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Scattered across the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian ocean, the Maldives is a destination so infinitely beautiful and magical that one must see it to believe it. The gorgeous pictures you find cannot truly represent the jaw-dropping allure of the Maldivian islands. Surrounded by tempting shades of turquoise teal waters and tropical palms rustling above the clear white sand, The Maldives is truly something special.
The unique archipelago island nation consists of over a thousand islands of all forms, shapes, and sizes, dispersed over a length of over 870 kilometres. Maldives, voted as the World’s Leading Destination in 2020, is a destination that is incredibly unique in its natural geography and formation. The scattered geography ensures that each island is naturally social-distanced, providing a level of unparalleled safety, isolation, and comfort during these otherwise challenging times.
The Maldives is also home to the uniquely popular ‘one-island-one-resort’ concept. With each resort nestled in its own private island, the Maldives provides you with complete privacy. The islands of Maldives is a space to truly unwind and let go. In an age of constant distractions and noise, the Maldives offers an antidote in the form of tranquillity, peace, solitude and taste of a simpler life.
Thus, the unique ‘one-island-one-resort’ concept, the natural socially-distanced scattered geography of Maldives, and the stringent safety measures enacted by health authorities shapes Maldives into one of the safest travel destinations in the world. The Maldives truly is a safe haven.
Infact, The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted the Maldives ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ in recognition of the efforts to implement enhanced health and safety measures, in line with the WTTC global safe travels protocols. Furthermore, Velana International Airport received the ACI Airport Health Accreditation for consistent measures in line with ACI’s standards in ‘the new normal’. It is no surprise that the world has taken notice of the immense priority set on health, safety, and wellbeing in the Maldivian islands.
For clients, embarking on an adventure to the Maldives is an easy feat. As a result of the stringent safety measures and the safety provided by the natural geography, the Maldives was in fact one of the first countries in the world to open borders for international travellers last year on 15 July. All travellers arriving in Maldives are granted a free 30-day on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility. The best news? There is no mandatory quarantine on arrival.
The Maldives have ensured a balance of maintaining health and comfort. Therefore, travellers are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure, as well as have a negative PCR test result, conducted 96 hours prior to their departure. The regulation applies to all tourists including those who have received the prescribed dose(s) of the COVID-19 vaccine. For a complete and up-to-date requirement for entry, visit imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd.
As always during this time, travellers must follow good hygiene practices such as frequent hand-washing, use of hand sanitiser and maintaining physical distance between others outside one’s contact bubble throughout their journey in Maldives. In the serenely quiet islands of Maldives, maintaining social distancing is an easy feat.
On 1 February 2021, The Maldives initiated the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the government aims to provide free COVID-19 vaccine to all citizens and residents of the Maldives.
The Maldives have also recently launched a campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism under the name “I’m Vaccinated!”. The ultimate target of the campaign is to make Maldives the destination with the first fully vaccinated tourism sector in the world.
Along with the unique geographical formation of the islands which offer a natural physical distance, and the stringent health and safety measures in place, a fully vaccinated tourism sector ensures that you are spending your vacation in a destination that is safe, secure and free. As of 15 June 2021, over 96% of resort employees have received the first dose of the vaccination whereas 69% have completed the full dose(s) of the prescribed COVID-19 vaccine.
All images, courtesy of Visit Maldives
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