The Maldives will reopen to travellers on 15 July, the country’s Ministry of Tourism has officially announced, with visitors from the UAE not required to undergo a period of quarantine.
The Indian Ocean archipelago – which is hugely popular with UAE residents – has been closed since March, but will see Emirates flights between Dubai and the capital Male resume on 16 July.
According to the authorities, travellers do not need to show a negative Covid-19 test upon arriving into the Maldives, but anyone with symptoms may be tested at the airport, at their own expense.
With regards to containing Covid-19, all travellers must fill in a health declaration card and wear face masks on flights. Hand sanitisation centres have been set up at Velana International Airport where travellers will undergo thermal screening.
All travellers will be given a 30-day tourist visa free of charge upon arrival and there will be no minimum stay required, but tourists must have a confirmed accommodation booking before travelling.
Known for its high-end luxury resorts and overwater villas, the Maldives relies on tourism for 40 per cent of its GDP, so authorities have been focused on getting the return of tourism right.
The country emerged from strict lockdown measures on 15 June, when locals were allowed to venture out of their homes without a permit for the first time since March.
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