Coronavirus in the Maldives: everything about the situation and rules of entry

Page content:

1. Rules of entry to the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic
2. Is there a quarantine upon arrival in the Maldives
3. If you have symptoms of coronavirus
4. If the coronavirus is confirmed in the Maldives
5. How everything happens upon arrival at the airport
6. Obtaining a visa to the Maldives
7. About vaccinations and vaccinated in the Maldives
8. Non-tourist trips to the Maldives
9. Moving between islands
10. Rules of conduct in the Maldives during the coronavirus
11. Post for testing for coronavirus for tourists who leave on pleasure boats
12. Launch of the first travel insurance against COVID-19 in the Maldives
13. Which airlines fly to the Maldives
14. Maldives Travel News
15. What hotels are open in the Maldives now
    
    

Rules for entering the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic

As of March 24, 2022, the basic rules for visiting the Maldives during COVID-19 for tourists are as follows:

1. A PCR test for COVID-19 is no longer required to enter and exit the Maldives.

2. All tourists arriving in the Maldives and traveling between the islands do not need to undergo any quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

3. An online health declaration must be completed within 48 hours of arriving in the Maldives and when leaving the islands. To fill out the form, follow the link

For more information on the rules for visiting the Maldives during the COVID-19 coronavirus, read below.

What certificate is needed to enter the Maldives? PCR test requirements for COVID-19

According to circular 88-PS/CIR/2022/14 dated March 15, 2022, a PCR test is no longer required to visit and leave the Maldives.

Do I need to take a PCR test for COVID-19 before leaving the Maldives

Tourists who were vacationing on the resort or local islands do not need to take a PCR test for COVID-19 before leaving the Maldives. However, check out some of the nuances:

1. Pay attention to the requirements of the airline you have chosen to fly to / from the Maldives. Some airlines may require a negative COVID-19 PCR test to board an aircraft.
2. Please note the requirements of the country of arrival after departure from Maldives. Some countries, including your home country, may require a COVID-19 PCR test to enter the country.
   
   

Is there a quarantine on arrival the Maldives

1. For travelers for tourism who have not found symptoms of COVID-19, there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the Maldives.
2. If the purpose of the visit is tourism and you get sick with COVID-19 in the Maldives, you will need to quarantine. There are nuances here. More details below.

Return quarantine from Maldives

Please note that your home country may require you to undergo mandatory quarantine after visiting the Maldives, or pass a PCR test for COVID-19. Please check the relevant information on the official website of your country's Ministry of Tourism before visiting the Maldives.

If you develop symptoms of coronavirus

1. If, upon arrival in the Maldives, symptoms of coronavirus are found, the arrivals will need to pass a PCR test for COVID-19 at their own expense.
2. For PCR testing, arrivals will be taken to the testing area and then to the transit point until the results are obtained. The Maldivian government is committed to ensuring that test results are available as soon as possible, no later than 24 hours after the sample is taken.
3. The Government of Maldives will not bear the cost of PCR tests and will not remain at the transit point. The Government of the Maldives bears the cost of PCR tests only in case of random testing of arrivals to the Maldives.

If, within 14 days before the desired trip to the Maldives, you have been in contact with a patient with coronavirus or have had symptoms of COVID-19, the Maldives government does not recommend going to the islands.

If coronavirus is confirmed in Maldives

Coronavirus in the Maldives can be confirmed under the following circumstances:

1. Upon arrival in the Maldives, the temperature is measured at the airport and the general condition is monitored. If arrivals have clear symptoms of COVID-19, passengers will be escorted to a separate room to have a PCR test for COVID-19.
2. If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, but you traveled in a group with those who have such symptoms, you will all need to take a PCR test for COVID-19, at your own expense.
3. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 while on holiday in the Maldives, you will need to take a PCR test.
   
   

If you are in the Maldives and have confirmed COVID-19, then:

• If COVID is confirmed and you are asymptomatic, you will be required to self-isolate for 7 days from the time the sample was taken.

