A mandatory negative PCR test prior to guests’ arrival in the Maldives is now required starting from 10th September 2020. As the decision made by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) as a safety measure, all tourists and other travelers entering the Maldives for short-term stays need to present a negative PCR test result for COVID-19.
Guests should have a health document in English that confirms they had a PCR test with negative results for COVID-19. Likewise, the PCR test needs to conducted 72 hours prior to their departure to the Maldives. Maldives resorts are also offering PCR exit screening to guests without having to travel out of the resorts.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa is offering a free PCR test for 2 adults and 1 child per booking. Meanwhile, Crossroads Maldives has established in-villa PCR tests. Likewise, the leading resort operator, Crown & Champa is also offering PCR tests at its properties as well.
According to the latest figures, 7,628 tourists arrived in the Maldives in the month of August. The Maldives opened its borders to international visitors on 15th July 2020. The government of Maldives reopened the borders fully confident in the safety measures and preparations in place to ensure the protection of all visitors and people working in the tourism sector, including those in the resorts. Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism has announced to grant permission for guesthouse reopening starting from 15th October 2020.
The signature “one-island-one-resort” concept of the Maldives means that visitors to the country are based in their respective resorts. These unique arrangements make it easier for visitors to maintain social distancing, whilst they can enjoy a truly safe and isolated holiday. Moreover, all resort facilities have been regulated to ensure that they are in line with the COVID-19 tourism guidelines to guarantee the safety of tourists throughout their stay in the country.
