The Maldives reopened its borders to all travelers in July 2020, offering an attraction of safety with its exclusive resort hotels set on private islands. Since then, the country’s open border policies have changed to tighten the restrictions to accommodate the status of the pandemic situation at home and in other countries. Here are the latest eases in restrictions.
WHO CAN COME TO THE MALDIVES?
The Maldives is reopening its borders to visitors from South Asia from July 15th, 2021. This would apply to visitors from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka who currently are under a temporary ban. They will be allowed to visit Tourist Resort Hotels from 15th July onwards and to Guesthouses in local islands from 30th July onwards.
At present, Maldives is open to visitors from all other countries of the world.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MALDIVES
For tourists, only a proof of negative Covid test (A Negative PCR test, for which the sample was taken within a maximum of 96 hours prior to departure en route to the Maldives) is needed. No quarantine!
From 8th July 2021, other categories of visitors who have completed two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine 2 weeks prior to travel date, may be exempted from the mandatory travel quarantine (within the Maldives) given that a Negative PCR test (taken 72 hours prior to travel) is presented. However, approval should be obtained through “HAALUBELUN PORTAL” and it shall be ensured that none of the respective islands/tourist establishments are under monitoring status before travel.
CURRENT COVID SITUATION IN THE MALDIVES
Covid figures have remained relatedly low in the Maldives for the most part. However, there was a rise in cases in May 2021 that prompted the short temporary ban on South Asia visitors. As of July 9th, The Maldives has reported a total of 73,903 coronavirus cases and 213 deaths, while 190,000 people have been vaccinated.
The Maldives is also is developing a “Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation” scheme named “3V” that would allow visitors to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on arrival. The program won’t go ahead until the country’s entire population, estimated at just under 550,000, has been fully vaccinated.