Tropical getaway? Maldives now open to South African travellers!

The Maldives is now open to South African travellers. Photo: Pixabay

Good news, folks! The Maldives has lifted the travel ban on South Africa…yes, the one that was imposed on 27 November 2021 due to the Omicron variant, so if you’re feeling a tropical getaway, this may be your chance!

South Africa was banned along with Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Travel to the Maldives but you MUST follow protocol

According to Maldives Immigration, all travellers other than those arriving on a tourist visa, are required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test between the 5th and 7th day from the date of arrival.

Passengers under the following categories are exempt from quarantine requirements on arrival;

Those entering the Maldives under a Tourist Visa;
Fully vaccinated Maldivian citizens and their non-citizen dependents;
Fully vaccinated Diplomat Visa holders and their dependents;
Fully vaccinated Work Visa holders and their dependents;
Maldivian citizens and long-term visa holders and their dependents if they were tested positive for and recovered from COVID-19, in Maldives, with a sample collected no more than 60 days before entry.

Wondering when a person is considered fully vaccinated? Well, two weeks should have passed since the final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine was administered, it’s really that simple.

Travellers who will be subjected to mandatory quarantine on arrival can be found here.

The Maldives requests a negative PCR test. Photo: Pixabay

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