Tourism hotspot and a favourite honeymoon destination Maldives is now open to visitors. As of 15 July the island nation in the Indian Ocean reopened doors to international tourism. The tourism board planned a phased reopening and as part of the initial steps, Maldives welcomed inbound flights to its main airport from July. Those with private jets or yachts were also permitted to visit the island.
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Rules For Global Tourists Arriving In Maldives
Maldives is now open for international tourists. All travellers, including those from the USA need not undergo quarantine upon arrival at Velana International Airport in the capital, Male. In addition, travelers need not submit a Covid negative certificate as well. As of now only international tourists are allowed and you must book your stay only at one certified hotel or resort.
Most of the islands open for tourism feature just a single resort. So, this will help authorities keep a track of Covid patients, in case there is an infection. However, before you hop on that plane and jet to the paradise, you might want to beware that travelers must abide by their own country’s quarantine measures upon their return.
Airlines Flying To Maldives
Emirates is currently servicing flights to Maldives from Dubai. The airline also has connecting flights from London, Chicago, Toronto and Sydney, via Dubai. Qatar Airways resumed flights to Maldives on 15 July from Doha. The airline also offers connecting flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Sydney, New York and Los Angeles. Etihad and Turkish Airlines have also resumed flight to Maldives.
However, travelers must note that although Maldives does not ask for a Covid negative certificate, some airlines are, so be sure to check ahead of time. Upon arrival, tourists must fill in a health declaration card and a 30-day tourist visa will be provided. Travellers showing Covid symptoms must check at their own cost and will then be sent to a designated facility for isolation.
Are Resorts Open?
As of now, over 50 resorts are open in Maldives. More resorts will open doors in September and October. The government has issued ‘Safe Tourism Licenses’ to accredit tourist facilities that follow the Covid rules. This includes having a doctor on call, stocking up adequate personal protection equipment etc.
Besides, some resorts also ask guests to undergo PCR test at the airport, before they are transferred to the resort by the sea plane. Once at the resort, guests are check into their villas and are requested to remain there until the test results are received and are negative. In case the tests turn out positive, guests must isolate in their villas and will be looked after by trained nurses. Maldives reported 2,000 confirmed cases and five deaths so far. Meanwhile, 46 Hours, 2 Days, 3 Cities: Here’s How Two Stranded Indian Teens Reached Home In Time For Eid.
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