Iceland's rising infection rate now exceeds the UK's quarantine threshold figure, with a seven-day case rate of 40.3 per 100,000 population. The number has more than doubled overnight, from 19.3.
The country now far surpasses the UK's threshold of 20 cases per 100,000 – beyond which, quarantine restrictions are usually triggered.
Meanwhile, infection numbers in other 'travel corridor' destinations continue to climb. Greece, whose mainland is currently on the 'safe list' for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has reported 18.1 cases per 100,000 population over the last seven days.
According to data gathered by the PC Agency, Italy and Sweden – which also have travel corridor status – recorded rates of 17 and 16.4 respectively last week. Cases in Denmark, which remains on the safe list despite breaking the threshold a fortnight ago, have reached 45.3.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to update the UK's travel corridor list this Thursday.
Scroll down for more of today's breaking travel news.
03:15 PM
That's a wrap
Thankyou for following today's live travel news. Here's a quick recap before we sign off for the evening:
Iceland's infection rate is now double the UK's quarantine threshold
5,000 travel companies have appealed for airport testing
Thomas Cook fails to commit to 14-day refund policy
1,000 jobs at risk across Butlins holiday camps
Blackpool beach slammed for no social distancing
Scroll down for more on these stories, plus many others. We'll see you back on the live blog tomorrow.
03:01 PM
The best places to holiday in quarantine-free Sweden
It really is a strange and unsettling year when Sweden is not regarded as a paragon of fresh air, clean living and gentle beauty, writes Chris Leadbeater. But 2020 has been no one’s idea of normal, and even this idyllic piece of Scandinavia has not been immune to Covid’s death grip. Anything but.
In fact, Sweden has spent much of the summer as a case study in high infection, cast out on its own as a viral hotspot. But as August progressed, so did the country’s health; to the extent that while much of Europe has been moving in the opposite direction, last week saw it removed from the UK’s tally of destinations where quarantine is required on return.
In Sweden, self isolation comes naturally - Getty
An example of perfect timing? Absolutely. Far from being the end of the holiday season, September is an ideal month to look north. There is still enough light in the sky for a road-trip or cycling tour – but if you would prefer an autumn city break, or a winter trip in search of icy scenery and the northern lights, these too can be on the agenda.
Safari hotspot opens borders at last –but not for tourists
Zambia has reopened its borders and recommenced international flights after months of lockdown.
However, no tourism visas will be issued, the US Embassy in capital Lusaka has warned. Popular for its safari holidays and spectacular Victoria Falls, Zambia is open only to returning residents.
Zambia is a world-renowned safari destination - Getty Victoria Falls – one of the world's largest waterfalls – is located at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe - Getty
Across the continent, more African nations are gradually opening up to tourism. South Africa has announced it will welcome tourists from October 1 – but has not yet said which nations will be on its 'green list'.
Namibia, too, has recommenced international flights, but travellers must quarantine on arrival for seven days.
02:18 PM
Sun, sand and (no) social distancing
Beaches across Britain have been busy with day trippers and tourists this weekend, as the summer weather takes one final bow.
However, crowds in Blackpool have been slammed on social media for not adhering to social distancing guidelines. The seaside town is exempt from the new lockdown restrictions which apply to most of north-west England:
Im told this was Blackpool last night 19/09/20, Blackpool has been excluded from the new Lancashire #lockdownUK restrictions. I must have missed the SAGE document stating Blackpool is immune to #Covid19UKpic.twitter.com/SksdFKYB1z
One daytripper told the BBC she had "never seen [the town] that busy before".
"It was heaving, hardly anyone was wearing masks or social distancing. It was shocking," she said.
Other coastal areas have been busy too – particularly beaches in Brighton and Dorset:
Beachgoers in Brighton this afternoon - Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire The busy beachfront at Boscombe, Dorset - Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
01:50 PM
Madrid braces for partial lockdown amid protests
From tomorrow, nearly one million Madrid residents will face a second lockdown as Spanish authorities seek to stem the spread of Covid-19 in the city.
The restrictions on socialising and entertainment venues – which include a 10pm curfew for hospitality businesses – will affect 850,000 people living mainly in the densely-populated, low-income neighbourhoods in the south of the capital.
