Boris Johnson urges ‘patience’ over travel restrictions

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The Maldives has been on the red list since international travel resumed in May. It is likely devastating news for hopeful holidaymakers, with the nation proving a popular destination throughout 2020.

Though the Government is due to issue the next traffic light update on or around August 25, 2021, there is no confirmation as to whether or not the Maldives will be moved from the red list.

The Government’s Global Travel Taskforce is categorising countries based on a number of key factors.

These include the rate of coronavirus infections in the country, the percentage of the population vaccinated, and the risk of variants.

If a country is deemed “safe” based on these main factors, they are more likely to be placed on the amber or green list for travel.

What is the situation like in the Maldives at the moment?

The Maldives has seen a drop in coronavirus cases since its mid-July spike.

As of August 12, in the previous 14 days, the nation has recorded 1,606 new cases of coronavirus.

Though the figure is low compared to the UK, the Maldives is a small nation of just over half a million people.

Its vaccination rollout, though not as progressive as the UK, is still pushing ahead.

About 645,008 doses of COVID vaccines have been administered so far in the country, according to Reuters.

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What are the current travel rules for the Maldives?

Currently, travel between the Maldives and the UK is largely banned.

Only essential travel is permitted to British and Irish citizens and residents.

Flights from the Maldives are only permitted to fly into two designated airports – Birmingham and Heathrow.

From there, arrivals must quarantine in a Government approved hotel at their own expense.

This self-isolation period lasts for 10 days (11 nights) and costs £2,285 for one adult in one room.

An additional adult or child over the age of 11 costs £1,430.

The cost for an accompanying child aged between five years old and 11 is £325.

Arrivals must undergo testing during this time.

See the latest Covid vaccine stats below and visit InYourArea for all the Covid vaccine latest

What would happen if the Maldives went onto the amber list?

If the Maldives went onto the amber list, fully vaccinated travellers would be able to enter the UK without quarantine.

They would, however, still be required to take a pre-departure Covid test and a further test on day two of their arrival.

Unvaccinated travellers would be subject to 10 days of self-isolation at home, as well as a further test on day eight of their quarantine period.

Currently, the Maldives is allowing UK tourists to enter without quarantine.

All non-tourist arrivals must provide either evidence of being fully vaccinated or a negative PCR test.

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