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. Rest in the Big Male area
12. Post for testing for coronavirus for tourists who leave on pleasure boats
13. Launch of the first travel insurance against COVID-19 in the Maldives
14. Which airlines fly to the Maldives
15. Maldives Travel News
16. What hotels are open in the Maldives now
    
    

Rules for entering the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic

As of October 11, 2021, the basic rules for visiting the Maldives during COVID-19 for tourists are as follows:

1. Upon arrival, it is necessary to present a negative PCR test for COVID-19, made a maximum of 96 hours (four days) before departure to the Maldives (from the first port of embarkation on the way to the Maldives). Completion of any existing COVID-19 vaccination does not exempt from the above requirement.
2. An online health declaration must be completed within 24 hours of arriving in the Maldives and when leaving the islands. To fill out the form, follow the link.
3. Citizens of any country including tourists from South Asia can visit the Maldives.
   
4. In order for tourists to visit the local islands of the Maldives, they must be vaccinated (14 days must pass from the moment of the second dose of the vaccine). If tourists are not vaccinated, the local island can be visited, provided that 90% of the island's population and 90% of the employees of all guest houses on the island are vaccinated.

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

To ensure the safety of tourists, the Maldives Health Protection Agency (HPA) has introduced a mandatory requirement for all tourists and other travelers entering the Maldives for short or long term stays to present a negative PCR test for COVID-19.

Children under one year of age are exempt from the mandatory COVID-19 test.

Requirements for a PCR test for COVID-19 to enter the Maldives:

1. Confirmation of a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19 in English.
2. The PCR test must be performed a maximum of 96 hours (four days) before departure to the Maldives (from the first port of embarkation on the way to the Maldives). If a passenger transits while traveling, the initial PCR test will be valid if the transit does not exceed 24 hours. If a passenger is in transit for more than 24 hours, he must undergo a second PCR test within 96 hours before boarding at the port of transit.
3. The document must clearly state the name and address of the laboratory, the test result, and the date and time when the sample was taken. The document must be in English.
4. A document with a confirmed negative PCR test for COVID-19 must be attached to the online health declaration, which must be completed within 24 hours prior to arrival in the Maldives. The health declaration must also be completed within 24 hours prior to departure from the Maldives.
5. Completion of any existing COVID-19 vaccination does not exempt from the requirement to submit a COVID-19 PCR test to visit the Maldives.

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

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

1. If a tourist has stayed at a guesthouse at any time during his stay in the Maldives, he must pass a PCR test for COVID-19 72 hours before the scheduled departure time from the Maldives. The tourist pays for the PCR test at his own expense.
2. In addition, during the on-site screening, if any tourist is found to have a fever or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 within the last 14 days, they must undergo a PCR test for COVID-19 at their own expense. If a tourist with coronavirus symptoms is traveling in a group, the whole group will need to pass a PCR test for COVID-19.
3. At the airport, at the time of arrival or departure, random PCR testing for COVID-19 may be performed. The cost of such testing is borne by the Government of the Maldives.
4. 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.
5. 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 to the Maldives is non-tourist. For example, on a work visa or you are a citizen of the Maldives, upon arrival in the country you must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine, including a PCR test for COVID-19. However, as of July 8, 2021, those who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks before travel do not need to undergo mandatory travel quarantine. Subject to a negative PCR test for COVID-19, performed 72 hours prior to arrival in the Maldives. Confirmation must be obtained through the “HAALUBELUN PORTAL”.
   
   

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. If the passenger arrives in a group, then the whole group will need to pass a PCR test for COVID-19.
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 have stayed at the guesthouse at any time during your trip to the islands, before leaving the Maldives, you must take a PCR test for COVID-19, 72 hours before the scheduled departure time.
4. 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:

• Mandatory 14-day quarantine will be introduced in accordance with WHO recommendations for you and close contacts.
• 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. In addition, everyone must wear a face mask.
3. 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.
4. The Government of Maldives may undertake random testing at its own expense.
5. 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 24 hours prior to arrival in the Maldives. When filling out the declaration, you must attach a document with a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19 in English. As a rule, a certificate with a negative PCR test is not asked at customs (since it has already been entered into the database when filling out the Declaration of Health), but, nevertheless, it is recommended to have an electronic and paper original with you.
6. 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

Travelers to the Maldives (including tourists) who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination or a prescribed dose of vaccine 2 weeks prior to travel, approved by the World Health Organization, Emergency Use Listing (EUL), Maldives Food and Drug Administration or any other competent authorities of the respective countries are still required to provide a negative PCR test for COVID-19 to enter the Maldives.

