The Maldives recorded 47,079 tourist arrivals as of 16 January 2021, for the start of the new year!
The total number of arrivals for the previous year of 2020, was approximately 555,399 tourists according to statistics provided by the Tourism Ministry. Russia remains the top market for tourist arrivals into the Maldives with 12,029 tourists for the new year, followed by India with 8042 arrivals, and Ukraine with 4292 arrivals. Kazakhstan entered the top 10 markets with 2318 tourists, Romania with 2030 tourists, followed by France, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, the United States of America (USA), and Switzerland, respectively.
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 16 January 2021, 141 resorts have reopened, along with 297 guesthouses, 133 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
