Travel Information During Covid-19 - Maldives Holiday Collections

14 Aug Travel Information During Covid-19

Posted at 04:52h in Social by Ali Shujuaan 0 Comments

0 Likes

Here we are compiling all information related to your travel during the Covid-19 pandemic to the Maldives. All information and sources are directly shared as per the details given by the Ministry of Tourism.

Please note that this page will be updated on a regular basis as we get more information from the Ministry of Tourism and Other Sources. Please scroll down till the end to see the very latest updates

Last Updated: 22/02/2020

Planning Your Trip

The Government of Maldives resumed the issuing of on arrival tourist visas from July 15 2020.
There is NO mandatory quarantine on arrival to Maldives. For non-tourist visitors traveling to an inhabited island, you are required to undergo self-quarantine of 14 days upon arrival at the island.
Submission of a Covid-19 free PCR test taken 96 hours prior to arrival is required.
The guideline published by the Ministry of Tourism details what tourists can expect as they plan their trip to the Maldives. This guideline shall be revised every two weeks depending on the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

VISA Requirements

FREE 30-day visa ON-ARRIVAL VISA for ALL TOURISTS.
Passport must have at least 1-month validity from the date of your expected departure in the Maldives.
A confirmed pre-booking at a registered tourist facility is a pre-requisite for the visa.
Tourist visa extensions will be made available for long-stay tourists without imposition of any further fees.

Booking your Accommodation

Resorts, Liveaboards and hotels located at uninhabited islands will be open for tourists from July 15, 2020.
You are free in multiple accommodations whether it is a Liveaboard, Resort or a Guesthouse. However, some resorts require a Negative PCR test before arrival to the the resort if you are staying in any other property prior to arrival to that respective resort. So it is always good to check with them if such a requirement is necessary.

Before your Departure to Maldives

Submission of the Traveller Health Declaration is mandatory for all arriving passengers.
All passengers are advised to fill the online Traveller Health Declaration, within 24 hours prior to departure. This must be submitted online, via https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv

During the Flight

We recommend following these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

Please follow the guidance of your airline and airline crew at all times
Wear a face mask
Clean your hands often
If you feel the onset of symptoms while on board, inform the airline crew immediately.

Arrival to the Maldives

Velana International Airport (VIA) has implemented social distancing measures with clearly visible signs and floor markings in passenger terminals.

All visitors MUST keep a distance of at least ONE meter (3 FEET) between one another at all times, while in these spaces.

Measures at the Border

As you disembark from the aircraft, airport authorities will ensure that all visitors are wearing masks.
As you enter the arrival terminal and make your way through to immigration, you will be guided past thermal screening cameras.
Hand sanitizers will be widely available throughout the airport. Please use it liberally.
Those who exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms will be asked to exit the queue and will be transferred to a designated testing area.
The Government of Maldives will also be carrying out Random Sampling on arrivals as part of our health surveillance measures. The cost for these voluntary tests will be borne by the Government of Maldives.
All tourists are required to show proof a reservation at a registered facility and a Negative PCR test result taken 96 hours prior to your arrival.

Airport Procedure

Hand sanitization and other protective measures will be provided at all immigration counters
After immigration counters all visitors must proceed to customs and baggage collection
If required, visitors must declare at Customs declaration zone before exiting the terminal to meet the resort representatives

Symptomatic Tourists

If an individual exhibits Covid-19 symptoms on arrival, they will have to undergo a PCR test again. If you are travelling in a group, all members of the group must undergo testing.

Individuals who have been selected for PCR testing will be escorted to the testing area and then transferred to a transit facility until test results are received. Please note that the Government of Maldives will not bear the costs of these tests or stay at the transit facility.

Government will take every step to ensure that results of tests are available within a maximum period of 24 hours from time at which sample is taken.

Domestic Transfers

We ask all visitors to wear a mask at all times and to remain in seats designated by the airline.

Transit Tourists

Individuals who have to transit overnight may stay in designated facilities in Male’ and Hulhumale’. These facilities have been given special permits by the Ministry of Tourism and the Health Protection Agency.

At the Place of Stay

Tourist facilities operating in this phase have submitted Covid-19 management plans to authorities prior to re-opening. These facilities at a minimum ensure designated room for isolation, quarantine, access to medical care, social distancing measures, a Covid-19 safety manager.
All visitors must report any symptoms if any to the Safety Manager as soon as possible.
If a tourist exhibits any symptoms of Covid-19 they must self-isolate in their room, until a test is carried out. They must continue self-isolate until test results are received and even if they test negative, they MUST avoid common areas until all Covid-19 like symptoms clear up.
In case the guest tests positive, depending on their medical condition, they may stay in the resort in self-isolation if the resort allows it.

