The British are Coming! Maldives Listed as Safe Travel Destination by UK’s FCDO

In comparison to many other countries, Maldives has succeeded in the maintaining a relatively low coronavirus cases owing to its geographically dispersed landscape as well as the early closure of borders. The country re-opened its doors for the world on 15^th July, after almost three months into a travel ban. Since then, Maldives has seen a total number of 31,801 tourist arrivals effective of 21^st October. United Kingdom remains in the top 5 tourist markets to the country. The numbers are expected to further increase as the British government had added Maldives to its safe travel list which will begin effect from 25^th October.

Based on the current assessment of the COVID-19 situation, Maldives has become exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel. As a result, the mandatory quarantine period after returning to UK from Maldives is no longer applicable whereas British tourists can currently travel to Maldives without invalidating their travel insurance.

On arrival visas are issues for all tourists saving you from the hassle of any additional paperwork. However, all tourists must evidence a negative result of COVID-19 PCR test taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure from destination of arrival.

However, if a British national is travelling to Maldives in a capacity other than of a tourist or travelling via stopover destinations, the quarantine period is made mandatory. At present, the only airline operating direct flight to Maldives from the UK is British Airways.