Can I visit the Maldives? Latest advice as islands granted travel corridor
The Maldives has been added to the UK's quarantine-free list, effective 4am October 25.
It is also exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice against non-essential travel, making it easier to secure travel insurance for a trip there.
British holidaymakers can now travel to one of the 1,192 coral islands without being required to self-isolate on their return.
Tourists and short-term visitors are required to present evidence of a negative Covid-19 PCR test on arrival in the Maldives. The test and negative certificate must have been issued 96 hours prior to departure. Screening procedure
The tourism industry accounts for nearly 30 per cent of GDP in the Maldives, so its reopening has been a priority.s are also in place for passengers on arrival with quarantine facilities set up for any suspected cases of Covid-19.
Below we answer the key questions for those considering a holiday in the Maldives.
Can I visit the Maldives?
Yes, Britons can holiday at a resort without having to quarantine on arrival.
International tourists can enter the Maldives, without quarantine, at Velana International Airport in Malé, as of July 15.
Tourists and visitors who are planning to stay in the Maldives short term are required to present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test – both the test and the certificate must have been issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure.
Anyone travelling to the Maldives must fill in a Traveller Health Declaration form 24 hours before depature.
The FCDO advice for the Maldives also states:
"Temperature checks and screening procedures will be in place on arrival. Quarantine facilities have been set up to isolate any suspected cases of Covid-19.
"Travellers presenting symptoms of Covid-19 upon arrival will be subjected to a PCR test at the traveller’s cost or at the cost of the tourist facility where the traveller is booked to stay in the Maldives. Additionally, local health authorities may conduct random testing, at no cost to travellers.".
Are flights operating?
Yes; a number of airlines are running services with connections in the Middle East, but Britons should avoid facing quarantine on return by taking direct flights.
British Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines offer regular, non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Malé Velana International Airport, which serves as a gateway for international tourists. Transfers to your resort will be by boat, sea plane or a domestic flight.
Which resorts have reopened?
Hotels and guest houses located on inhabited islands were allowed to open from August 1, 2020.
Some 94 per cent of resorts had reopened by October.
What rules will I have to follow in the Maldives?
Despite the resumption of tourism, the country extended its state of public health emergency until November 5.
There are no travel restrictions between islands without Covid-19 cases. However, travel to and from islands with confirmed Covid-19 cases is restricted.
Gatherings of over five people are not allowed in public spaces and a distance of three feet must be maintained with others when going out. Use of masks is mandatory on islands with cases of Covid-19 when going out in public.
