Traveling to the Maldives During Covid-19: Essential Information Before You Go

Planning a trip to the Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic? Here's everything you should know and expect if you're considering traveling during these challenging times.

Key Information

The Maldives reopened its borders to all travelers from every country on July 15, 2020. However, the capital city of Malé remains restricted due to its role as the epicenter of the nation’s coronavirus cases.

What to Expect on Your Visit

This is the ultimate couples’ paradise – luxurious resorts on private islands, with rooms suspended over the crystal-clear waters, perfect for those who prefer a serene escape without the walk to the beach.

Who is eligible to visit

Currently, the Maldives is welcoming travelers from all nations, provided they present a negative Covid test result taken within four days of arrival. The previous travel restrictions have been lifted.

In early 2021, the Maldives introduced a loyalty program to reward frequent visitors, granting them points based on trip frequency and length. Accumulating points can lead to elite status, which offers perks like hotel discounts.

What are the current restrictions?

All travelers must provide a certificate of a negative PCR test conducted within 96 hours before departure, clearly indicating the laboratory’s name, address, and the date the sample was taken, irrespective of vaccination status.

The test result must be attached to the online Traveler Health Declaration form, which should be submitted within 24 hours of arrival. Travelers are also required to download and use the national contact tracing app, TraceEkee, throughout their journey.

Earlier this year, fully vaccinated travelers were temporarily exempt from these requirements, but the restrictions have now been reinstated.

Non-tourist arrivals from the UK, including those transiting, must quarantine for seven days if vaccinated, or 14 days if unvaccinated.

However, these quarantine requirements do not apply to tourists.

Guests are allowed to split their stay between different hotels. However, if you spend more than 48 hours in the Greater Malé area, you’ll need to take another PCR test before continuing your journey elsewhere.

Unvaccinated individuals are allowed to stay in guest accommodations on local islands, provided that 60% of the local population, including 90% of those over 65 and 95% of tourism staff, are fully vaccinated.

What is the current Covid situation?

As of February 16, the Maldives has reported more than 161,000 Covid-19 cases and 289 deaths.

Though the numbers have remained relatively low, Covid-19 cases spiked dramatically in January with the rise of the Omicron variant, setting a new record with 18,665 confirmed cases in just one week.

The number of cases has since dropped, with 7,698 reported during the week leading up to February 16.

Over 875,000 vaccine doses have been administered, and as of February 16, nearly 79% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to John Hopkins University.

What can travelers expect?

The Maldives markets itself as a destination offering a 'normal' vacation experience, largely due to the isolation of most resorts and the fact that most visitors remain on-site rather than exploring beyond the property.

While locals are subject to restrictions, airport arrivals and departures are exempt. Split stays between different resorts are allowed, provided the hotels meet government criteria. Requests for split stays must be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel.

Be prepared for some resort-specific rules, such as a temperature check upon arrival and the requirement to wear masks indoors. Since most items in shops are imported, prices can be higher than usual – it's a good idea to bring essentials like masks and hand sanitizer to avoid extra spending while on the islands.

Helpful Resources:

imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Tourist Board Covid-19 Updates

Ministry of Health Latest Data

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