Maldives Coronavirus Test Requirement

The Maldives Will Require a PCR COVID-19 Test for All Visitors effective September 10, 2020, a reversal from not needing a test (see Maldives Reopens in July Without Coronavirus Restrictions) which itself was a sharp about turn from the Maldives strict entry requirements originally proposed. Per the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism, the PCR test will need to be taken within the 72 hours prior to departure:

Maldives: COVID-19 PCR Test Required as of September 10, 2020

Many visitors to the Maldives have already had to take a PCR test before boarding their flight; since August 1, 2020, Emirates and Etihad passengers have had to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours prior to departure to board a flight. Emirates is including free insurance for COVID-19 medical expenses, for travel where the first flight is taken prior to October 31, 2020. Passengers bound for the Maldives will now have a shorter time frame of 72 hours to meet the new Maldivian testing requirement.

Qatar Airways requires a negative COVID-19 test for passengers departing from Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia and Sri Lanka. Qatar flies an A350 to and from the Maldives, and some of Qatar's A350-900 aircraft have Qatar QSuites, pictured below.

Qatar QSuites Flat Bed A350-900 Flies to the Maldives

Coronavirus in the Maldives

While most of the ~2600 active COVID-19 cases in the Maldives have been in Male, as a result of community transmission, the new requirement for all visitors to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test comes after infections at over a dozen resorts, which have resulted in 16 foreigners and 29 local Maldivian staff becoming infected and being isolated.

Best Maldives Luxury Resorts and Offers

Our favorite luxury resorts in the Maldives are Cheval Blanc Randheli, Velaa, Joali, and Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru. See the Best Maldives Reopening Luxury Hotel Offers for 2020-2021.