With the closure of international borders, the Maldives has emerged as a tourist hotspot in the past few months. We saw our Instagram feed littered with pictures of the island nation. However, in light of the deadly second wave in India, the Maldivian Government had banned Indian tourists from entering inhabited spots on the island. That said, certain exclusive resorts far away from the local population still welcomed tourists from India. The island nation has once again revised guidelines for tourists and here’s everything that you should know.
RT-PCR Test Mandatory
All passengers must carry a RT-PCR negative test and the sample must be taken not more than 96 hours before the scheduled departure time. However, infants less than one year old are exempted from this mandatory testing requirement. You should attach the negative test result with the Traveller’s Health Declaration form. Here are Top Private Jet Services You Can Book To Fly To UAE, UK & Maldives From India.
— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) May 11, 2021
Symptomatic Passengers Won’t Be Allowed To Travel
If you have a history of contact with a suspected COVID-19 patient in the last 14 days, you will not be allowed to travel to Maldives. You shoyld also not travel if you exhibited respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat or shortness of breath in the last 14 days.
Ministry of Tourism will conduct random inspections of compliance to safety protocols and guidelines on guesthouses and hotels starting from 11th May 2021 for the safety of tourists, employees and the public.#Maldives #SafeTourism
— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) May 10, 2021
Fill Out The Traveller’s Health Declaration Form
While the Maldivian Immigration issues visa on arrival to all tourists, you should have confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility to enter Maldives. You should fill the Travellers Health Declaration within 24 hours before your travel. The Maldives Is Still Welcoming Rich Indians Despite Travel Ban; Exclusive Resorts Remain Open
#Maldives resorts and liveboards continue welcoming tourists from all countries, including tourists traveling from #India. Hotels and guest houses in inhabited islands continue welcoming all tourists except those traveling from India.@visitmaldives
— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) April 26, 2021
14-Day Mandatory Quarantine For Symptomatic Passengers Upon Arrival
While you do not have to do a COVID test on arrival, but if you exhibit symptoms such as fever, coughing and sneezing at arrival you have to undergo another RT-PCR test. All tourists have to undergo temperature checks and screening upon arrival to Maldives. You might have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine if you exhibit symptoms.
The Maldivian Government has still restricted inhabited areas for Indians and you will not be allowed to hop between one resort to another.
First Published: May 11, 2021 1:55 PM