Severe weather can develop quickly and unexpectedly, leading to dangerous situations. If you are planning a trip, it is important to stay informed about the current weather conditions. In some cases, the German Foreign Office may issue a travel warning for a specific destination.

When is a travel warning issued for severe weather?

The German Foreign Office issues a travel warning when there is a specific risk to the safety of travelers due to severe weather. The decision is made based on information from local authorities and the German Weather Service.

Examples of travel warnings for severe weather

In May 2023, the German Foreign Office issued a travel warning for Italy. The reason was severe weather with flooding and landslides in the Emilia-Romagna region. Other examples of travel warnings for severe weather include:

2022: Travel warning for Greece due to wildfires
2021: Travel warning for Turkey due to flooding
2020: Travel warning for the United States due to hurricanes

Can I cancel for free if there is a travel warning for severe weather?

Bad weather alone is not a reason for a free cancellation.

If you have booked a trip and the German Foreign Office issues a travel warning for the destination, you generally have the right to cancel a package holiday for free. Such travel warnings are also issued for severe weather.

You can usually only cancel a self-booked trip (flight, accommodation) if the accommodation is directly affected by the severe weather. The travel warning alone is not enough. What matters is whether the trip is significantly affected by the severe weather. In this case, you may be able to cancel for free. In the case of particularly expensive trips, you should consult a lawyer in such a case.

The legal situation is regulated in Germany by the Civil Code (BGB). § 651h BGB states that the travel organizer must allow the traveler to withdraw from the trip if the trip is significantly made more difficult or endangered as a result of unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances. Severe weather is also included in these circumstances. This also follows from a judgment of the Munich Higher Regional Court from 2012.

Important: The travel warning must have been issued before the start of the trip. If you only learn of the travel warning after the start of the trip, you generally do not have a right to a free cancellation.

However, you can protect yourself against bad weather during your vacation with the Rain Insurance from Wetterheld. This is a special vacation insurance that pays compensation of up to €300 for each rainy vacation day – and that’s from just one hour of rain. More details and a quick online conclusion of the rain insurance can be found here:
https://wetterheld.com/home/vacation?utm_campaign=reisewarnung_unwetter

What to do if a travel warning for severe weather is issued for your destination?

If a travel warning is issued for your destination, you should first contact your travel organizer. They will offer you the option of a free cancellation or rebooking.

If you have booked a self-organized trip, you must take care of a cancellation or rebooking yourself. In this case, you should contact your airline, hotel, or other service providers.

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip, you should stay informed about the current weather conditions. In some cases, the German Foreign Office may issue a travel warning for a specific destination. If you receive a travel warning, you generally have the right to cancel the trip for free.

However, the risk that your vacation will be rainy is quickly and easily insured online – with the Rain Vacation Insurance from Wetterheld:
https://wetterheld.com/home/vacation?utm_campaign=reisewarnung_unwetter