The Maldives further eases COVID-19 yachting restrictions

A negative PCR test result is no longer required for tourists visiting the Maldives should they have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to arrival.

Further changes to the regulations and protocols to be followed include:

• Clearance to be issued electronically. This must be done by a mandatory agent.
• Sailors are to be classified as crew and not tourists. In place of the regular 30-day tourist visa, immigration will issue 90-day visas.
• Yacht crew to be permitted ashore and at resorts after presenting negative PCR test results.
• Not all islands are permitted to visit. There are some inhabited islands that sailors can visit (such as Dharavandhoo Island in Baa Atoll) including islands that operate guesthouses and if there is an airport ashore. Permission may be granted from the island council if your agent arranged in advance.
• Rules continue to change. Using an agent is mandatory in the Maldives, therefore it is important to contact the agent before arrival for the most up to date changes.

The Maldives is one of the few top cruising destinations currently lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Mohamed Hameed from Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives noted, “Maldives entrance formalities and restrictions are very easy to comply with and there has been a lot of demand and inquiries, especially when compared to other competitive markets/countries.”

“Also benefiting yachts is a substantial reduction in fees to enter the Maldives, a decision made in April 2020. This has helped to make the Maldives not only a superyacht favourite, but the reduced fee also provides a viable stopover for all yachts crossing the Indian Ocean as well as a convenient stop-over for yachts bound for either the Red Sea or en-route via the Cape of Good Hope.”

“There are a number of yachts visiting the Maldives at this stage and our clients love the generally picture-perfect weather featuring sunlit days, breezy nights, balmy mornings and iridescent sunsets,” Hammed remarked.

The Maldives Archipelago consists of 26 atolls in entirely natural formation, with only a small number inhabited, stretched across the equator. The miniscule coral islets of deep blue seas offer fantastic cruising adventures with the waterways providing the best and most natural of transport. The country epitomises luxury and elegance with exclusive resort islands defined by their high-end luxury and incredible beauty, ambience, and high-end service.

For more information, visit Asia Pacific Superyachts.

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