Jamaica

• Florida

If you are yet to travel, consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, your travel operator and/or your flight operator for the latest travel advice.

If you are already on holiday in one of the countries affected by Hurricane Irma and need assistance, British nationals can find their nearest British Embassy here.

Advice for World First customers

The travel insurance industry does not cover extreme weather events that have already started before you leave home. For that reason World First cannot cover claims related to cancellation or curtailment relating to Hurricane Irma.

However, we may be able to cover additional travel or accommodation costs incurred as a result of disruption due to Hurricane Irma. We may also be able to cover you for the costs of returning home from your holiday for medical reasons if you have been unable to arrange alternatives to your existing plans.

Need to contact us?

For emergency assistance please call:

+44 (0) 203 829 6745

For non-urgent queries please call:

+44 (0) 203 829 6761

For claims please call:

+ 44 (0) 203 829 6761

Advice for travellers affected by Hurricane Irma | World First Travel Insurance Blog