Luxtripper Travel Editor
Let us put your mind at ease when it comes to booking your next Maldives luxury holiday.
Yes! The Maldives reopened on the 15th July 2020, and is currently accepting international tourists for Maldives holidays and honeymoons. The entry requirements have recently changed slightly and at a first glance the list of necessities might seem like a bit of headache, but we are here to reassure you that preparation is key to a safe holiday and it's all much easier to organise than you may think!
Three key things that you will need to enter the Maldives are: a PCR test certificate with a negative result, a completed Traveler Health Declaration Form, and travel insurance.
PCR Testing
Effective from 10th September, all tourists and short-term visitors must present a negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19 on arrival to Maldives. The test and negative PCR certificate must be issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure. We advise keeping updated on FCDO's website for any changes to this time frame.
It's worth noting that children under the age of 1 are not required to do PCR testing.
There are many different companies across the UK who offer PCR testing both in-centre or via a kit that you can send off for and await the results; please do let your dedicated Luxury Travel Specialists know if you need assistance finding a test centre, our team will be more than happy to advise you.
Traveler Health Declaration Form
Tourists are required to fill out a Traveler Health Declaration Form 24-hours before departing for the Maldives. This a short form that asks for passenger details, photo ID, contact information and where you will be staying during your holiday. This only takes about 5-10 minutes and you will need to present the QR Code along with your PCR report at the check-in point at the airport and when you reach Arrivals.
Travel Insurance
We always advise our travellers to book appropriate travel insurance to cover the details of their luxury holiday or honeymoon. If you have any questions regarding travel insurance, your Dedicated Luxury Specialist will be ready to assist you
Yes, many world-class airlines are offering a handful of flights to the Maldives with connections mainly in the Middle East, such as in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad are currently running services between London and Malé. While Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air have also joined the flight schedule to arrive at Malé with a stop in between.
Once you have arrived at Malé, the transfer to your island resort will be by boat, sea plane or a domestic flight. More on that later...
At the Airport
You may notice that Departures is quieter than usual! We still recommend checking in online before you arrive at the airport, but you will notice that social distancing measures will be in place as you queue for baggage drop. Staff at check-in, in restaurants, shops (yes, Duty Free is open!) and around the airport will be wearing face masks, and sanitising stations are placed throughout the airport. You will also witness social distancing measures across the airport, especially in areas with seating such as restaurants and at your gate.
On the Flight
Many airlines have taken on protocols to ensure the safety of every traveler. You may be required to wear a face mask for the duration of your flight, and many airlines have incorporated social distancing measures into the seating configuration (so you may get a little bit more space!). In general, we also advise:
- Remaining seated where possible and following social distancing measures in the cabin.
- Opting for contactless payment methods where possible.
- Informing a staff member if you feel unwell.
Hot food may not be served throughout the flight, if this is the case then cold alternatives will be offered as replacement.
Of more than 150 luxury resorts in the Maldives, at least 40 reopened in the latter half of July and more have opened since.
Among the popular resorts welcoming guests are: One & Only Reethi Rah, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Joali, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Soneva Fushi, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, three Four Seasons resort's (Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru), Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi and Heritance Aarah.
The majority of the remaining resorts are set to reopen this October/November.
Our dedicated team will always be happy to help you select which Maldives resort will be perfect for your holiday or honeymoon.
The Maldives's government has given "Safe Tourism” licenses to businesses that meet legislation and safety rules, such as having a medical professional on call or the required stock of PPE. However, you will likely remain at your island resort for the full duration of your holiday or honeymoon, so it is unlikely that you will come across other businesses.
All resorts have a trained medical professional in place capable of collecting samples for Covid-19 testing, and some islands opted to test guests for Covid-19 in an effort to create coronavirus-free bubbles/ environments so the guests can truly relax and engage with hosts and fellow guests. However, it's unclear whether these resorts will continue to test arriving guests now that virus-free certificates are mandatory for all travellers.
All Staff members wear masks and guests are not required to at the resort. However, guests are required to get temperature checks before entering restaurants, bars, reception or any public areas. Temperature checks becomes naturally part of your daily routine, they only take a few seconds and you'll barely notice it after a while! Before entering a restaurant for example, you’ll either stand in front of a temperature scanner that checks your temperature for you, or a staff member will check your temperature on your wrist.
Paper menus are no longer used. All restaurants will have a QR code to scan on your phone and the menu will pop up! If you don’t have your phone with you, then they’ll provide an iPad with the menu – easier for them to clean than the traditional menu; a concept everyone likes and will be the way forward!
Spa treatments, activities, kids club and dining can be viewed and booked through your in-room television, iPad or on an app on your phone. This makes it easier to book... even before arrival! You can always call to book in-resort services; no changes here!
In terms of social distancing; luckily the Maldives is a place where you feel like you don’t have to dodge people. There are plenty of entertainment options and activities for you to do and experience around the island, yet you still have the privacy and space of your own villa.
For families, resorts are offering great deals on nanny services. Kids activities are still on the schedule (including ones aimed at teenagers) and the kids pool area can be booked in advance with plenty of space. The resort can also cater for social bubble groups for kids where they can interact with other children of the same age (grouping two families together) or activities that can be done as a family.
It's worth noting that all of the staff at our favourite Maldives luxury hotels and resorts are going that extra mile for their guests, to ensure they have both a safe and comfortable experience; expect personalised and special service.
If you're ready to let us plan your perfect holiday or honeymoon to the Maldives, get in touch with our Dedicated Luxury Specialists today. Be sure to visit our Special Offers page for our best Maldives holiday offers.