Like so many island nations that rely heavily on the tourism industry, the Maldives is eager to take the first tentative steps toward the re-opening of its borders to all international travellers (of course this applies only to travellers from countries from which international travel is permitted – at this stage, no one from Australia can travel internationally, except those with government/health department approved exemptions.)
His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced that the Maldives will welcome international tourists on to resorts, liveaboards and hotels located on uninhabited islands only from July 2020. Guest houses and hotels located on local islands will be open from 1 August 2020.
Strict guidelines for the re-opening of the tourism sector in the Maldives will be observed, and apply to all international visitors. According to the guidelines, tourists are not required to pay an additional fee, produce a certificate or test result indicative of negative status for COVID-19 prior to entry into Maldives. For tourists without symptoms, there is no requirement for quarantine either.
However, travellers with a history of contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID- 19 within 14 days of their intended arrival date, and persons who have fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, shortness of breath in the previous 14 days are advised not to travel to the Maldives.
Travellers must also have a confirmed booking in a tourist establishment registered with the Ministry of Tourism prior to arrival and during phase one of reopening must book their entire stay at the one registered establishment. Stays at multiple resorts and hotels are not permitted.
Strict protocols also apply during the flight to the Maldives and on arrival at the airport, during your stay, and upon departure.
Regular official updates on travel to the Maldives are provided on the websites of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
