The Maldives reopened to international travel on July 15, 2020. Tourists from all countries can visit and entry requirements are very straightforward, so it is one of the best countries that are open for tourism.

All travelers must submit an online Traveler Health Declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure and download the Trace Ekee contact tracing app.

All tourists must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 96 hours of departure from the first port of embarkation en route to the Maldives and a reservation at a registered accommodation.

Can I travel to the Maldives right now?  

Travelers from any country can visit the Maldives right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit the Maldives at the moment.

Maldives COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Entry requirements for travelers to the Maldives depend on whether they are tourists or not.

All travelers must complete an online Traveler Health Declaration form within 24 hours of their departure and download the Trace Ekee contact tracing app.

All tourists need to have proof of a negative PCR result that was obtained within 96 hours of departure from the first port of embarkation en route to the Maldives and have proof of a reservation at a registered accommodation.

There is no quarantine requirement for tourists, but all non-tourists who are traveling to an inhabited island must self-isolate for 10 days.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to the Maldives?

All tourists must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 96 hours of departure from the first port of embarkation en route to the Maldives.

Tourists must upload their negative test result as part of completing the Traveler Health Declaration form. They should also have a paper or electronic copy with them to show when they check into their flight.

Only children under the age of one and Maldivian citizens and residents are exempt from this requirement.

If tourists transit through another country on their way to the Maldives, their PCR test will still be valid as long as their transit does not exceed 24 hours. If their transit does exceed 24 hours, they will have to take a repeat PCR test before they arrive in the Maldives.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the Maldives?

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival for tourists as long as they do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.

Non-tourist travelers must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival and register on the Haalubelun portal within 24 hours of their arrival. Non-tourist travelers from the UK or who have been in the UK in the last 14 days will have to take a PCR test on day 5 and day 10 of their quarantine period.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit the Maldives

It is not mandatory to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit the Maldives, but it is definitely a good idea, especially if you want to travel safely and be covered no matter what happens.

Heymondo is a great choice for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. Their policies include both COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad and offer extensive coverage for an affordable price. You can even save 5% on their policies with the discount link below.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the Maldives

Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government of the Maldives has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter the Maldives.

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to the Maldives, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Maldives changes its travel restrictions.

Other travel restrictions for the Maldives during COVID-19

Maldives has a few other travel restrictions in place:

• All travelers must complete an online Traveler Health Declaration form within 24 hours of their departure. They should also complete this form again when they leave the Maldives.

• All travelers must download the Trace Ekee.

• All tourists must have proof of a reservation at a registered accommodation.

• All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival in the Maldives.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing rules must be observed.

• You may need a tourist visa to visit the Maldives. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in the Maldives

You’ll find that plenty of places are open in the Maldives right now, including hotels, beaches, restaurants, excursions, and tours.

Hotels that are open in the Maldives

Hotels and resorts in the Maldives are currently open, so you should have lots of great options for places to stay. Of the many resorts in the Maldives, we highly recommend these ones:

• Coco Bodu Hithi
• Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
• Radisson Blu Resort Maldives
• OBLU SELECT at Sangeli
• lti Maafushivaru Maldives

Guests must wear masks in all public areas and follow social distancing rules. They are also encouraged to take their own temperatures every day; thermometers are available for this purpose. Guests must undergo an exit screening when they leave their accommodation to ensure that they do not have COVID-19. High-contact surfaces will be disinfected every 4 hours.

Tourists may stay at different resorts and accommodations during their stay, but they must seek approval from the Ministry of Tourism two days before they travel to the Maldives.

Tourists who are staying at accommodation in the Greater Male area for more than 48 hours and are transferring to accommodation in another area must get a PCR test before they leave Greater Male for the other accommodation. They may only travel to the other accommodation if their PCR test is negative.

Tourists who are staying in the Greater Male area for more than 48 hours and for the entirety of their trip must get a PCR test before they leave the Maldives. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure from the Maldives and it must be negative in order to allow tourists to travel.

More details on hotel regulations can be found here. More information on staying at different accommodations can be found here. More information on staying in the Greater Male area is available here.

Beaches that are open in the Maldives

Beaches in the Maldives are open for swimming and sunbathing.

Beachgoers should wear masks when entering and exiting the beach. They should also keep a distance of at least one meter away from others who are not in their household and make sure any beach chairs are set up in accordance with social distancing rules. Contact sports are not allowed.

You can find more information on beach regulations here.

Tours and excursions that are operating in the Maldives

Tours and excursions are currently operating in the Maldives. There are plenty of land- and water-based activities you can do, but if we had to pick just a few, we would choose these ones:

• 2-Hour Maldives Submarine Tour from Male
• Snorkeling with Manta Ray
• 3 Point Snorkeling Safari

For dive centers, bookings must be made in advance. Guests can only touch their own diving equipment. All rented equipment will be disinfected after each use.

For excursions, the number of people on the trip will be limited to allow for social distancing. Guests must wear masks and social distance. Anyone who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to join an excursion. Hand sanitizer and/or soap and water will be available so guests can disinfect their hands.

More information on excursion information can be found here.

Restaurants that are open in the Maldives

Restaurants in the Maldives are open, but they have implemented some increased health and safety measures.

Guests should sanitize their hands when they enter the restaurant. They must also wear masks when they are entering, moving around, and exiting the restaurant. Tables will be located at least one meter apart from each other.

If there is a buffet, guests must wear masks while getting food and keep a distance of one meter away from others. Buffets will not be self-service; staff will serve guests.

More information on restaurant regulations can be found here.

Airports that are open in the Maldives

Maldives has four international airports, Velana International Airport, Gan International Airport, Maafaru International Airport, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport, all of which are currently open.

All travelers must wear masks and abide by social distancing rules. They will also be subject to health screenings upon arrival.

Where to get a PCR test in the Maldives

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get tested in the Maldives, here is a list of places you can get a PCR test.

Maldives reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to the Maldives reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on Maldives reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to the Maldives, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Maldives
• CDC Travel Recommendations for the Maldives
• General Maldives Travel Advisory
• Maldives Customs COVID-19 Updates and Entry Requirements
• Online Travel Health Declaration Form
• Trace Ekee App
• List of Places to Get a PCR Test in the Maldives
• Haalubelun Portal for Non-Tourists’ Registration
• Regulations for the Tourism Sector
• List of Registered Tourist Facilities
• Information on Split Stay (Staying at Different Accommodations)
• Guidelines for Tourist Guesthouses and Hotels in Greater Male Area
• Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Local Updates
• Visit Maldives COVID-19 Updates
• Ministry of Tourism COVID-19 Situation Updates
• Maldives Immigration FAQs for Visiting the Maldives
• Regulations for Non-Tourists Travelers from the UK