Are you planning a tour to the Maldives during today’s Covid-19 pandemic? You have to know everything related to the Maldives tour during the Covid-19 pandemic and your expectations as tourists. The Maldives have reopened borders to worldwide travelers on July 15 of 2020.
Present Covid-19 Situation in the Maldives
According to the statistics up to November 25, the Maldives islands have reported more than 91,000 coronavirus cases and 250 deaths. The islands witnessed a big jump from only 100 people to more than 1,500 cases within one month. It has prompted a short-term ban on travelers or visitors on May 13.
On May 20, the islands’ country reported a record of 2,194 Covid-19 cases. Later, the numbers have reduced significantly, as the data showed only 780 Covid-19 affected people on the following week up to November 25. On February 1, the country has started its rollout for Covishield Vaccines powered by Astra Zeneca and made in India. The Maldives government has included hospitality workers in its first citizens’ round to provide vaccination.
Earlier this year, the Tourism Minister of the Maldives named Dr. Abdulla Mausoom confirmed, “Our group of islands is developing its new scheme of 3V i.e. Vacation, Visit, and Vaccinate. The scheme will allow the country’s visitors to get the necessary Covid-19 vaccines on their arrival.”
However, the program fails to move ahead until the entire population of the Maldives, approximately 550,000, has undergone full vaccination. If you check the data obtained up to November 25, you will find about 360,000 Maldives people had been administered with both 1st and 2nd doses of a Covishield vaccination.
What Maldives Tourism Offer You
For a long time, the Maldives has remained a favourite destination of newly married couples. Here, you will find many luxury hotels set on different private islands. Moreover, you will find rooms cantilevered on water. Indeed, you have to put too much effort while walking to the sea beach.
Key Facts on the Maldives Tour during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authorities of Maldives have set the following criteria to let travelers experience Maldives tour during the Covid-19 pandemic situation.
Proof of a Negative Covid-19 Test
The Maldives at present is open for visitors belonging to different destinations. However, individuals willing to make Maldives tourism must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Your taken Covid-19 test should not exceed four days before your arrival.
Uplift of Temporary Ban
The authorities of the islands’ country have lifted the temporary ban, which they have applied to South Asian travelers on July 15.
Rare Travel Successes
Maldives tour during the Covid-19 pandemic
According to the statistics, the Maldives was the rarest travel success for the year 2020. The trend will continue for the year 2021 even though there are a few setbacks.
Loyalty Program
The country of islands has recently launched a tourist loyalty program. The program will reward points to regular Maldives visitors according to the duration and frequency of their island trips. Travelers who win many points may bump to elite status to get plenty of benefits. What will be better than getting plenty of discounts on hotels while enjoying the Maldives tour during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Rules and Restrictions for Maldives Visitors/Tourists
Mandatory PCR Test
- Travelers should present a certificate of their negative PCR test, which they have carried out within 4 days or 96 hours before the departure.
- Travelers must mention the name and the permanent address of the pathology center or laboratory center, where they underwent PCR test.
- The PCR test details must mention the exact date of the collected sample irrespective of their actual vaccination status.
Online Submission of the Test Result
Travelers must attach the PCR test result to their Traveler Health Declaration form. They have to submit the respective form online within only 24 hours of their arrival. Visitors have to download a national-level contact tracing application and use it during their Maldives tour during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A few months ago, the Maldives government dropped its rules and restrictions for fully vaccinated tourists. However, it has reintroduced the respective rules with the increase in Covid-19 cases.
Quarantine Days
If you are arriving from any country other than those belonging to the United Kingdom, you must undergo a quarantine period. However, the number of days depends on whether you are fully vaccinated or non-vaccinated travelers. If you are a vaccinated person, you have to go for a quarantine of 7 days only. In contrast, non-vaccinated individuals have to stay in quarantine for 14 days.
Split Stays in Different Hotels
Visitors must choose for split stays between different hotels. However, if you have to spend more than 2 days or 48 hours in the area of Greater Male, you have to undergo a second PCR test before moving anywhere else.
Guest Accommodations of Local Islands
If you are partially vaccinated or non-vaccinated, you can stay in any guest accommodations of local islands. However, the accommodation must have only 60 percent of the total population. Simultaneously, it should include 90 percent of people more than 65 years of age and 95 percent of fully vaccinated tourist staff.
Expectations of Visitors on their Arrival at the Maldives
The Maldives Tourism Authorities are promoting them as a country or destination that offers normal vacations. This has become possible with the isolation of many hotels and a large number of visitors, who prefer for in-resort stay as compared to venturing out.
Accordingly, individuals going from and to the airport remain exempt and locals have to follow the necessary restrictions. The tourism ministry of the islands’ country also allowed split stays among hotels provided they meet the necessary government requirements. Furthermore, one has to request for split stays to the Tourism Ministry at least before 2 days or 48 hours of their travel.
Other than hotels, tourists and visitors will expect a few rules while entering resorts. These are wearing masks indoors and temperature check at the time of arrival. One of the best ways to save money is to bring a few important items, like hand sanitizer and masks with you. Doing so will let you avoid spending big amounts on the chain of islands.
