This summer may not be a total bust — the Maldives is set to reopen to tourists this month!
Visit Maldives has released a statement confirming a July 15th reopening date to travelers. According to the statement, resorts and hotels on uninhabited islands will reopen on that date but restarts and hotels on inhabited islands will have to wait until August 1st to reopen.
“The tourism industry…accounts for the largest foreign exchange earnings, making it the biggest economic contributor in the country,” says Visit Maldives.
The statement goes on to say, “However, it has come to a standstill due to the stringent public health measures taken to curb COVID-19. The tourism industry has been gearing up to restart; it is set to resume in compliance to protective measures, taking into account the safety of tourists and staff working in the industry.”
International tourists will not have to pay fees or show negative test results for COVID-19 when landing. If you have no symptoms, you will not be required to self-quarantine.
Travelers who have symptoms or have been around someone who has tested positive for the virus are urged not to make travel plans to the Maldives.
While on the flight, tourists will be provided with a health declaration card that they must fill out as well as a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival.
Travelers are encouraged to wear masks, social distance, use hand sanitizer, and wash hands for at least 20 seconds when traveling.
You can find out more information on the reopening on the Visit Maldives website.