Traveling to the Maldives During Covid-19: What to Know Before You Go

by

Editor’s Note – CNN Travel regularly updates this article. It was last updated in its entirety on December 30th.

(CNN) – If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives, here’s what you should know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.

The base

On July 15, the Maldives reopened its borders to all travelers.

What is offered

This is the couples’ destination to put an end to all the others – luxury hotels on private islands, with rooms that lean out over the water, in case a walk to the beach is too much trouble.

Who can go

All visitors can currently travel to the Maldives provided they have tested negative for Covid. Cruise ships are currently prohibited, however.

What are the limitations?

All arrivals, except Maldives residents, must provide a certificate of a negative PCR test performed within 96 hours of departure, clearly stating the name and address of the laboratory and the date of the sample taken.

The result must be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form which must be submitted online within 24 hours prior to arrival.

Hotels are open and guesthouses have reopened to international visitors. October 15. Tourists are allowed to split stays between hotels. However, if you spend more than 48 hours in the Greater Male area, you should do another PCR test before going elsewhere.

Since the discovery of the new British variant at the end of December, all non-tourist arrivals from the UK, including passengers in transit, must undergo a 10-day quarantine. However, this does not apply to tourists.

All passengers who leave the airport on arrival will receive a health check.

What is Covid’s situation?

There were only 48 deaths in the Maldives and a total of less than 14,000 on December 30.

What can visitors expect?

The Maldives markets itself as a destination that offers a “normal” vacation, thanks to the isolation of most hotels and the fact that the vast majority of visitors stay in the resort instead of heading out.

This means that while the locals are restricted, those going to and from the airport are exempt. Split stays between different hotels are allowed, if the hotels meet government requirements. Requests for split stays must be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism 48 hours prior to departure.

Also, expect your resort to have some rules, most notably a temperature check on arrival and masks worn indoors.

Useful Links:

Our recent coverage

CNN’s Julia Buckley contributed to this report

.Source