When the partial lockdown commences, the local population will only be allowed to leave the zone to go to work, seek medical care or take their children to school - Getty Hundreds of protesters have demonstrated in Madrid today - Getty
Like many countries in Europe, Spain is battling a coronavirus surge – and, once again, Madrid is the worst-hit region.
This weekend, protesters have taken to the streets of Madrid, calling for better health services in the city's deprived areas. According to Reuters, around 600 people demonstrated in the southern district of Vallecas, which has one of the highest infection rates in the Spanish capital.
01:35 PM
1,000 jobs at risk across Butlins holiday camps
Butlins has warned that 1,000 jobs are at risk as the Government’s furlough scheme comes to an end.
In a memo sent to staff, company bosses suggested that employees should take any remaining annual leave – or take unpaid leave if their allowance has already been used, the BBC reports.
A company spokesperson said that no decision has yet been made regarding potential cuts: "Since we reopened Butlin's we've worked hard to bring back as many of our team as possible whilst ensuring we're safe and secure.
"There has been no decision made regarding our team who are still furloughed."
Butlins is currently operating at 50 per cent capacity, one of the thousands of British tourism businesses facing a very bleak winter indeed.
01:28 PM
'A second national lockdown would be a real challenge for us'
Cat Jones, founder of flight-free travel platform Byway, has just started picking up traction with her business which launched in April.
Asked what the impact of a second national lockdown could be, she replied, "A second national lockdown restricting non-essential travel would be a real short-term challenge for us [...] since obviously we'd be looking at moving/cancelling a slew of future bookings as well as seeing a period of minimal revenue. Also for our partners - independent accommodation hosts/bnbs across the country who've already been hit hard by the first. Much of the travel we put together away from the beaten track, and our vision is that Byway will open up a vibrant ecosystem flourishing away from the current tourist hubs. Obviously a second lockdown would shake that nascent ecosystem terribly, where green shoots are just emerging due to changed consumer behaviour and attitudes following the first. "
However, she is hopeful that her unique position will allow them to ride it out whatever happens: "Unlike many pre-existing companies faced with Covid, I knew about the Covid-related revenue risks when I founded Byway and secured our initial funding, so I could design the team and cost base with that in mind. "
01:11 PM
Number of coronavirus cases in Greece, Italy and Turkey remains relatively stable
Raymond Blanc has reopened Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire
Mark C. O'Flaherty checks in and finds that Le Manoir is a survivor on numerous scores: It received two Michelin stars when it opened in 1984, and has kept them ever since. The 15th-century manor is a landmark of modern gastronomy, from the orchards and greenhouses to the cookery school.
Raymond Blanc's 15th-century, honey-coloured Oxfordshire manor house is a temple to fine dining
As you walk through the gardens full of towering purple artichoke thistles, past throngs of bees feasting on lavishly arranged graphic beds of lavender, there’s a feeling of perpetual summer. A Frenchman has created one of the most beautiful country gardens in England. Sitting on the terrace, drinking a Lost Orchard cocktail with amaretto and calvados, garnished with meticulously sliced apple, is transporting.
The 24 countries you can (feasibly) visit right now
Many of the countries on the green list (including Thailand and Singapore) are not yet welcoming UK tourists. So where can you go?
In all, there are now 12 places on the travel corridor list that have no restrictions on UK arrivals, and a further 12 with limited restrictions that make holiday feasible.
Israeli police and soldiers question drivers entering Tel Aviv, after the country tightened its lockdown again yesterday - Getty Queuing for Covis-19 tests in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India - Getty Shopping for groceries at New York's Union Square Greenmarket - Getty
11:48 AM
Restriction-free travel between New Zealand and Australia unlikely 'before March 2021'
The Chief Executive of Air New Zealand has warned that a 'trans-Tasman' travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia will not be possible until March 2021 – at the earliest.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Greg Foran said: "I certainly do not believe we will see any [restriction-free travel] this calendar year. It's hard to believe it would be before March next year and could well be longer.
"If it comes back quicker, we're going to pop some champagne."
New Zealand's borders are currently closed to almost all international travellers - Getty
The idea of a travel bubble – where two or more countries agree to restriction-free travel for residents – was hailed as the 'saviour of tourism' at the start of the pandemic. But, as The Telegraph'sTom Mulvihill found, the implementation has proved far from straight-forward.
