Covid: Travel to the safest holiday destinations

We have compiled a list of possible summer travel destinations with low COVID-19 risks, thus less stringent travel restrictions.

With the government’s announcement of the ‘traffic light’ travel system and the easing of the national lockdown, the likelihood of summer holidays is closer to fruition now more than ever. However, the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic is still far from over.

With that in mind, we at VIVO Clinic have compiled a list of possible vacation destinations. At the time of writing this, these locations posed the least threat of a COVID-19 infection and offer minimal travel restrictions. They have the highest chance of taking a spot on the government’s green list. It is crucial, however, to keep in mind that this may change at any time if evidence surfaces of increasing dangers. Our advice is to stay up-to-date with the government travel regulations.

You can also keep an eye on our travel advice page for real-time updates of travel restrictions and international coronavirus news.

Anguilla

Most islands in the Caribbean have had fewer coronavirus cases compared to the rest of the world. The same holds true for Anguilla. With a small number of inhabitants, the island has seen only 25 cases and zero deaths. Moreover, approximately 65-70% of Anguilla’s population should be fully inoculated by June this year.

Naturally, there are travel restrictions in place that you must follow if you plan on holidaying there, but they are pretty standard ones like RT-PCR tests and quarantine. Then again, Anguilla has introduced ‘dedicated resort bubbles’, where visitors can self-isolate at hotels and enjoy the pool, beach and restaurants. Also, fully vaccinated travellers get a reduced quarantine period of only 7 days.

Barbados

Barbados is another Caribbean island where the vaccine rollout is ongoing and has very low case numbers. Plus, international travel is also open. Last year, when the travel corridor system was in place, this island was one of the few places available to holidaymakers. The hope is that this will be on the government’s green list as soon as leisure travel is allowed.

Again, the travel restrictions to Barbados are the standard ones: quarantine for 7 days and PCR tests.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is one of the first countries in the world to have the majority of its population vaccinated against COVID-19. A whopping 85% of the nation’s adult citizens have received their jabs. Imagine that!

And also, when you take into account the dwindling case numbers, it bodes very well. Gibraltar has already lifted most of its lockdown restrictions: restaurants and bars are in full business, and there’s no limit on how many people can socialize together. 

Obviously, some rules are still in place and likely to stay, like wearing masks. You can read more about the country’s travel rules here.

Greek Islands

Like most of Europe, Greece is also suffering a third wave of COVID-19 infections. However, the islands have far fewer cases, which is likely due to their populations being smaller. It is worth noting that Greece is also one of the few countries to have started using digital vaccine passports to facilitate future travels better.

Currently, the Greek islands like Corfu, Kos and Rhodes see a massive urge to vaccinate their respective populations. The scheme, referred to as Operation Freedom, is attempting to vaccinate the inhabitants of over 60 islands by May. If successful, residents and visitors alike will be safer come summertime.

Check our travel guidelines for Greece.

Iceland

Iceland, already having reopened its borders to vaccinated Britons, is sure to take a spot in the UK’s green list as soon as leisure travels resume.

With fewer cases than most of the world already, the number is dramatically decreasing every day. Iceland’s plans will potentially see a significant fraction of its population inoculated by the end of July.

 The travel restrictions to Iceland are pretty relaxed too.

The Maldives

The Maldives islands are already open to foreign visitors. So, when travel restrictions lift in the UK, there is a solid chance for it to appear on the green list.

COVID-19 cases are fewer, and the island resorts already function in a socially distanced manner. A simple negative RT-PCR test result is sufficient for entry to the Maldives.

Malta

Malta is due to open to foreign visitors from 1 June. As long as you have received your second jab ten days before your arrival in Malta, you will not even have to produce a negative PCR result.

They have had a successful vaccine rollout, and with cases decreasing steadily, they have also begun to lift lockdown restrictions—another favourite for the green list.

Here is an up-to-date guidance for travelling to Malta from the UK.

Mauritius

Another island with a successful vaccine rollout for its inhabitants and falling numbers of COVID-19 cases. It has, in fact, come out of the UK’s red list earlier in the year. Although international flights are currently banned to Mauritius, if its vaccination plans are successful, that can change by the end of June.

Check the current travel status of Mauritius. 

Seychelles

Seychelles has already had fewer cases since the beginning of the pandemic. With an estimated half of its population having received the jab, it is a likely contender for the green list.

The islands are already accepting foreign tourists as long as they can provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel.