Last Updated: October 19, 2020
As of July 15, 2020, the Maldives has reopened its doors to international tourists. Healthy visitors will not need to submit a proof of negative COVID-19 test on arrival.
However, those with symptoms or anyone who has in contact with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days will undergo testing at their own cost and will be subjected to quarantine. All visitors will also be asked to fill out a health declaration card.
See our live world map of all countries that are re-opening or are still closed
Who Can Enter the Maldives
Tourists from all countries can enter the Maldives on July 15. They must have a confirmed booking at any of the properties registered with the Ministry of Tourism. Stays at multiple resorts or hotels will not be permitted.
Resorts and hotels that are located at the uninhabited islands will resume operations on July 15. However, guesthouses and hotels at the inhabited islands will only open on August 1.
Visitors will not be asked to pay for any additional fees or produce a negative COVID-19 certificate prior to entry, unless they are showing symptoms, such as fever and difficulty of breathing.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
Latest Update – The testing timeframe for the required Covid-19 test certificate that must be submitted when entering the Maldives has been lengthened. Instead of the usual 72 hours, visitors to the Maldives can now submit a Covid-19 test result that’s issued within the past 96 hours prior to arrival in the country.
Visitors should expect to undergo temperature checks upon arrival at the Maldives airport. All tourists will be given a free tourist visa on arrival that’s good for 30 days. The health declaration card should be submitted upon entry.
Everyone should wear facemasks, and physical distancing must be strictly observed. Hand sanitizers will be provided upon entry to the terminal.
Visitors who will show symptoms after undergoing thermal screening will be subjected to a PCR test, at his or her own expense. After the test, the tourist will be isolated at a designated facility while waiting for the result. The tourist can choose to isolate at his or her destination resort, depending on the resort’s policy. When the result turns out positive, he or she will be transferred to a state-run facility for isolation or treatment.
Hygiene Protocols Are In Place
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all tourists visiting the Maldives, the islands have implemented new cleanliness and hygiene protocols. During the initial phase of the reopening, visitors are advised to remain in their destination resort for the entire duration of their stay.
Resorts are required to designate areas for isolation of guests when needed. Staff must wear masks when serving guests, and a physical distance of at least 1 meter must be observed. All resorts are required to have a resident medical officer and must have emergency procedures in case of suspected COVID-19 cases.
All tourists departing their resort at the end of their holiday will undergo an exit screening procedure. An exit screening questionnaire must be completed, which documents any history of fever and other symptoms during their stay.
The temperature will also be checked prior to departure. Anyone who is found to have symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to undergo PCR testing. If the result turns out positive, contact tracing will immediately be conducted.
See the detailed restrictions and live report for The Maldives here.
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