From 04:00 am on 15 August, travellers entering the UK from any of these countries will have to self-isolate for 14 days, including British nationals returning from holiday from these countries.

The removal of these nations from the list of safe countries brings the number of travel corridor countries down to 71. In a press release, the government stated that reported Covid-19 cases in these countries was on the rise, with a 66-per-cent increase reported in France and 52-per-cent in the Netherlands.

UK travel insurer Insurefor.com is critical of the UK’s move. Antony Martin, Managing Director, commented: “The latest UK Government announcement regarding the removal of France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos and Aruba from the travel corridors list will once again knock consumer confidence and we are looking to evolve our travel insurance products in the event that the government imposes further quarantine requirements for UK travellers visiting other destinations.

Our policy does not cover the 14-day quarantine imposed by the UK Government, but we would change the policy to another date free of charge or provide a refund if booked within 14 days.”

Tommy Lloyd, Managing Director of travel comparison website Medical Travel Compared, added: “I have always said how important it is to buy travel insurance at the time of booking and this horrendous situation is a good example of why this is an absolute necessity. Travel insurance is a hugely important part of a holiday and is often overlooked or an afterthought. When people buy a car, they immediately buy insurance – the same should go for a holiday.”