Maldives reverses course on COVID fee

The Maldives, an archipelago country in the Indian Ocean, announced on May 28 that it would be opening its borders to leisure travelers on July 1, with a host of requirements for all incoming visitors, including purchasing a $100 visa on arrival and having proof of at least 14 days of lodging within the country (July ’20, pg. 5).

On June 3, the Maldives announced that its government officials had changed their minds, and visitors would not need to meet the above-mentioned requirements. However, proof of a negative result on a test for COVID-19 within the last 14 days or of a positive COVID-19 antibody test, provided by the traveler upon arrival, is still required for entry into the country. If proof cannot be provided, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport, and the traveler will be required to quarantine until the results are in.