The sample for the specified PCR test must be taken no more than 96 hours before the scheduled departure time from the first port of embarkation en route to the Maldives. This requirement does not apply to children under one year of age.

According to the local Health Protection Agency (HPA) dated 11/10/2021, in the Maldives, 389,821 people received the first dose of the vaccine, and 326,821 Maldivians were vaccinated with the second dose. This is 93% 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. In this case, mandatory preliminary online registration for self-isolation is required through the web portal.

From May 6, 2021, persons arriving in the Maldives from other countries, with the exception of tourists, must comply with a mandatory 14-day quarantine. However, as of July 8, 2021, those who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks before travel do not need to undergo mandatory travel quarantine. Subject to a negative PCR test for COVID-19, performed 72 hours prior to arrival in the Maldives. Confirmation must be obtained through the “HAALUBELUN PORTAL”.

If online registration is not available, then written documents can be completed at the local health department office.

Travelers arriving for a short-term business visit (less than 7 days) must obtain a special permit from the Health Protection Agency. A permit request must be emailed to eoclegal@health.gov.mv by the relevant / associated local agency on behalf of the traveler.

Moving between islands

Tourists can travel to other islands on day trips or on a split booking basis after obtaining permission from the Ministry of Tourism. In more detail:

1. The local islands can only be visited by vaccinated tourists. If tourists are not vaccinated, local islands can be visited, provided that 60% of the island's population and 95% of employees of all guest houses on the island are vaccinated.
2. Local islands of the Maldives that can be visited by unvaccinated tourists: Maafushi, Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, Dhigurah, Dharavandhoo, Mathiveri and others. On these islands, 90% of the island's population and 90% of the workers of all guest houses on the island are vaccinated. The complete list of islands is here.
3. Tourists can travel from one resort to another, but only if none of them is under monitoring or there is no COVID-19 outbreak on any of them.
4. Tourists can travel from one guesthouse (island) to another, but only if none of them is under monitoring or there is no COVID-19 outbreak on any of them.
5. Tourists can travel from resort to guesthouse and vice versa. Please note: if you are staying at the guesthouse at any time during your trip to the Maldives, you will need to do a PCR test for COVID-19 before leaving the islands (72 hours before your scheduled departure from Maldives).
6. The above trips between the islands must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism. This can be done at splitstays@tourism.gov.mv within two days of your planned trip.
7. For a day visit (no overnight stay) between resorts, guesthouses, resorts and guesthouses and vice versa - no prior approval is required. However, in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19, tourists will need to undergo an on-site screening before traveling from a guesthouse (on one island) to another guesthouse (island).
   
   

Code of Conduct in the Maldives during Coronavirus

In the Maldives, all tourists are required to a Guideline for restarting tourism wear masks at the airport, during domestic flights and in all enclosed public areas.

The Maldives has a Guideline for restarting tourism. It details the specifics of tourism in the Maldives during the coronavirus restrictions. We will discuss the most important provisions of the Guide below.

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.

Rest in the Big Male area

Tourists who are going to relax in the Greater Male area must undergo a PCR test for COVID-19 before leaving the Maldives. A sample for testing must be received no later than 72 hours before departure from the Maldives. The result of this PCR test must be negative for tourists to travel. The guest house or hotel must ensure that the traveler has received the PCR results prior to departure.

On June 16, 2021, a lockdown was introduced on the local islands and extended until October, 2021. The restriction was introduced as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. During this period, it is necessary to maintain a distance in public places and wear a mask. It is allowed to gather in a group of up to 30 people.

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 October 2021, 36 airlines fly to the Maldives. Of these, 10 airlines operate charter flights. At the moment, most of the flights to the Maldives are carried out by Emirates, then Qatar and IndiGo. The list is compiled in descending order, starting with those who carry the most passengers to the Maldives:

1. Emirates
2. Qatar
3. IndiGo
4. Go Air
5. Aeroflot
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Fly Dubai
8. Lufthansa
9. Azur Air Russia
10. Austrian Airlines
11. Edelweiss
12. Condor
13. Etihad Airways
14. Sri Lankan Airlines
15. Air India
16. British Airways
17. Maldivian
18. Silk Air
19. Gulf Air
20. Air France
21. Air Seychelles
22. Saudi Arabian Airlines
23. Singapore Airlines
24. Blue Panorama
25. SpiceJet

Charter flights are operated by:

1. Air Astana
2. Azur Air Ukraine
3. Gullivair
4. Lot Polish Airlines
5. Ukraine International
6. Scat Airlines
7. Uzbekistan Airways
8. Blue Air
9. Vistara

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 October 11, 2021, 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.