The United Kingdom (UK) has removed Maldives from the UK Global Travel Advisory, which cautions British citizens against non-essential travels, effective from today onwards (25th October 2020).

The UK is one of the leading markets in terms of tourist arrivals to Maldives. Prior to the lockdown on 27th March, there were 7,288 arrivals whereas since the borders reopened on 15th July, there have been 2606 arrivals from the UK, so far.

With this decision, travellers will not need to self-isolate upon returning to the UK. However, before travelling, they need to fill an online health declaration form 24 hours prior to departure to Maldives, and also have a negative PCR test result conducted 96 hours before departure to Maldives.

As Maldives is an island nation, it provides for the much needed isolation, seclusion and social distancing required during such crucial times. Additionally, the one-island-one-resort concept is an added advantage, along with the stringent safety measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 among tourists and staff working in tourist establishments in Maldives. Maldives is one of the safest destinations in the world to travel to at this moment and with this recent development in place, the country looks forward to welcoming more tourists from the UK.

The Foreign Minister of Maldives, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, in a tweet stated, “It is my utmost pleasure to welcome this decision by the UK govt to include Maldives in its #TravelCorridors list. Naturally socially distanced islands allow the Maldives to be a safe & tranquil destination for all. We look forward to welcoming many more tourists from the UK.” 

Additionally, the British High Commissioner to Maldives, Caron Rohsler expressed her delight in the decision, “The travel industry here, and in the UK, tell us that there is pent up demand among British tourists.”

Maldives commenced discussions with the UK, seeking to secure a placement for the country on the Travel Corridor List in late August. The decision to restrict travels to Maldives was made due to the surge in active COVID-19 cases after the reopening of borders. However, as numbers greatly decreased in the greater Male’ region, the decision was looked over once again and changed accordingly.

The government along with the tourism industry and stakeholders are working tirelessly to ensure that Maldives is a safe haven for all, and to reach a favorable tourist arrival rate by the end of the year.