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Travelling near volcanoes: how to prepare? Masks, insurance, cancelled flights

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Trip registration, masks, insurance, cancelled flights. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

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Iceland, Italy, the Canary Islands and Greece are popular destinations with active volcanoes. An eruption can close airports and roads for days.

Good preparation saves stress and money.

Before you go

  1. Register your trip with your foreign ministry if it offers this.
  2. Check the travel advice for the country.
  3. Take out travel insurance that covers medical costs and repatriation.

What to pack

  1. FFP2 or FFP3 masks for the whole family.
  2. Glasses instead of contact lenses.
  3. Regular medicines for a few days longer than the trip.
  4. A torch and a power bank.

If your flight is cancelled

  1. Airlines in the EU must give you meals and accommodation until you can fly.
  2. Keep receipts and confirmations.
  3. Compensation is usually not due for volcanic ash, but care is.

Checklist

  1. Trip registered
  2. Travel insurance
  3. FFP2 masks in the luggage
  4. Spare medicines
  5. Embassy number on the phone

See also

Frequently asked questions

Do I get compensation if a volcano cancels my flight?

Usually not, because it is an extraordinary circumstance. But in the EU the airline must give you meals and accommodation.

Which mask protects against volcanic ash?

A well-fitting FFP2 or FFP3 mask.

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Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.