Maldives tourist arrivals surpass 200,000; Indian travellers top the list

The Maldives is seeing a massive rise in tourists; all thanks to its flexible and safe travel measures. According to data published by the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives has welcomed a total of 200,871 tourists so far this year, as of 4th March 2021.

The top source market remains as India, with an arrival figure of 46,541. India is followed closely by Russia with 42,417 tourist arrivals. The third and fourth top source market is Ukraine and Kazakhstan, with a recorded 13,350 arrivals and 8,537 arrivals respectively.

No mandatory quarantine on arrival

According to the Ministry, the Maldives must maintain an average of 4000 daily arrivals throughout the year or experience a significant influx of tourists during holiday periods in order to reach the set target of 1.5 million tourists in 2021. At present, 148 resorts and 364 guesthouses are known to be fully operational in Maldives. Maldives reopened borders to all nationalities from 15th July 2020. All visitors are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country. While there is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, tourists traveling to Maldives are required to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure. The negative PCR test result must be attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form, which has to be submitted online via IMUGA (www.imuga.immigration.gov.mv), by all arriving passengers before arrival (but not exceeding 24 hours before arrival time).