• If COVID is confirmed and there are symptoms, then you need to continue the 7-day isolation until the symptoms disappear. After the disappearance of symptoms, it is necessary to stay in isolation for another 24 hours.

• If you have been in direct contact with someone with COVID. If you are fully vaccinated, you will need to take a covid test and if the result is negative, you can continue your journey. If you are not vaccinated and have been in direct contact with a COVID patient, you will need to undergo a 14-day quarantine followed by a PCR test for COVID.

• You cannot travel to the islands during quarantine.
• Detailed information about all expenses for treatment, quarantine and tests can be transferred to you at the place of stay, for example at a resort.
• The costs incurred by the need to undergo quarantine are borne by tourists. Depending on the course of the disease and the rules of the resort, tourists can be quarantined at the resort or in specially designated areas in the Maldives.
• Before visiting the Maldives, check if your travel insurance covers any expenses that may arise due to the quarantine in the Maldives.
  
  

How everything happens upon arrival, at the airport

1. At Velana International Airport, the main airport in the Maldives, hand sanitizers are freely available, as well as floor markings and other signs to maintain a social distance of one meter (three steps).
2. When you enter the arrivals terminal and walk to the immigration office, you will be guided past the thermal imaging cameras. Those who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to go to a separate room for a PCR test for COVID-19.
3. The Government of Maldives may undertake random testing at its own expense.
4. At the customs, when crossing the border, you will need to show a QR code, which is assigned after completing the Declaration of Health. The health declaration must be completed within 48 hours prior to arrival in the Maldives.
5. Upon arrival, tourists receive a 30-day visa free of charge.

Asad Photo Maldives

Getting a visa to the Maldives

The procedure for obtaining a visa to the Maldives, due to the situation with the coronavirus, has not changed.

1. Upon arrival at the airport, tourists receive a 30-day visa free of charge.
2. Passport must be valid for at least 1 month from the date of your intended departure for the Maldives.
3. Confirmed pre-booking at a registered tourist facility is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa. You can find and book a hotel in the Maldives here.
4. Extension of the tourist visa will have access for long-term tourists without any additional fees.
   
   

About vaccinations and vaccinated in the Maldives

According to the local Health Protection Agency (HPA) dated 6/01/2022, in the Maldives, 396,916 people received the first dose of the vaccine, and 367,950 Maldivians were vaccinated with the second dose. This is 95% fully vaccinated in the Maldives.

Non-tourist trips to the Maldives

If a visit to the country is planned for work or for any other purpose other than a tourist trip, the requirements for visiting will be more stringent.

From March 4, 2022, persons arriving in the Maldives from other countries, with the exception of tourists, must take a PCR test for COVID-19, on the 3rd-5th day of arrival in the Maldives, if they are fully vaccinated. If not vaccinated, a PCR test for COVID-19 must be done 96 hours before arrival in the Maldives and go into self-isolation. 

Moving between islands

Tourists can visit more than one island in the Maldives. In more detail:

1. Local islands of the Maldives can be visited by any tourists.
2. Tourists can travel from one resort to another.
   
3. For a day visit (no overnight stay) between resorts, guesthouses, resorts and guesthouses and vice versa - no prior approval is required.
   
   

Code of Conduct in the Maldives during Coronavirus

In the Maldives, from March 15, 2022, masks are no longer required. Recommended wearing masks:

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Providing services in crowded places.
• In gatherings in confined indoor spaces.
• In public transport.

Quarantine restrictions in restaurants, cafes, hotels, spas and other establishments

The same rules and restrictions apply as in most European countries.

Service in establishments

When visiting restaurants or cafes, you must wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when entering. Self-service in catering establishments is not permitted. Personnel are obliged to observe all safety precautions. Namely:

• There must be a distance of at least 1 meter between the tables.
• Using the printed menu is not recommended.
• Each facility should be provided with natural or artificial ventilation.
• The owners of the establishment are obliged to ensure compliance with the entire list of restrictions and rules, which were officially approved and published on August 2, 2020.
• Service personnel have the right to require social distancing and other safety measures.
  
