Stranded tourist’s critical of Federal Government’s ‘chaotic’ repatriation effort

A Tasmanian couple who have spent three weeks in lockdown in Peru are finally set to return home – and they are less than impressed at the Federal Government’s repatriation efforts.

A TASMANIAN couple stuck in Peru amid the coronavirus pandemic are set to return home this week after special flights were organised to rescue stranded travellers, but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Greg French and his wife Frances Latham had been holidaying in South America when their overseas adventure turned into an ordeal.

Mr French said they had been travelling in Argentina for four weeks and arrived in Peru on March 15, just three hours before that country went into lockdown.

They have since been in the town of Ollantaytambo and mostly confined to their hotel room.

The couple rebooked a flight home on April 3, but it was cancelled when Peru extended its lockdown and other South American countries also closed their borders.

Tasmanian author Greg French and his wife Frances Latham have been stranded in Peru for three weeks. Picture: SUPPLIED

Mr French said a recent charter flight by Chimu Adventures to transport Australian travellers home was fully booked by the time they were notified and tickets had cost a prohibitive $5160 each regardless.

However, on Monday, on day 21 of lockdown, the couple received advice about new flights from Peruvian city Cusco to Melbourne via the Chilean capital Santiago.

Mr French said those flights will cost $2550 each — and the couple had to pay immediately or risk missing out.

He said they were expected to be transported from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in the next 24 hours, with the Melbourne-bound flight due to depart as soon as Wednesday, South American time.

Greg French and his wife Frances Latham have been staying at Peru Quechua’s Lodge in Ollantaytambo. Picture: SUPPLIED

Mr French was critical of the Australian Government’s response to the situation, saying other countries had already made decisive efforts to repatriate their citizens.

“This chaotic, expensive repatriation stands in stark contrast to the repatriation provided by other countries to their citizens,” he said.

“You know, even when we get back to Australia, we are faced with two weeks of virtual imprisonment in Melbourne in a government-mandated hotel room. After that, Tasmanians face another two weeks of the same.

“I want to stress that we fully support Peru in acting quickly to ensure the safety of its citizens, and applaud the way Peru is assisting international governments to repatriate foreign nationals.”

The couple are among several Tasmanians who remain stuck in South America during the global coronavirus crisis.

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Demand for the flights is expected to outstrip the number of seats available after more than 400 Australians registered with the consulate to get on the next plane home.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has signalled another flight would be arranged in coming days.

“Australians in Peru will be able to book for an Australian Government-facilitated commercial flight to Australia this Wednesday out of Lima, Cusco & Iquitos,” she tweeted on Monday.

Australia’s ambassador to Peru and Bolivia Diana Nelson said she was delighted to confirm the flights.

“Working hard to get you home,” she tweeted.

— with AAP