The Maldives welcomed another record-breaking number of over 5,100 tourist arrivals on a single day. The Ministry of Tourism revealed that on 21st February 2021, the island nation witnessed over 5,100 tourist arrivals. The previously held record was observed on 14th February 2021, in which the Maldives observed a total of 4,856 tourist arrivals. The statistics published by the Ministry of Tourism reveals that a total of 147,744 tourists arrived in the Maldives between 1st February and 17th February.  

India and Russia are the leading source markets. Recent statistics reveal that India overtook Russia as the leading source market in the past few weeks. 32,970 tourists and 32,019 tourists arrived from India and Russia respectively. The third top source market for the Maldives is currently Ukraine. 

Maldives reopened the borders on 15th July 2020 with stringent safety measures. All visitors arriving in the Maldives are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility within the country. 

While tourists are not required to quarantine or test on arrival, they are required to complete an online health declaration form within 24 prior to departure and produce a negative PCR test conducted at least 96 hours prior to their departure. 

Maldives is gaining recognition in the efforts to make the island nation a safe destination for travelers. The country received the “Safe Travels Stamp” by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in recognition of the efforts to implement enhanced health and safety measures, in line with the WTTC global Safe Travels protocols.

Additionally, Velana International Airport received the ACI Airport Health Accreditation for consistent measures, which are in line with ACI’s standards in the “new normal” during the pandemic. Velana International Airport is the second airport in the Asia Pacific Region to receive the Health Accreditation.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Allied Insurance, has also introduced the first COVID-19 Travel Insurance in Maldives. This policy covers charges for services including isolation costs, medical treatment and transportation costs to isolation/medical facilities and consists of two plans; “Allied Inbound” and “Allied Inbound Plus.” The package covers 7 or more days and can be purchased before arriving in Maldives through the Allied Insurance website. More information can also be acquired through the toll free hotline 1600.