The countries have been removed from the list of travel corridors for UK arrivals, following data showing a significant increase in confirmed cases.

According to data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England there has been a consistent increase in Covid-19 cases per 100,000 of the population in Iceland, with data showing a 921% increase in newly reported cases over the past week.

In Slovakia, there has been a consistent increase in the weekly case rate of Covid-19 over the past four weeks, with a 115% increase in weekly cases per 100,000 between 2 and 23 September 2020.

There has also been a 508% increase in newly reported cases per week in Denmark over the past four weeks, and a 481% increase in newly reported cases over seven days per 100,000 between 2 and 23 September 2020 in Curaçao.

At the same time, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice to advise against all but essential travel to Denmark, Iceland, Curaçao and Slovakia.

FCO warnings are important as they are usually the trigger for travel insurance cover. When one is in place, it usually means you can claim for cancellation on your travel insurance if you can’t travel.

If you decide to travel despite an FCO warning, your insurance will normally become invalid.

People currently in Denmark, Iceland, Curaçao and Slovakia are encouraged to follow the local rules and check the FCDO travel advice pages for further information.

The government is urging employers to be understanding of those returning from these destinations who now will need to self-isolate.

Passengers will need to complete a passenger locator form upon arrival into the UK or they face a £100 fine.

Fines for those breaching self-isolation rules or breaking quarantine after international travel start at £1,000 but could increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offences and for the most egregious breaches.