South Africa has been added to the UK's red lists after a new variant of Covid has been detected in the country.
It's one of six countries to have been added, the others being Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini.
This means that any Brits returning to the UK from these six countries will be required to stay in a quarantine hotel for 10 days, which includes costs of up to £2,285 for an adult.
Earlier this month the last 47 countries on the red list had been removed, which meant that you could visit countries open to Brits and return with no need for quarantine (although there are other entry rules in the UK which can include self-isolation and PCR tests, depending on your vaccination status).
It meant that people could return to South Africa to visit family and friends, not to mention it came as welcome news to the travel industry with South Africa being a popular destination for winter sun holidays.
So, what does the red list news mean if you have a trip booked?
If you booked flights and a hotel separately
The Foreign Office has implemented a flight ban until 4am on Sunday November 28. If you had a flight booked, it's going to be cancelled, meaning you are entitled to a full refund. You may be offered alternatives such as rebooking or vouchers which you can accept if you'd prefer, but you are entitled to the refund.
If your flight is after 4am on Sunday, your flight is still likely to be cancelled. However, if the airline chooses not to cancel the flight, you won't automatically be entitled to a refund. Instead, you may need to compromise and rebook, or accept vouchers.
Most airlines offer a no-fee amends policy - check with your airline.
As for your accommodation, if you booked a hotel whether you receive a refund will depend on the booking policy. Check your policy - you may need to compromise such as rebooking or accepting credit for a future stay.
Make sure to also check your travel insurance documents, in case you can claim for your flights and accommodation because the Foreign Office advises against travel.
If you booked a package holiday
Most travel firms won't operate holidays to destinations when the Foreign Office advises against travel - which is the case for the six red list countries. If the operator cancels your holiday you will be entitled to a refund, although you may also be offered a rebooking or vouchers. You're entitled to choose the option that best suits you.
What if I want to travel anyway?
The Foreign Office is advising against travel to South Africa and the other five countries on the red list, so your travel insurance will be invalidated. Travelling against this advice is a huge risk, especially if something goes wrong while you're abroad. You'll also have to stay in a quarantine hotel when you return to the UK, which includes fronting the cost yourself.
What if I'm already on a trip in one of the red list countries?
The Foreign Office says: "If you have been in any of these countries and arrive in England between midday on Friday 26 November and 4am Sunday 28 November, you must quarantine at home or at alternative appropriate accommodation.
"On arrival in the UK you must go immediately to a place where you can quarantine for 10 days, or the duration of your stay in the UK, whichever is shorter.
"Quarantine applies to you and your household, or whoever you are staying with.
"NHS Test and Trace services will contact you to issue your free COVID-19 PCR tests to be taken on day 2 and day 8."
Speak to your airline or travel operator, who should be able to help regarding getting you home. Arrivals in the UK after 4am on Sunday will be required to stay in a quarantine hotel.
You can find out more in the Foreign Office's South Africa travel advice.
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