Morocco will ban visitors from the UK and Germany, amid an increase in coronavirus cases across these three countries. The new travel ban will be in effect from midnight tonight until further notice.
According to Oxford's Our World In Data, the UK has about 50,000 new cases of COVID-19 each day. This is why the travel ban was implemented. The UK has a higher infection rate than Morocco, which records an average of 473 new cases per day.
Morocco is recording much lower coronavirus case numbers than the UK, Germany and the Netherlands Dinozzzaver/Shutterstock
The travel ban's timing coincides with peak season for UK holidaymakers. Morocco is a popular destination for families and winter sun seekers. The ban was issued less than a week before half-term break schools in the UK.
Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national carrier, announced on Twitter that passengers would be able to change flights from the UK and Germany without any charges to the same destination. This was before December 15. According to the BBC, Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways have cancelled flights from the UK towards Morocco. However, these airlines have not yet established guidelines for passengers who are stranded or have upcoming flights to Morocco.
Morocco: A Guide
Morocco welcomes visitors from countries that have a good epidemiological situation. The current classification of countries is based on their COVID-19 risks into A and B-list categories. A-list country travelers, including those from the United States, must present proof of vaccination (Pfizer Moderna, AstraZeneca and Covishield), to be admitted. However, people who are unable to vaccinate, such as children or individuals with severe medical conditions, may present a negative COVID-19 result.
All B-list country travelers must present proof of vaccinations and a negative test. Unvaccinated B-list arrivals must complete a 10-day quarantine in a government-designated hotel and take two COVID-19 tests.
