The Maldives Travel Restrictions & Guidelines Updated 29 June

Update as on 29 June, 2021: The recent updates released by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism confirms that the Maldives will restart providing the on arrival visa to South Asian travellers from 15 July, 2021. The tourists will have to carry a negative PCR result. Stay tuned for further updates.

Countries allowed to travel to Maldives

As of 29 June, 2021; All countries including the South Asian are allowed to travel to Maldives. Check the country’s official website before you plan to travel. An update on 12 May, 2021 imposed ban of South Asian countries to travel to Maldives on account of surge in COVID 19 cases. However, the ban is now lifted with decrease in COVID cases in the South Asian zone. However, it is mandatory to carry a negative PCR test result.

#Maldives will restart issuing of on arrival tourist visa starting 15th July to tourists travelling from South Asia. Tourists need a negative #PCR result to enter Maldives. Further details will follow accordingly. #VisitMaldives @visitmaldives

— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) June 29, 2021

The Maldives had reopened borders for tourists last year, but there was some uncertainty with regards to the SOPs. The Maldivian government has now made it mandatory to produce a COVID negative certificate on arrival. Irrespective of whether you have been diagnosed before or are asymptomatic, a COVID negative certificate on arrival is a must. Although you will have to submit it on the online portal, an official will be stationed at the airport to review the same.

According to a recent Press Release, the Maldives has achieved the safe travel stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) if a COVID negative certificate is produced.

Press Release (PR)88-B/88/2020/53 Maldives achieves the safe travels stamp pic.twitter.com/ciTdaHp2sO

— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) September 15, 2020

What is the process?

While submitting your certificate, you will have to ensure that the test is taken 96 hours prior to arrival for it to be valid. According to Tourism Minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom, all other SOPs will be the same as before and plenty of safety precautions will be taken. Considering that the Maldives is dependent largely on tourism for its economy, multiple steps are being taken to keep it up and running. The negative PCR test certificate will have to be submitted through the online immigration portal, ‘IMUGA.’ An official from the Maldivian government will be present at the airport checkpoints to ensure the authenticity of the details.

For the safety of all, HPA Maldives has made it mandatory, with effect from 10th September, for all tourists and short term visitors to present a Negative PCR certificate on arrival in #Maldives #VisitMaldives

— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) September 1, 2020

Why is the Maldives safer compared to other destinations?

The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the safest destinations that you can pick for now to travel. For the most part, the entire archipelago is split into different islands which consist of only one resort each. This will be much safer as commute will be restricted and personal contact can also be avoided. Even though the cases have been constantly rising since the borders had reopened, the government is ensuring that resorts follow all safety norms. One of the major SOPs that has to be followed is the presence of trained medical professionals capable of collecting COVID-19 samples in every resort.

Also read: Top Islands In Maldives – Experience the untouched serenity

The impact

Considering that resorts are located on different islands, island hopping was restricted in the past for safety reasons. This ban has also been lifted to ensure that small-time guest houses and hotels are able to revive themselves. The update on 29 June,2021 ensures that the Maldives borders are opening on 15 July, 2021 to all countries including South Asian. Although safety and security are of prime importance, the pandemic has heavily hit the tourism industry of the Maldives. According to a recent report by the World Bank, the Maldives is one of the worst affected Southeast Asian countries due to the pandemic. The economy has hit a new low ever since the month of April and the government is making all efforts to ensure that the economy does not sink completely.

Also Read: Best time to visit Maldives.

Now that we have learnt about the safety precautions that the Maldives is taking to ensure your tourism flourishes, safe vacations are definitely the new normal. Travel is boundless and it has been proven time and again. With appropriate safety measures like procuring a COVID negative certificate before travelling and maintaining social distancing, your dream vacation can soon become a reality. Well, what are you waiting for? Check out some unmissable Maldives packages or maldives packages for couple for a surreal getaway offered by Pickyourtrail. Be the first one to flaunt your travel this season and quench your wanderlust!

Also Read: How does a Traveller Loyalty Programme to the Maldives sound to you?

Frequently Asked Questions for those traveling to Maldives from India

Can Indians travel to Maldives In July 2021?

According to recent updates released on June 29, 2021, Indians are allowed to travel to Maldives. It is mandatory to carry a negative PCR test result.

What are the documents Indians need to carry to visit Maldives this July?

Indians travelling to Maldives should get a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test done and produce a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours of departure. However, the latest tweet ensures to release further updates.

News Source: https://immigration.gov.mv/travel-advisory-for-those-traveling-to-and-from-india/