Its time to #VisitMaldivesNow! #Maldives has extended the negative COVID-19 PCR test validity time of within 72 hours to within 96 hours prior to the traveler’s departure to the island nation.
Effective from 10th September 2020, Maldives mandated all tourists and other short-term visitors to have certificate of negative PCR test result for COVID-19, with the sample taken 72 hours prior to departure to Maldives.
However, the Health Protection Authority of Maldives have revised this, enabling travelers to provide certificate of negative PCR test result for COVID-19, with the sample taken 96 hours prior to departure to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives. As such, passengers entering to Maldives under Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Special Visa and ship crew arriving to sign-on are required to present the COVID-19 negative PCR test result. The PCR certificate should clearly show the name and address of the laboratory, the result and the date of sample taken.
We are happy to announce that #Maldives Health Protection Agency has extended negative #PCRtest validity time of within 72Hrs to within 96Hrs prior to tourists departure to #Maldives.
Another reason to #VisitMaldivesNow
— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) October 13, 2020
The negative PCR test result must be attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form, which has to be submitted online via IMUGA (www.imuga.immigration.gov.mv), by all arriving passengers before arrival (but not exceeding 24 hours before arrival time).
However, the following categories of travelers are exempt from pre-arrival PCR test requirements;
1. Citizens of Maldives
2. Valid Employment Approval or work visa holders
3. Depend visa holders
4. Student visa holders
5. Marriage visa holders
6. Children below one year of age
7. Flight crew arriving on General Declaration
Among the above-mentioned categories of travelers, except flight crew arriving on General Declaration and children below one year of age travelling with families of tourists, are required to undergo mandatory home quarantine (in their place of residency or work) for 14 days.
Additionally, in reference to the guidelines provided by related government authorities, possession of a PCR negative test result does not preclude the authorities subjecting such passengers to screening or any other surveillance measures at the points of entry.
For Traveler Health Declaration form: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create
Maldives reopened borders to all nationalities from 15th July 2020. All visitors are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.
Featured Image: Velana International Airport
