Maldives introduces new entry requirements

If you're flying into the Maldives, you'll need a negative covid test.

The Maldives is set to introduce new entry requirements for tourists this week.

From September 10, all visitors will be expected to provide a negative PCR certificate prior to entering the country. The test must have been taken within 72 hours of departure and is applicable for all arrivals, regardless of the country they have travelled from.

Previously, the Maldives had no entry requirements for overseas guests, other than temperature screening at Male International Airport. However, many private island resorts have been conducting their own PCR testing for arriving guests.

Since opening its borders in July, the country has seen a rise in coronavirus cases, with a peak of 215 new infections recorded on August 3.

All non-tourists, including residents and returning students, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Some air travel has resumed to Male, with Emirates and Qatar Airways currently offering the most capacity. Emirates already requires all of its passengers to present a negative PCR certificate before boarding and Qatar requires negative certification for travellers from certain, higher-risk countries.

The Maldives has recorded a total of 8,667 infections and 29 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.