Trip-Planning Advice for American Travelers Interested in Visiting The Maldives

The U.S. has been in a battle with COVID-19 since March, and all signs point to the resurgence of cases and a pandemic out of control. Across the globe, the American traveler once thought of as a source of revenue to the tourism industry has been shunned by several countries that have rendered the American passport useless. The Department of Homeland Security closed the land border into Canada and Mexico until Aug. 20, and Americans have been banned from visiting 15 countries in the European Union. 

However, there are some countries that are cautiously allowing U.S. citizens to visit with restrictions. Some countries and regions – including French Polynesia, St. Barts and Egypt – require a negative COVID-19 test within 24-72 hours before visiting. And in some countries, like the U.K., a 14-day quarantine period is required for American tourists.  

Naladhu, Maldives

What You Need to Know Before Traveling to the Maldives
The Maldives recently joined a few other countries – including the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Tunisia and Turkey – to allow American citizens back into their country. On August 1, guests houses and hotels on the inhabited islands in the Maldives are opening their doors to international travelers, including U.S. citizens. Located in southwest of Sri Lanka and India, the South Asian island nation reopened for international tourism with limited restrictions on July 15. That proclamation from the Maldives government allowed travelers from the U.S. to be the first to stay only on resort islands and live-aboard boats. 

In general, travelers are cautious about traveling anywhere these days, but even if you’re unsure, you can always dream about traveling to the Maldives and plan for a trip to visit in a year or two. Before you go, it’s recommended that you stay updated on the most recent travel guidelines posted on the U.S. State Department’s website, and consider the Maldives limited travel restrictions before planning your island getaway. 

Details about the Maldives reopening are as follows: 

• International visitors will not have to pay additional fees or produce paperwork that proves they have tested negative for coronavirus upon arrival

• Visitors without symptoms will also not have to quarantine themselves. However, visitors who have a history of contact with someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus, or has had visible symptoms, within the last 14 days are advised not to travel to the country.

• Health declaration cards, which will need to be filled out, will be provided to visitors on their aircraft, and a 30-day tourist visa will be provided on arrival

• Masks, social distancing, thermal screening, and use of hand sanitizer are encouraged at the airport and in transit 

Check out this Maldives press release for more information about the country’s guidelines before planning your trip.  

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, seen here, will open Oct. 1 , 2020. All resorts and hotels in Maldives have reopened or are scheduled to open in the next few months.

Travel Agents Can Help You Make the Right Choices 
Based on my concern after seeing the Maldives travel advisory on the U.S. State Department’s site, I reached out to a friend who had traveled there in February. According to him, during that time, COVID-19 was only known to be China, but he and his partner wore masks and avoided crowds. He felt safe and said there wasn’t much to do so finding a resort and staying nearby is probably ideal if you plan to visit. If I were to go, he recommended staying on Male, the nation’s capital and largest island. 

Keith Wein, Travel Expert and Owner of 127 Travel

Even with a good friend’s advice, travelers should consider reaching out to a travel agent to put their mind at ease. Travel Expert and Owner of 127 Travel, Keith Wein believes travelers should consult a travel agent because the landscape of travel continues to change on a daily basis. “In the event of cancellations, guidelines or restrictions, your agent is your one-stop shop for all things related,” said Wein. “This eliminates you dealing directly with airlines for changes and refunds.” Your agent can also provide you with up-to-date info on the safest ways to reach your destination.

In the Maldives, a number of resorts and hotels have reopened or scheduled to reopen over the next few months, including Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Ihuru, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and Sun Siyam Resorts. Travel agents should be informed of which hotel companies are providing updated safety protocols and can also lead you to the safest choice when picking your accommodations, according to Wein. 

Travelers need to be mindful that the pandemic is part of planning any vacation – no matter where they go. “It’s best to work with an agent that will give you the facts about your destination and what you can expect your travel experience to be like,” said Wein. “If you’re nervous, or have health risks, you should not travel.”