Health Protection Agency (HPA) has mandated all tourists and short term visitors arriving in the Maldives to present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival, effective from September 10. The decision was announced via a tweet by Ministry of Tourism.
The tourism ministry said all tourists and short term visitors are now required to present a negative PCR certificate on arrival, as per the instructions of HPA. The ministry said the decision was taken for the safety and well-being of all.
Maldives reopened its borders for tourists on July 15, more than three months after borders were closed due to COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists were not initially mandated to test for COVID-19 before arrival in the Maldives. However, facilities have been allocated in the country to test tourists before departure. In this regard, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), ADK Hospital, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Addu Equatorial Hospital and the forensic laboratory of Maldives Police Service (MPS) have been allocated to conduct PCR testing for tourists.
HPA stated samples must be sent to the testing facility at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the tourist. The agency stated copies of the passport and travel itinerary must be submitted to the testing facility, along with contact information.