The United Kingdom and the State of Qatar has relaxed travel restrictions imposed on travelers returning from Maldives.
Previously, the UK government had adviced against all non-essential international travel to the Maldives. However this was changed last week, and effective from October 25, 2020 Maldives will be exempt from the advisory.
"We are pleased to announce that from 04:00 GMT Sunday October 25, the United Kingdom no longer advises against travel to Maldives. This means that travelers from Maldives to UK no longer need to self-isolate on arrival," said the UK government.
This relaxation by the UK government coincides with the country's flag-carrier British Airways resumes its yearly winter service to the Maldives.
British High Commissioner in Maldives Caron Röhsler said in a statement, that the travel industry in the Maldives and UK shows pent-up demand for travel among British tourists.
"With British Airways flying three times a week now, and many other commercial routes back in the Maldives, I look forward to seeing tourism here flourish once again," said the High Commissioner.
On the other hand, Qatar has upgraded Maldives to its list of low-risk countries or "green list"; meaning travelers returning from the Maldives and other "green list" countries must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Qatar and complete seven days in home-quarantine. Countries not included in the "green list" are required to undergo a home-quarantine of two weeks.
The United Kingdom and Qatar are two large tourism markets for Maldives.
Maldives is a World Travel & Tourism Council certified safe travel destination. Travelers coming into the Maldives are required to present a negative PCR result of no more than 96 hours before arrival.