11:22 AM
Russia's new Covid-19 cases above 6,000 for second day in a row
Russia has reported 6,148 new coronavirus cases, the second straight day when the daily number of cases exceeded 6,000 – taking the national tally of infections to 1,103,399.
Cases continue to surge in the Czech Republic, too: yesterday, its number of confirmed infections rose to 48,306 in the country of 10.7 million people. The country has been reporting new cases of the infection at one of Europe's fastest paces in recent weeks, and authorities have returned to some of the measures used in spring when the pandemic first reached the country.
11:17 AM
Why quarantine restrictions aren't everything they seem
Britain's list of travel corridor destinations has dominated the news ever since we reopened our borders for tourism – and the outlook changes every day. Today, Iceland's rising caseload has pushed it over the UK's quarantine threshold; Greece and Italy, too, appear to be on shaky ground.
However, focusing on the quarantine requirement for returning holidaymakers only covers one side of the story. If the FDCO removes a destination from its travel corridor, it also officially advises against all non-essential travel there. A holiday is not considered essential.
So, if you decide to travel regardless of the FCDO's advice, your travel insurance will likely be rendered invalid. You will need to quarantine for 14 days when you return to the UK, yes – but your problems may start while you're away: if you become ill or experience disruption on your trip, you may need to foot the bill yourself.
But there is (a glimmer of) hope. Emma Beaumont explains how to get insurance cover for a destination or holiday style if the FCDO currently advises against it.
10:53 AM
Oktoberfest celebrations start in Germany
This weekend should have seen thousands of holidaymakers flocking to Oktoberfest, in Munich – the annual celebration of all-things beer and bratwurst.
While the official events have long been cancelled, some private pubs are holding their own festivities – known as WirtshausWiesn, or ‘pub Oktoberfest’.
Police kept a close eye on revellers in Munich yesterday - Getty Any celebrations have been strictly outdoors - Getty
10:41 AM
Thomas Cook fails to commit to 14-day refund policy
Following an investigation by Which?, the travel agent told the consumer watchdog that while it was aiming for 14-day refunds – as required by the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 – it "cannot guarantee it in cases of large cancellations."
Which? reported that Thomas Cook said it would "try to stick to 14 days, but that refunds could take longer".
10:23 AM
'It’s time to shut out anxiety and say ‘yes’ to opportunities while we can'
"The moment we got on the train, we knew that we had made the right choice. We were only going a few miles down the tracks, but lockdown has made us all a bit reticent, so even small journeys can now feel like an adventure..."
As 2020 continues to make a mockery of any long-term plans, Telegraph Travel columnist Ashwin Bhardwaj findsthe joy in the tiniest bit of adventure– and even a little room for spontaneity, too.
10:06 AM
Greece Covid-19 figures on the rise, as country reels from 'medicane' deaths
Hurricane-like storms have lashed central Greece over the weekend, resulting in two deaths and mass evacuations in regions north of Athens.
Hundreds of people were rescued from flooded buildings as heavy rain and high winds wrecked homes, shops and warehouses. Two people were found dead and another person was missing on Saturday – while emergency teams searched for a boat carrying 55 migrants after receiving a distress signal.
The storm – known as a 'medicane' for its hurricane-like ferocity – has now travelled southwards towards Crete.
Meanwhile, the country's rising cases of Covid-19 are also causing concerns. Yesterday, authorities reported 18.6 cases per 100,000 population, and an overall rise on weekly figures (see graph below).
The UK has placed restrictions on travel to some Greek islands, but the mainland is currently restriction-free for holidaymakers from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
09:51 AM
Italy, Spain & Portugal: latest figures
As of yesterday, Italy is reporting a seven-day case rate of 16.7 infections per 100,000 population:
In Spain, that figure is 157.7 per 100,000:
Portugal, meanwhile, is experiencing 42.4 cases per 100,000:
09:26 AM
Daily infections surpass 13,000 in France
Coronavirus infections continue to surge in France, with nearly 13,500 new cases recorded over the past 24 hours.
It was the second day in a row that new cases in France were above 13,000. Its seven-day infection rate is currently 97.5 infections per 100,000 population – more than double that of the UK.
