All tourists and other short-term visitors are required to hold a negative result for a nucleic acid test (PCR test) for COVID- 19 prior to entry into the Maldives. With the new change, PCR test result will be accepted if the time frame between the scheduled time of departure from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives and the time of sampling does not exceed 96 hours. This amendment is effective from 15^th October 2020.

On the other hand, if the passenger makes a transit during the journey, the initial PCR test will be valid if the transit time does not exceed 24 hours. Hence, if a passenger makes a transit exceeding 24 hours, the passenger must repeat the PCR test, within 96 hours prior to embarkation at the port of transit.

The PCR test document containing the test result should state the name of the passenger (name as in passport), name and address of the testing laboratory, type of test stated as PCR test, date of sampling and test result.

The following categories require negative result PCR test, prior to entry into the Maldives;

(a) All Tourist

(b) Special Visa holders whose duration of stay in the Maldives is up to seven days

(c) Business visa holders whose duration of stay in the Maldives is up to seven days

(d) Foreign diplomats and their accompanying family members

(e) Airline/aircraft crew, if the transit stay in the Maldives is arranged in an accommodation other than a designated transit facility or if their stay exceed seven days

(f) Crew of ships who arrive by air to sign onto a ship

Except the aforementioned passengers, others are required to undergo mandatory home quarantine (in their place of residency or work) for 14 days after arrival to the Maldives.

Additionally, all arriving passengers and airline crew should complete and submit the online Traveler Health Declaration form available from “Imuga” Portal, (https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/) within 24 hours prior to their departure to the Maldives. Passengers who are required to present PCR test results on arrival should attach it while completing the online Traveler Health Declaration form.

All arriving passengers and airline crew should report to the Immigration counter if they have fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulties or report directly to the International Border Health counter.

Note: Children below one year old are exempt from the requirement of a COVID-19 test.

Reference: Air Transport Circular: 14/2020 – Issue 03 (14 October 2020)