Maldives removed from UK’s travel red list following it most recent review

Maldives has been removed from the United Kingdom’s travel red list – in its most recent review.

Maldives was added to the list subsequent to the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country back in May. Subsequently, those traveling to the UK from the Maldives will have to undergo a quarantine period of 10-days upon their arrival.

Being removed from the red list means that quarantine would no longer be mandatory for those travelling to the UK from the Maldives.

UK’s Transport Ministry’s Secretary Grant Shapps said that starting from September 22, those travelling to the UK from eight countries to include Maldives, Pakistan, Turkey and Sri Lanka – will not have to undergo a quarantine period upon their arrival to the country.

Further easements have also been given to travelers from the UK. In this regard, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer have to do a PCR test prior to their departure from UK starting from October 4 – subject to that it is to a country that penned down in the travel green list.

Grant Shapps also stated that additional easements to travel restrictions will be announced soon – which will also be implemented starting from October 4.

The removal of Maldives from the UK’s red list comes after Ambassador to the UK from the Maldives, Dr. Farhanaz Faisal, has repeatedly raised concerns over UK’s decision to leave Maldives on the red list on social media.

UK is traditionally one of the top tourist markets to the Maldives.