CNN Travel has assembled a collection of blockbuster destinations that they think are going to be high on travel wish lists. Among this list of 21 places to go in 2021 is Maldives.
“White sand beaches? Check. World-class dining? Yep. Incredible swimming, sailing and scuba diving? Got those too. Throughout the pandemic, Maldives has also managed to keep its borders open more than most thanks to the built-in social distancing offered by its luxurious resorts”, the description read.
The list also highlighted the world’s-first country-wide loyalty program: the Maldives Border Miles program will allows visitors to earn points based on how often they visit and how long they stay.
Despite the challenges faced during such a crucial time, Maldives has been open to travelers from 15th July 2020. The destination has also been gaining international recognition through a variety of awards and accolades due to the safety measures and precautions in place. Maldives recently won the World’s Leading Destination award by World Travel Awards 2020, alongside 4 awards in the Indian Ocean category. These categories are Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2020, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2020, Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2020, and Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2020. In addition, Maldives has also won the Indian Ocean’s Best Spa Destination award by World Spa Awards, and more.
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.
Maldives has also extended ‘Split Stay’ for all types of tourist accommodation facilities, allowing tourists to split their stay between resort, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboard boats, with prior approval as per split-stay procedure and guideline by the Ministry of Tourism.
While there is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, tourists traveling to Maldives are required to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure.
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).
