The Maldives witnesses over 6000 daily tourist arrivals

The Maldives witnessed 6037 daily tourist arrivals on 27 December, after over 5,555 entries arrived in a single day on 20 December 2020 recording the highest number of tourist arrivals. 

The Honorable Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom stated on Twitter, “New record of tourist arrivals on a single day since the Maldives reopened borders. It’s #SixThousand (6,000) plus tourists today. Thanks and Congratulations to industry partners, related authorities, lovely tourists, and the charming people of #Maldives. Love you ALL very much.” 

As Maldives continues to overcome the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, the country recently welcomed the 100,000th tourist since borders reopened in July 2020, as well as the 500,000th tourist for the year 2020.

Although arrivals have been lower than expected initially since borders reopened, things have picked up as the country entered the festive season, which is what industry experts call “peak season.”

Tourists traveling to the Maldives must provide authorities with a negative PCR test upon their arrival at the holiday destination. The PCR test must include relevant details such as the name and address of the laboratory that performed the testing, result of the test, date of testing as well as name and signature of the issuing officer. It must be submitted to Maldives Immigration via its IMUGA platform (imuga.immigration.gov.mv) when filling out the Traveler Health Declaration.

Even after providing a negative PCR test, airport authorities may still be liable to subject passengers to screening or any other surveillance measures during the arrival process of travelers. Visitors that show symptoms of the coronavirus and any individuals traveling with such visitors will be tested at their own expense.

After borders reopened on 15 July 2020, all tourists will receive a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking to stay at any registered tourist accommodation in the Maldives.

Photo Credit: Visit Maldives