Contradicting information regarding long-term stay cancellation policy

[Daniela-Franca0]

We have a six-month reservation for an apartment in Barcelona starting on 1 April. Unfortunately, we may not be able to fly due to Spain's current travel ban on South Africans. The ban has been extended until 15 March and may be extended again; we will only know in two weeks' time whether we can enter the country. 

On our reservation it says that we must "cancel before 15:00 on 4 March" in order to receive a full refund (minus the first month). That's 28 days before check-in. But when you look at Airbnb's cancellation policy for long-term stays, it says that the guest can cancel anytime before the check-in date and receive a full refund (minus the first month).

Obviously we would appreciate more time to see whether or not we will be able to fly, but we also don't want to miss the cancellation window.

So my question, for experienced hosts and guests alike, is: Should we cancel/change dates before 4 March, or can we wait until closer to our check-in date before making a decision? 

[Helen3]

Either you cancel now or nearer the time and lose the first month of your booking cost, or you wait and you can see if Spain extends the ban and if so, you should be able to get a full refund under their EC policy for Covid @Daniela-Franca0 

Or you can try and claim on your travel insurance if you're unable to travel.

[Sarah977]

@Daniela-Franca0  It would be very rude to leave a cancellation to the last minute and then try to get a full refund, as your booking has been blocking the host's calendar, leaving them no chance to rebook to anyone who can travel to their place.

Airbnbs aren't like hotels where if someone cancels a reservation, someone else is likely to walk through the door looking for a room that same day.

Please keep consideration for your host in mind when making your decision.