****New Update: 27th September 2020

  • Maldives has introduced “Maldives Border Miles” program, the first of its kind loyalty program developed in the entire world for tourists.
  • This is a three-tiered loyalty program which will be officially implemented on 1st December 2020.
  • Tourists who enroll in this program will earn points based on the number of visits and duration of stay.

Updated : 15th September 2020

Maldives Achieves Safe Travels Stamp

  • Maldives achieved the Safe Travels Stamp endorsed by the World Tourism Organization and over 200 travel companies around the globe.
  • It is the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel and Tourism, designed to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks.
  • Safe Travels Stamp is awarded to destinations which have the safety and hygiene of travelers as their top priority.

Updated : 05th September 2020

  • From 10th September 2020, all tourists are required to present a Negative PCR certificate upon arrival.
  • The PCR test has to be done within a maximum of 72 hours prior to departure to Maldives.
  • Tourists are allowed to split their stay between 2 resorts with prior approval.
  • “Split stays” are permitted between resorts that meet all compulsory requirements under “split stay guidelines” approved by Health Protection Agency of Maldives.
  • Guest Houses and Hotels located on inhabited islands are open for bookings starting from 15th October 2020. 

General Information

  • Maldives is opening its borders on 15th July 2020, to all International Tourists.
  • Tourist Resorts, Liveaboard Vessels and Hotels on uninhabited islands are open for bookings starting from 15th July 2020. 
  • Guest Houses and Hotels located on inhabited islands are open for bookings starting from 01st August 2020. 
  • Tourists will not be subject to any quarantine measures upon arrival. 
  • Tourists will not be required to submit any medical test results for entry to Maldives. 
  • Tourists will be provided a 30-day on arrival visa free of charge. 
  • A pre-confirmed booking at a registered Tourist Facility is mandatory for entry to Maldives.

Arrival

  • Tourists must wear face masks. 
  • Temperature and screen checks will be carried out at the first point of entry for tourists.  
  • Emergency Contact information must be provided during visa issuance. 
  • Must maintain a distance of 1 meter from each other at all times, including luggage collection points. 
  • PCR Test is a must for anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. If one person from a group exhibits symptoms all will be tested. 
  • Tourist will be isolated at the airport from the point of identification of symptoms or based on positive results. 
  • Tourist required PCR testing on arrival shall be accommodated in a transit facility until their PCR results are received. 
  • Tourists shall be met by an authorized representative from the Resort at the airport. 
  • Basic details for check-in will be collected at the Airport by Resort Representative. 
  • Luggage shall be identified and tagged to allow for easier management.
  • Airport authorities will ensure that luggage trolleys are disinfected after each use. Disinfected trolleys and used trolleys and used trolleys will be kept and marked separately for users. 
  • Practice of good hand hygiene through and hand/or use of hand sanitizer is recommended. 
  • Tourists are encouraged to install contact tracing application ‘Trace Ekee’ upon or before arrival into the country. 

Accommodation

  • Tourists shall register their entire stay in one registered establishment (Till guidelines are revised in Sept). 
  • Special Permits are given to Guest Houses and Hotels located in inhabited islands, to accommodate tourists waiting for domestic transfers. 
  • Transit arrangements can be made through the primary facility where the stay is booked. 
  • Transfer checks and screen checks will be carried out on arrival. 
  • Resort representative will be at the airport to receive the Tourists.
  • Domestic transfers will only be allowed through pick-ups by pre-booked tourist facilities. 
  • The Guest or the Resort will bear the cost of the PCR test conducted.
  • In case of a positive PCR result, the following options will be given to the resort;
    • Transfer the guest to the resort to isolate
    • Or isolate in a government run facility; Resort must ensure the transfer and accommodation charges are met 
  • Tourists with positive PCR test results shall be transferred to their destinations via separate transfers conforming to protocols set forth by Health Protection Agency of Maldives (HPA).
  • Tourists transferred to the resort with a positive PCR result shall be escorted directly to their rooms upon arrival at the resort and isolated in the as outlined in the Health Guidelines.
  • Visa Extensions available to tourists who require it without any further fees.
  • Resort shall have designated areas for isolation of the guest if and when required.
  • Resorts will have resident medical officers on site who have undergone HPA certified training on COVID-19 management, isolation procedures and sampling.
  • Resorts will appoint a safety manager responsible for the communication and compliance regarding COVID-19 measures and issues. 
  • Tourists under isolation shall be instructed to stay in their rooms until advised by Health Protection Agency of Maldives (HPA).
  • Vessels, Guest Houses and Hotels on inhabited islands may not accept tourists who have a test positive for COVID-19 on arrival.

Departure

  • No restrictions will apply on guest checkouts if no symptoms are displayed or no positive PCR result is recorded. 
  • Tourists in isolation shall only be allowed to checkout as per national guidelines by Health Protection Agency of Maldives (HPA).
  • Testing services are available for tourists who require COVID-19 test results to return to their countries of origin or another destination.

You can download the Guidelines for Restarting Tourism in Maldives from this link.

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Photo Credit: Sun Aqua Iru Veli