Ebola Outbreak in East Africa: What Travellers Need to Know
The World Health Organization has issued an emergency declaration for an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. More than 500 cases and 134 deaths have been reported. The United States has implemented entry restrictions and airport screening for travellers who have been in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the past 21 days.
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Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026: The US Visa Situation
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico. For fans planning to travel to the US matches, the visa situation is unusually complicated this year: appointment wait times of up to six months, a new visa bond rule for some nationalities, the FIFA PASS priority appointment programme, and 39 countries facing travel restrictions that ticket-holder status alone will not override.
Eid Al-Adha 2026: What's On at Maldives Resorts
Eid Al-Adha falls on 27 to 30 May 2026, and four Maldivian resort groups have published programmes for the holiday: Amilla Maldives in Baa, The Standard in Raa, Sun Siyam across five properties, and Coco Collection at Bodu Hithi and Palm Dhuni Kolhu. Bodu Mas parades, Boduberu drumming, Maldivian high tea, and an Eid Sai Fodhu spread across all four.
Australia’s First Direct Flight to the Maldives Lands
Australia’s first ever direct commercial flight to the Maldives touched down at Velana International Airport at dawn this morning. The flight operated by Maldivian on an Airbus A330-200, was greeted with a traditional water-cannon salute on the apron.
Two of Four Italian Divers Recovered from Vaavu Cave System
Two of the four Italian divers missing inside the Devana Kandu cave system at Vaavu Atoll have been recovered deceased by a Finnish specialist cave-diving team. Two divers remain inside the cave. This is a developing story.
St. Regis Vommuli's two-bedroom family villa gets a bigger pool and more living space
The St. Regis Maldives, Vommuli Resort has reopened its two-bedroom family villa following a redesign that adds more indoor space, a much larger infinity pool, and a widened private beach.
The Maldives' First Island-to-Island Zipline Opens Bookings
A 428-metre island-to-island zipline between Vahmaafushi and Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll is now open for bookings. Adult rides are USD $50, children $30, with daily slots running 10am to 6pm.
Air France announces twice-weekly Paris–Malé seasonal flights from December 18
Air France will operate Paris CDG to Malé non-stop twice a week from 18 December 2026 through 7 March 2027, on the Airbus A350-900.
Flynas opens Riyadh–Malé route on 3 May, giving Saudi travellers a direct Maldives option
Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas will begin three-weekly nonstop flights between Riyadh and Velana International Airport from 3 May 2026 — the first direct scheduled service on the corridor.
Sri Lanka scraps visa fees for 40 countries to jump-start tourism
Short-stay ETAs are now free for travellers from 40 markets including the US, UK, Germany, UAE and much of the EU — a move aimed at reversing a sharp drop in arrivals.
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Celebrity Travel in the Maldives: The Islands' Most Famous Visitors
The Maldives has a long-established reputation as the destination of choice for the world's most recognisable faces. From Hollywood royalty to global sports icons, the Indian Ocean archipelago offers something that few places on earth can match: genuine isolation combined with unconditional luxury.
The Collapse of the 7-Month Booking Window
The summer booking window has collapsed from over seven months to roughly sixteen weeks. New data from Hays Travel and TUI’s May 2026 briefings shows why: financial conservation, geopolitical hesitation, and a deal-hunting myth are reshaping how Europe books its summer holidays. Here is what it means for travellers planning a trip right now.
Behind the Scenes: How Resorts in the Maldives Maintain Luxury Standards
Beyond the turquoise waters and overwater villas, a complex operation keeps the Maldives’ luxury standards world-class. We go behind the scenes to explore how resorts maintain their exceptional hospitality.