New Delhi (CNN) — Maldives has banned tourists from South Asia, cutting off an escape route for wealthy Indians fleeing their own country's Covid-19 crisis. The cost of flying to Maldives from India rose sharply in April, as countries began to impose travel bans to and from India. Some individuals paid more than $65,000 for a one-way ticket for a charter flight to Maldives in April, Mehra added. While many other destinations shut their borders, the Maldives chose to fully reopen to travelers from any country in July 2020. But a handful countries in the region have been relatively unscathed by India's second wave -- and remain open for visitors.

Source: CNN May 14, 2021 01:30 UTC