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NASA is Returning to Venus, When can Travellers from India Return to the Maldives?

when can travellers from india return to maldives
It’s the million-dollar question everyone is asking now, when can travellers from India return to the Maldives?

It’s the million-dollar question every travel agency and Indian holidaymakers are asking now; when can travellers from India return to the Maldives? Since the Maldives reopened its borders, the island nation has been the favourite destination for Indian travellers and Bollywood celebrities.

The Maldives banned Indian travellers after the neighbouring country saw a surge in COVID-19 cases. From 27th April 2021 onwards Indian tourists were no longer allowed to stay at guesthouses or hotels located in inhabited islands. Around this time, memes surfaced on the web, trolling Bollywood celebrities that visited the Maldives.

After that, on 13th May 2021 Maldives Immigration suspended entry for tourists from South Asian countries. This means tourists from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are barred from visiting the tropical holiday destination.

Until travellers from India were restricted to visit the Maldives, the neighbouring country has been the Maldives’ biggest individual market in terms of tourist arrivals. In addition to that, India was the top tourist source market in 2020 and the fastest-growing market in 2019 as well.

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 situation means it could take a few months until travellers from India can return to the Maldives. As the two countries share close bilateral relations, the Maldives and India could plan a more strict Air Bubble that enables fully vaccinated Indians to visit the Maldives.

Maldives targets to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2021. But, the country will face some challenges to achieve this goal as travellers from India cannot visit the Maldives yet. After the Maldives suspended entry from South Asian countries, tourist arrivals have declined in May 2021 compared to the previous months of the year.

The Times India reported that “India is beginning to unlock” as fresh COVID-19 cases are slowing down. Some states in the country started to ease restrictions while others however decided to continue them.

Travel between India and the Maldives also depends on the COVID-19 situation in the capital of the Maldives.

While there has been no official statement to restart travel between India and the Maldives, travellers from India have shown keen interest to return to the Maldives once again.

Feature image by Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO Celebrates Women’s Dive Month with PADI

OBLU NATURE Helengeli Celebrates Women’s Dive Month

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is diving headfirst into a new chapter for women in scuba by launching International PADI Women’s Dive Month this July. In partnership with TGI Maldives, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, and marine biologist Luca Melodia, the resort has transformed the annual PADI Women’s Dive Day on July 19 into a month-long celebration of underwater exploration and holistic wellness.

Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives, sees the extended celebration as a natural evolution of the sport’s growing inclusivity.

“As a leading PADI certified dive centre in the Indian Ocean, the team at TGI Maldives brings exceptional expertise in introducing ocean enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to the wonders of scuba diving. This July, by extending our PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration into a month-long event at the truly stunning OBLU NATURE Helengeli resort, we aim to welcome even more newcomers to the sport while also offering advanced certifications for existing enthusiasts”.

Expanding Access to Diving for Women and Families

Building on the momentum of receiving the 2024 “PADI Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award, OBLU NATURE Helengeli and TGI Maldives continue to expand access to diving for women and families. As a result, they aim to create more inclusive opportunities for travelers to connect with the ocean in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.

Located on a remote island in the Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a rare combination of accessibility and adventure. Its house reef lies just meters from the shoreline, while nearby dive sites draw both beginners and experienced divers. Throughout the month, the resort invites solo female travelers, adventurous families, and friend groups to take part in a curated itinerary of dive sessions, wellness activities, and marine talks—all included under the resort’s comprehensive OBLU Island Plan™.

Diving and Wellness Combined for an Unforgettable Experience

TGI Maldives, the resort’s long-standing dive partner, brings more than 40 years of experience to the program. The dive center has consistently supported women in diving, and this year, it offers exclusive discounts on all dives booked by women. That includes the PADI Discover Scuba Dive, a beginner-friendly program that welcomes even non-swimmers into the sport. Meanwhile, experienced divers can join guided excursions into the Indian Ocean to uncover the region’s lesser-known underwater treasures.

In addition to diving, ELE|NA Ayur Spa has introduced more than 18 different wellness activities, scheduled throughout the month. The program includes sunrise yoga, aqua aerobics, and core stability classes—each designed to improve flexibility, stamina, and breath control, all essential elements for divers. Moreover, women who book any dive with TGI Maldives also receive a discount on two signature spa therapies: the Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle massages. These treatments draw on traditional Maldivian healing techniques and use only sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli shared the inspiration behind this year’s expanded Women’s Dive Month.

There’s nothing like seeing guests’ emotions after their first dive. While we celebrate women in diving year-round, PADI Women’s Dive Month in July provides a platform to offer more reasons to join us in paradise. Partnering with the ELE|NA Ayur spa team and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia, we are creating an unforgettable and educational journey. We aim to bring together women, friends, and families for an immersive escape. Guests will enjoy diving, spa wellness classes, and all-inclusive dining. It’s a soulful island adventure into the aquatic world and beyond.

To celebrate, OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a 20% discount on fully inclusive stays of four nights or more during July. Women who book PADI dive courses through TGI Maldives receive 20% off all certifications throughout the month, while ELE|NA Ayur Spa matches that discount on its signature Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle treatments for female guests.

With its combination of world-class diving, award-winning wellness, and a mission to uplift women in the sport, OBLU NATURE Helengeli is turning July into more than just a getaway—it’s a gateway into the ocean’s wonders.

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