  

Visiting tourist sites

Gyms can be visited without restrictions, but only by prior reservation. Distance and space required.

Spas and saunas can limit the number of visitors and frequently disinfect.

Pools and water parks do not require special ordering of places. However, this also has its limitations. Pools have a social distancing rule so there may be queues or skip delays. You must take a shower before using the pool.

Beaches. No personal protective equipment required, however sun loungers and seating are subject to social distancing. Local authorities recommend not to hold sports events on the beaches until the end of the quarantine restrictions. Closed rubbish bins must be installed.

Asad Photo Maldives

Coronavirus Testing Post for Tourists Departing on Pleasure Boats

A COVID-19 sampling post has been set up near the popular Hulhumale 'Safari Jetty area. An initiative of the National Boating Association of the Maldives (NBAM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism (HDC), the Healthcare Agency (HPA) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

Samples are taken free of charge, upon prior order. Testing costs are borne by the Boating Association.

Launch of Maldives' First COVID-19 Travel Insurance

COVID-19 travel insurance has been introduced in the Maldives since October 2020. The Ministry of Tourism, together with Allied Insurance, developed an insurance policy that covers the costs of treating COVID-19, including costs of isolation, transportation to a medical facility.

You can purchase one of two packages: Allied Inbound and Allied Inbound Plus. The insurance can be taken out for 7 days or more. You must purchase it before flying to the Maldives.

Which airlines fly to the Maldives

As of March 2022, 29 airlines fly to the Maldives. At the moment, most of the flights to the Maldives are carried out by Emirates, then Qatar and IndiGo.

1. ETIHAD
2. AIRWAYS
3. LUFTHANSA
4. AIR INDIA
5. SINGAPORE AIRLINES
6. GULF AIR
7. AIR VISTARA
8. QATAR AIRWAYS
9. SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES
10. MONGOLIAN AIRLINES
11. EMIRATES
12. EDELWEISS
13. INDIGO
14. AEROFLOT
15. AIR ASTANA
16. AIR FRANCE
17. CONDOR
18. TURKISH AIRLINES
19. AIR SEYSCHELLES
20. S BANGLA AIRLINES
21. FLY DUBAI
22. BRITISH AIRWAYS ­
23. GOAIR SRILANKAN AIRLINES
24. AUSTRIAN AIRLINES
25. AZUR AIR RUSSIA
26. GULLIVAIR
27. LOT POLISH AIRLINES
28. UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS
29. NEOS

Maldives Travel News

Maldives Receives Safe Travels Stamp from World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC)

In September 2020, the measures the Maldives has taken to safeguard the health and safety of tourists in line with the WTTC's global safe travel protocols were assessed by the World Travel and Tourism Council with the Safe Travels Stamp.

The purpose of this label is to instill confidence in travelers and restore consumer confidence in travel and tourism, as well as to ensure that travelers have increased hygiene standards and the confidence that they can experience safe travel again. The Safe Travels Stamp has also been approved by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and over 200 travel companies.

Maldives became the world's top travel destination in 2020

At the end of 2020, the Maldives received the "Travel Oscar" - the World's Leading Destination from the world famous World Travel Awards, which has been held annually since 1993. Thus, the Maldives has been voted the best travel destination in the world. This is the first time the islands have received such an award, not least because of their COVID-19 program and applicable security measures. The Maldives competed with leading tourism destinations: Mauritius, Spain, UAE, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and 17 other countries.

What hotels are open in the Maldives Now?

In total, 151 resorts, 3 yacht marinas, 5 hotels in the Greater Male region, 139 passenger tourist ships, 60 guesthouses in Greater Male and 366 outside it, as well as 5 transit hotels are preparing to receive guests in the Maldives.

As of March 2022, all 151 resorts, according to the Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives, can already receive tourists. Below is a list of resorts in the Maldives, where you can already book vacation spots. We follow the updates and will constantly update the information.