Maldives Bans Tourism From India
Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in India, Maldives will be temporarily suspending Indian tourists for stays at guesthouses and local hotels in residential Maldivian islands.
Recently, Maldives Tourism Minister tweeted, “With effect from April 27, health minister suspends tourists travelling from India to Maldives from staying at tourist facilities in inhabited islands.”
Under the released order signed by Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakr, the restrictions will take place from 27th April 2021.
As per the released travel restrictions order:
· Travelers from India to Maldives (including those who have spent over 24 hours in transit in India) are required to present proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 92 hours before when entering Maldives. This includes those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
· Maldivian citizens and work permit holders who arrive in Maldives from India, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, are required to get a PCR test done within 24 hours upon arrival, and undergo 10 days of quarantine. They will be released from quarantine once they test negative upon completion of the quarantine period. This does not include children under the age of one year.
· Indian tourists are also required to undergo a PCR test prior to departure from Maldives.
While Indian tourists will no longer be permitted to check in to hotels and guesthouses in residential islands starting April 27, those already checked into hotels and guesthouses will be allowed to stay at such facilities till the completion of their booking duration.
However, this ban does not apply to resorts and hotels located away from the local population.
It must be mentioned that India is the top source market for tourism in the Maldives in the year 2020 and remains as the top source market even in 2021 but now as other countries have banned or restricted travelers from the country as well including UAE, UK, Canada, Oman, the US, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Pakistan, Australia, Kuwait and Singapore Maldives decided to take the call as well.
