Vaccinations in the Maldives: are they needed and which ones

Maldivian legislation does not require mandatory vaccinations for travelers arriving on holiday. An exception is the yellow fever vaccine. However, the requirement to have an appropriate vaccination certificate applies only to travelers arriving from countries where the disease is widespread А(countries in South America and Central Africa).

Health authorities remind you of this in the Health information section of an immigration card (also known as an arrival card), which must be completed by all persons entering the Maldives. In addition, in the Health information section, you must indicate the countries that you have visited in the last 14 days.

As a rule, such a card is issued on board the aircraft. If for some reason you did not fill it out on the plane, you can always do it at the airport upon arrival.

Yang Wewe

Routine vaccinations recommended for most travelers

Despite the fact that vaccinations are not required to enter the country for tourism purposes, medical organizations recommend taking care of your health and observing certain safety measures.

For tourists who do not plan to leave the resort, the planned vaccinations, which are given in their country of residence, will be quite enough. These usually include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria and tetanus.

Special attention should be paid to the tetanus vaccine, as tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and can be introduced through open wounds such as a burn or scratch. If you have injured your skin while traveling, for prevention, you should thoroughly rinse all wounds and seek medical help.

CDC

Recommended vaccinations for at-risk travelers

Some travelers should consider additional vaccinations against other diseases, especially those transmitted through food and water. The high-risk group includes travelers who are planning:

• Frequent or extended trips to areas where food sanitation and hygiene may differ from what your body is accustomed to;
• visiting small towns or rural areas;
• living with friends or relatives;
• As well as those who, due to their occupation or due to health problems, are at increased risk of infection.

It will be useful for such categories of citizens to consult with a doctor before the trip and clarify the feasibility of vaccination against hepatitis A and B, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and rabies.

Vaccination against Covid-19

Since September 2020, a negative PCR test for Covid-19 is a prerequisite for visiting the Maldives.

Asad Photo Maldives

General safety recommendations

Going on vacation to tropical countries, you need to take care of acquiring good health insurance that covers all activities that you plan to do during your vacation. In addition, special attention should be paid to personal hygiene as well as food and water hygiene.

Tap water in the Maldives is best consumed only after boiling. About qualities of drinking water in the region where you plan to stay, it is best to inquire directly with the hotel. If this quality does not suit you for any reason, opt for bottled water.

There are a number of different infections that can be transmitted through insect bites. These infections include dengue and chikungunya fevers, which are transmitted by mosquitoes, which often bite during the day. Symptoms may include fever, headache, and severe pain in joints, bones, and muscles. Resorts pay great attention to the treatment of their territory from mosquitoes and other insects. However, when traveling to the inhabited islands, you should try to avoid mosquito bites, actively use repellents and mosquito nets.