World Nomads offers support and guidance to Brits with Iceland travel plans

A state of emergency has been declared in Iceland after hundreds of small earthquakes erupted southwest of Reykjavik, on the Reykjanes peninsula.

While flights continue to operate as normal, the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned an eruption is ‘increasingly possible’, advising travellers to ‘monitor local media for updates and follow authorities’ advice on travel to the area’. 

Jonathan Frankham, General Manager, UK and Europe, World Nomads, said: “Iceland is full of natural beauty, but it is also full of natural hazards, which are perhaps its number one draw card. For Brits travelling to or around Iceland, we’d strongly recommend keeping up to date with the FCO advisories and be prepared to adjust your plans. At present, the advice remains cautionary, and travel continues as normal.” 

Iceland’s volcanoes have thrown the European air traffic network into chaos before. In spring 2010, the now infamous volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted, causing over 100,000 flights in Europe to be cancelled. 

“It’s understandable that that some Brits may want to know what this means for their holiday plans – some may not want to or fear they’ll be unable travel if the situation escalates. We’d like to stress that if the current FCO guidance remains advisory, insurance coverage stands as normal,” said Frankham.  

“However, if a natural catastrophe such as an earthquake, flood or volcano affects your travel plans and/or injures [you], you must check your policy details. For example, at World Nomads, you need to have purchased your policy before these powerful forces of nature become a ‘known event’ and be on an Explorer Plan for us to consider coverage. In any case, the first point of call should be your airline or travel provider to see what support they may provide. The same goes if your accommodation is impacted.” 

This is an ongoing and developing story