The Maldives now requires negative COVID-19 test for entry
As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
Over the past few months, we've seen countries all around the world implement a dizzying array of policies when it comes to reopening borders. And, even within each country, entry requirements continue to evolve — in some cases, changing from one week to the next — as I experienced with Iceland, which, after much deliberation, remains off-limits to Americans. Few countries have endured policy shifts as drastic as those of The Maldives, though.
For more breaking travel news, subscribe to our daily newsletter
At the end of May, Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed outlined The Maldives' plan for welcoming tourists back. While it would have almost certainly helped minimize the potential for a larger coronavirus outbreak, tourists would have been required to jump through a number of hoops — including mandatory extra fees and a minimum 14-night stay — in order to qualify for a visit.
Related: Maldives may reopen soon with a catch
A few weeks later, the country threw its original proposal out the door, opting instead to open the border entirely on July 15, with no testing, quarantine or visa requirement.
Personally, I had serious reservations about the open-border policy, and pledged not to visit without a testing requirement.
Related: TPG guide to The Maldives
Fortunately, tests are now required — as of Sept. 10, 2020, all visitors must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. This new policy applies to all tourists, regardless of origin.
According to Google's COVID-19 tracker, The Maldives experienced a small jump in cases during the open-border period, but the country has experienced fewer than 9,000 cases overall.
The challenge, of course, is securing a negative test result within 72 hours of departure. Officially, the country requires visitors to present a "certificate," so a digital test result may not be accepted. As a result, you'll want to confirm a turnaround of less than 72 hours before you lock in your trip.
Be sure to check out this post for tips on where to stay, and this story on how to get there on points and miles.
Related: Reopening Europe
Related: Reopening Country-by-country
Related: Reopening Caribbean
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app