Maldives Becomes the 15th Country to Remove Entry Requirements

Share The Article

Last Updated 3 years ago

Travelers will no longer need to take tests or provide proof of vaccination

The list of countries removing all Covid-related restrictions for travelers seems to be growing daily and now another exciting destination joined that list: the Maldives. 

Just a few days ago, the government declared that international travelers entering the Maldives will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test. Later, on Sunday, the Ministry of Health announced that the “health emergency” status declared two years ago has also been lifted.

The government also communicated that the mask mandate has been removed, but new rules must still be considered. Maldives’ president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, explained: “Wearing masks is now optional, except in hospitals and health care centers, and should the COVID-19 positivity rate go above 20% in any island.”

The decision comes after the country managed to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 spread and 68% of the population is fully vaccinated. The president publicly thanked India for its support offering equipment, vaccinations, and medical attention.

Now the government is focusing on recovering the national tourism industry, whose revenues represent about 70% of Maldives’ GDP. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also mentioned in his statement that the Maldives suffered losses of around $4 billion during the pandemic. 

A new “National Strategy and Action Plan” is being implemented and, since the entry restrictions have been eased, the government expects to attract more tourists and consistent travel. From now on, more travelers, for sure, will be willing to visit this marvelous destination.

What Travelers Must Know Before Visiting Maldives

Travelers must stay up-to-date with all entry restrictions prior to visiting the Maldives, but here are the main considerations and rule changes every visitor should know at the moment. 

Travel rules lifted for the Maldives as of March 14, 2022:

• A pre-flight or post-arrival COVID-19 test is no longer required.
• Travelers will not have to quarantine.
• Health insurance is not required.
• There is no need to present proof of vaccination, unvaccinated travelers are welcome too.
• No country is banned due to variants or covid cases.

Current travel rules:

• Tourists must fill out an application form: includes the passenger's information, photo, travel history, stay details, and a self-declarative health declaration—regarding yellow fever— that must be submitted 48 hours prior to arrival. 
• For the stay (also required in the form), travelers must specify where they will be staying and choose from the registered facilities —resorts, hotels, guest houses, bareboat, vessels, and yachts—, recognized by the Ministry of Tourism. 

Internal rules:

• The Health Emergency status has been lifted.
• The mask mandate has been removed, face coverings are now optional. However, The Maldivian Health Protection Agency (HPA) clarified that it is still required in hospitals and health care centers, and if the covid rate rises above 20%. HPA also recommends wearing masks in large gatherings.

Once in the Maldives, travelers will be able to explore and enjoy the local attractions like they used to before the pandemic: without masks or showing proof of vaccination to enter establishments.

Flights To The Maldives

This beautiful archipelagic country, also called the Maldives Islands, consists of 1,200 magnificent small islands and offers tourists the possibility to explore its charming and unique environments. 

Travelers can enjoy the beautiful beaches, dive and see corals and many particular species, practice various water sports, learn about the incredible local culture and taste delicious food in its many restaurants.

The largest and main airport in the Maldives is in the capital, the Malé International Airport, and there are currently 49 direct flights to Malé from 20 countries around the world. These are some of the main cities from where you can fly to the Maldives (Malé):

• London
• Vienna
• Frankfurt
• Rome
• Zurich
• Istanbul
• Dubai
• Bangkok
• Singapore
• Mumbai
• New Delhi

British Airways offers the longest direct flight to Malé —10 hours and 25 minutes— and prices start at $1360 according to Google Flights rates. Other popular airlines also offer services from different destinations to the Maldives: Air France, Turkish Airlines, IndiGo Airlines, FlexFlight.

Maldives joins the following nations that've ended COVID-19 travel and entry restrictions:

• Jordan 
• Iceland
• Bahrain 
• El Salvador 
• Slovenia 
• Mexico 
• Norway 
• Hungary 
• Romania 
• Ireland
• Saudi Arabia
• Montenegro
• Curaçao
• England

Read More:

U.S. State Department Issues Travel Advisory Updates For 23 Countries

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

British Airways And Virgin Atlantic Remove Masks On Most Flights

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.