Bail volcano travel advice: What will happen if Mount Agung volcano erupts?

If it's anything like the 1963 eruption, there is likely to be widespread destruction to nearby property, however, given the aforementioned preparations, the human cost is likely to be much lower.

Volcano eruptions can cause widespread disruption beyond the crater. When Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in 2010, more than 100,000 flights were grounded in Europe due to fears that the ash could get into plane engines. It was the largest air-traffic shut down since the Second World War.

It's too early to tell if a similar situation could play out in Asia, but if it does it could have a major impact on international flights. Airlines are monitoring the situation, but are still flying as usual.

Will this affect my holiday?

Bali's main resorts do not fall into the exclusion zone that currently surrounds the volcano. Airlines are still flying to the island and tour operators are still sending holidaymakers there. However, visitors will find their movements restricted around the volcano.

Can I cancel my holiday?

Yes, but don't expect a refund. Unless the Smarttraveller advises against travelling to the island – which it currently doesn't – tour operators are not obliged to offer refunds or arrange an alternative holiday. For now, it's business as usual.

What if it erupts when I'm there?

Travellers are advised to follow the advice of the local authorities. "Local authorities have temporarily suspended all outdoor activities and evacuated residents in proximity to the crater. "

"Monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local authorities. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country."

If Mount Agung erupts and leaves you stranded on the island, the options available to you will depend largely on how you booked your holiday. If you booked through a tour operator that operator will have a duty of care towards you; it would be obliged to get you home by alternative means or look after you.

If you booked your own flight to the island then you would be on your own: in such situations airlines are under no obligation to get passengers home by any other means or compensate them while they're stranded.

What should I do before travelling to Bali?

Check your insurance policy. Some insurance companies don't insure for "acts of God", which often include volcanic eruptions. And those that do may not pay out for natural disasters that were "known events", such as the predicted eruption of Mount Agung.

The Telegraph, London

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