Maldives Allows Tourists Who Have Completed Vaccination Quarantine-Free Entry Without PCR Test

Friday 16th of April 2021

Maldives has been resilient in coping with the challenges in the face of the global pandemic since the beginning. With all proper measures in place, Maldives was one of the first destinations in the world to open borders to travelers from all around the world. It was a bold move given that a majority of the source markets were heavily restricting travel but with persistent marketing efforts, new source markets have emerged and proven to be successful in the revival of the tourism industry.

One of the main reasons why Maldives grew so popular as a post-pandemic travel destination was the minimal entry requirements imposed at the borders. Since the islands of the archipelago are naturally socially distant and all resorts are built on a one-island-one-resort concept, it was as if nature made it easier for us to maintain physical distance. The most stringent safety and hygiene measures were deployed at all touch points from the main gateway, Velana International Airport to at the resorts, allowing tourists ease of a holiday without the hassle of the new normal.

Tourists were allowed entry into the Maldives upon presenting a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to initial departure. They were to observe physical distancing and resorts conducted rapid PCR tests upon arrival. In an official statement by the Health Protection Agency, as of April 20, 2021, tourists who have completed two dozes of the covid vaccination two-weeks prior to departure can visit the Maldives without having to present a PCR test. Their entry will also be quarantine-free.

With the extra ease and convenience of travelling, Maldives is hopeful to see a further increase in the number of tourist arrivals, specifically from major source markets in Europe. Speaking to public media about the announcement, Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom said that this was a long-awaited decision. It allows tourists the convenience of being able to eliminate multiple steps in the journey of travelling according to the new normal.

Reassuring safety of both guests and tourism front liners, the Maldives initiated a nation-wide vaccination drive in February. So far (April 14, 2021), 33,638 employees from the tourism and hospitality industry in the Maldives have received the first doze of Covid Vaccine. They include staff at resorts, guesthouses, safari vessels, performing artists, travel agents and staff at the tourism ministry.

As of April 14, a total of 345,261 tourists have arrived in the Maldives, a major percentage of them being from the top travel markets of India (22.9%) and Russia (21.3%). Key markets from Europe and Middle East are showing promising recovery as well.

Across the destination, over 46,000 tourist beds are in operation at resorts, guesthouses and safari vessels. The Maldives is also well connected from major tourist hubs across the globe, with 29 chartered and scheduled flights arriving regularly to the country. In addition to this, international airports in the northern and southern region of the country are welcoming affluent travelers arriving on private jets to the dreamy shores of Maldives.

If you have completed the two doses of Covid Vaccination, the Maldives is welcoming you on a serene getaway of your dreams so get packing!