The Maldives reached half a million tourist arrivals in 2020 since borders reopened, with 552,811 arrivals, as of 30 December 2020.
In 2020, Russia was at the top of tourist arrival markets of the Maldives with 46,065 tourists traveling to the holiday destination. Italy came in second with 45,645 tourists, followed by India with 44,268 tourists, 38,285 from the United Kingdom, and 34,074 from China. Other countries following closely behind are Germany, France, the United States, Switzerland, and Japan.
As the Maldives witnesses steady recovery in the tourism sector, following the negative impact caused by the global pandemic, numerous tourist accommodation facilities are continuing to restart operations to welcome back tourists to the destination. As of 30 December 2020, 141 resorts have reopened, along with 254 guesthouses, 130 safari vessels, and 11 hotels.
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: Maldives Magazine