Departure From Maldives

A health declaration form must be submitted prior to departure from the Maldives.
No other restrictions apply, unless the individual has been placed in isolation or quarantine.
Guests must, in coordination with their facility of stay, ensure that they fulfill the requirements of the screening process which may be required from their next port of disembarkation

Quarantine or Isolation

A mandatory 14-day quarantine will be implemented as per WHO guidance for close contacts
Travel will NOT BE allowed during quarantine period

Covid-19 Treatment In Maldives

Regional facilities for treating COVID-19 have been established throughout the country with relevant medical supplies in place.

Voluntary Testing

Voluntary PCR / Anti Body testing facilities will be made available for exit screen requirement. The tourist establishment of the guest will make necessary arrangements

FAQs For Tourists

Do I have to make a booking before I come for my holiday?

Yes! You must have a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility.

Please remember that your entire holiday in the Maldives could be booked in multiple hotels, liveaboard or guesthouses. However, you will have to share this information with all your accommodation service providers since they would have to issue specific documents to the Tourism Ministry before you change. You will also need a confirmed hotel booking for your tourist visa.

Has the Visa Process changed?

All tourists will be granted 30 days free visa on-arrival and visa can be extended for any long-stay holiday makers. For the on-arrival visa, you have to provide a confirmed hotel booking, sufficient funds for the intended period of stay, confirmed onward/return ticket & a Negative PCR Test Result for Covid-19 taken 96 hours prior to your arrival. Additionally, electronic Traveller Health Declaration has to be submitted within 24 hours prior to the departure to Maldives.

What is the process for filling the Health Declaration Form?

Traveller Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travellers travelling to and from Maldives, within 24 hours prior to their travel.

You may submit the form electronically via http://imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Will I have to do a COVID-19 test?

Yes, you should have a Negative PCR Test result taken 96 hours prior to arrival.

What kind of tests will be done before I can go to the liveaboard?

All tourists will undergo non-intrusive temperature checks and screening on arrival to the Maldives.

You may also be chosen for a random COVID-19 PCR test by Maldivian Health Authorities. This is a voluntary test.

Will I have to pay if I get chosen for random testing?

No, the Maldives government will bear any cost for random testing.

Do I have to spend 14 days in quarantine before I can start my holiday?

No, tourists who do not display COVID-19 symptoms are not required to quarantine on arrival to the Maldives.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Yes. All tourists are required to wear facemasks at the airport, during domestic travel and in all enclosed public spaces.

How will I know the social distancing practises to follow at the airport?

All social distancing guidelines are clearly marked with visible distance information and floor markings in passenger terminals. Hand sanitisation and hygiene facilities are also available throughout the airport.

How will I get to my liveaboard?

A representative from Maldives Collections will be at the airport to assist you with the transfer from the airport to the boat.

Are there medical services available at my Liveaboard?

Yes, all tourist facilities will have access to medical services, well-managed stock of PPE and a COVID-19 safety manager.

Can I visit a different island while I am here on holiday?

Yes you are allowed to travel to other local islands or resorts but only if you have a pre-confirmed booking at the tourist facility. You will not be able to visit any other island or property during your stay on the liveaboard or a particular tourist facility.

What if I have transit needs?

We can help you make special arrangements for any overnight transit stays. You will be allowed to stay in specifically chosen transit hotels, approved by the Health Protection Agency, to ensure your safety.

Do I have to do a COVID-19 test before I can leave the Maldives?

We leave it to your discretion to decide whether or not to be tested before your departure. If you wish to take a COVID-19 test before your departure or any time during your stay, it can be arranged through us.

What can I do to have a safer holiday experience in the Maldives?

Please remember to practise good hygiene and handwashing throughout your trip.

We encourage all visitors to install the Maldives’ contact tracing app ‘Trace Ekee’ (App Store / Play Store) before arrival into the country to help us ensure your safety and the safety of others as you enjoy your holiday.

Further Updates

15th August 2020 – Liveaboard Guests Testing Booth

For Safari Vessels / Liveaboards a testing booth is being setup at near Hulhuamale’ (Closest Area to the International Airport) Jetty area. In addition, vessels operating or cruising across the country may coordinate with the Atoll or Regional Hospital focal points and make arrangements for sampling. However, safari vessels are required to keep a stock of UTM test kits and make arrangements of sample transportation through atoll collection points or any other means of
transportation.

15th August 2020 – PCR test charge for travelers starts at MVR 1,500

The Health Protection Agency has released the labs which provide PCR testing for tourists in Maldives along with their prices

PRICE:

ADK Hospital: MVR 1,500
IGMH: MVR 1,534
Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital: MVR 1,534
Addu Equatorial Hospital: MVR 1,534
Tree Top Hospital: MVR 2,000

From the above MVR Rates we can understand that the cost per PCR test per person will be within a range of USD 100 to USD 130