In Paris, the Prefecture de Police warned in a tweet yesterday that there will be no more tolerance for bars and restaurants where rules to counter the virus are not respected, like standing at counters or failing to respect social distancing.
Parisians and tourists watch members watch the ongoing reconstruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral yesterday - Getty
09:15 AM
Iceland cases on the rise
Throughout the pandemic, Iceland has been hailed as a country that's got its act together. In June, it reopened to tourism, and has applied a strict nationwide approach to testing – with all travellers required to isolate for 14 days on arrival, or take two Covid-19 tests on days one and five/six of their visits.
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions, has remained quiet throughout the pandemic - Getty Reykjavik, the capital, is also devoid of crowds - Getty
The strategy has seemed to work, with tourists trickling into the country slowly but surely. Departures of foreign passengers from Iceland via Keflavik airport numbered around 45,000 in July, according to figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board – although that number pales in comparison to the quarter of a million who passed through in July 2019.
Now, however, Iceland's infection rate is creeping up: today, the country reported a staggering 40.6 infections per 100,000 population. The figure could well see Iceland being added to the FCO's 'no-go' list this Thursday.
08:52 AM
Quarantine figures: latest update
Yesterday, countries around the world released their infection rates from the previous week – with Iceland and Greece reporting figures close to the UK's quarantine threshold.
This morning, we'll be looking into the status of key holiday destinations across the world, but first let's take a quick look at the headline statistics, courtesy of Paul Charles of the PC Agency:
Airlines slash fares to tempt winter holiday seekers
Eager travellers will be rewarded with record low airfares this winter with prices to sunny destinations falling by 92 per cent in some cases compared with pre-pandemic levels.
Those who missed their summer break can look forward to the colder months for a holiday, with prices starting at £14 for destinations in Europe.
Yesterday, British Airways launched a four-day sale – offering flights to Italy for just £35 - Getty
A return flight from London to Morocco this December currently costs just £15, a 92 per cent discount from the average £192 it cost in the same month over the past two years, according to Skyscanner, a flight-comparison website.
An alliance of more than 5,000 travel and tourism companies across Europe have issued an unprecedented appeal for the introduction of airport testing to replace quarantine.
An open letter sent to the European Commission calls for a testing regime to help save the jobs of 27 million people who work in the industry.
The Telegraph, too, has launched the Test4Travel campaign, urging the UK Government to green-light testing at airports and ports to allow quarantine-free travel in time for Christmas.
The appeal comes as figures reveal that passenger traffic across Europe during September dipped to a new low, raising questions about the industry's long-term recovery. Airline chiefs forecast that flying will not return to pre-Covid levels for up to five years.
Israel’s strike on Iran on Friday morning will not come as a surprise to Western observers – but it will cause great concern in Washington and London as the region tips closer towards an all-out war.
Israel’s presumed counterstrike against Iran has proved Joe Biden and David Cameron wrong in their insistence that Israel should just “take the win”. Instead, it fought back – and yesterday Iran was trying to pretend that nothing had happened.
While Western eyes are fixed on Tehran and Tel Aviv, Ukraine’s frontlines are showing clear signs of crumbling. There is a very real possibility they could crumble this summer if we do not throw the kitchen sink at Russia. Even if we do, it may already be too late for the weapons and munitions long promised by the West to save the day.
Aston Villa booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals in dramatic fashion by winning a drama-filled penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez received his second yellow card but was not sent off.
All but a small handful of Manchester City players and staff had already retired to the dressing room, dazed and doubtless a little confused about what had just unfolded, by the time Bernardo Silva started his slow trudge off the pitch.
A 39-year-old Singaporean woman was found dead with multiple stab wounds after going missing in Spain, and a Singaporean man has been arrested. Read on.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached new heights as Tehran repeats its warnings that a response to its own missile attack could be lethal for the region
Jürgen Klopp said Liverpool squandered their Europa League chances at Anfield and insisted Mohamed Salah’s wastefulness was not the cause of their exit
For only the eighth time in the past quarter of a century, England finds itself without a single representative in the last four of the Champions League. That feels, in the immediate aftermath of this soul-sapping defeat for Manchester City, like an unvarnished travesty.
