How I Traveled to the Maldives During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Before heading to the Maldives, it’s imperative to plan your trip based on the travel restrictions and COVID protocols in place for anyone traveling to the multi-island nation. The websites for the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are key planning tools for American travelers, but it’s also necessary to keep an eye on COVID-19 stats updated daily on the website for the Maldives’ Ministry of Health. As of February 17, 2021, almost 18,082 Coronavirus cases have been reported. There are 2,385 active cases, 15,663 people who have recovered from the virus, and a total of 58 deaths.
On the CDC’s scale – Level 1 to Level 4 – the Maldives is at a Level 4: Very High, but if you feel comfortable traveling, there are health and safety protocols in place to keep you safe on an airplane and at your chosen resort. Do the research especially when choosing your accommodations.
Before heading on your dream island vacation, you should know that all U.S. citizens are required to have a negative COVID-test result one to three days prior to their departure. Travelers are also required to fill out an online health declaration form before they leave. Your test results are necessary in order to complete the form. After you have submitted the necessary paperwork, you will receive a QR code to confirm that you can travel to the Maldives.
Before visiting the Maldives, all international tourists must fill out the health declaration form online.
Getting to the Maldives on Emirates Airline
Airlines are very diligent about checking all the necessary forms, you need to board your flight. In my case, Emirates international airline required all passengers to show their negative test results at check-in counter and at the gate. They may also ask to you to complete the health declaration form again but showing them your QR code should suffice. It’s recommended that you make multiple copies to make sure you have what you need. Why? Because I had a connecting flight at Dubai International Airport, and Customs officers asked to see everything again before boarding my flight to Velana International Airport in Malé, the capital of Maldives.
While traveling, standard COVID safety guidelines are in place. Cloth or medical masks are required for the duration of the flight, and airlines, such as Emirates, are good about keeping passengers safe, providing a travel hygiene kit that includes a face mask, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes. And even though my flight from Dulles International Airport to Dubai was almost at max capacity, I was lucky enough to have an empty seat between myself and another passenger. It’s always good to choose an available seat that allows you a little distance from other passengers especially on long-haul flights. It’s not always possible, but it does provide some peace of mind. On my flight from Dubai to Malé, I had a whole row to myself, and on my return trip, I had a row to myself on both flights heading back to the U.S. Score! Also look at booking flights during the week versus weekend to avoid crowds.
Passengers boarding an Emirates international flight will receive a travel kit that includes hand sanitizer and a face mask.
What to Expect at Velana International Airport
Finally, when you arrive at Customs in the Velana International Airport, you will have to show a Customs officer your passport and the QR code associated with completing the health declaration form. After picking up my suitcase at baggage claim, there was a 15 to 20 minute wait in an extremely long line that eventually separated into one line for people who needed to get tested for COVID and another line to pass through Customs.
A travel writer colleague mentioned that he experienced racial profiling at the airport, which I experienced firsthand. I noticed that there was a disproportionate amount of travelers, specifically people of color, who were pulled out of line for an additional security search. Oddly enough, I stepped out of line, open my suitcase for security, which no one checked, and I was permitted to proceed with a wave of one security guard’s hand.
After that brief experience, a Customs officer checked my temperature and another one checked my passport and QR code to certify that I could cross the “border.” After hearing the beautiful sound of the Customs officer stamping my passport, I was set free and my island vacation in the Maldives began.
Read about my luxe trip to the Maldives. Check out my article, The Maldives: My Island Retreat as a Solo Traveler.
Full Disclosure: The Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation was gracious enough to offer this multi-day press trip to me as a solo traveler. All opinions expressed in this article are my own.
