Last Updated on June 25, 2020 by WFD
The Maldives has announced plans to resume the issuance of on-arrival visas from 15th July 2020 to tourists who have reservations with resorts, hotels on uninhabited islands and tourist vessels.
The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives indicated that the island is preparing to restart the economy and adjust to a new normal of welcoming tourists.
Part of the plans to reopen its borders is the activation of newly formulated guidelines and procedures to contain the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the new guideline, facilities will have to submit a health and safety plan to the Ministry and obtain prior approval before accepting new arrivals.
Additionally, guesthouses and hotels on inhabited islands are expected to obtain the necessary clearances before resuming operations. They are also to furnish the ministry with a tentative timeline on guests’ arrivals from the 1st of August, 2020, subject to the national COVID-19 status.
This was contained in a circular signed by Mohammed Hassan, a senior policy director at the Maldives tourism ministry.
The government had declared a public health emergency after the first two coronavirus cases were recorded, leading to the closure of borders and canceled flights, making about 500 tourists stranded on the island nation.
The circular noted that some drastic measures were taken to lay off staff to curb the spread of the virus.
The ministry, therefore, recognized and applauded the dedication and commitment of its stakeholders especially staff of the tourism sector for their sacrifices as the country prepares to open its borders.
“As we work towards this historical re-opening of tourism, we believe it is the employees of the Maldives tourism sector who has one of the biggest shares in the success the Maldives has achieved so far,” the circular noted.
Maldives relies heavily on the tourism industry as it accounts for the largest foreign exchange earnings, making it the biggest economic contributor in the country.