Travelling to the Maldives in 2023? What Australian Surfers Need to Know!
It’s fair to say that travelling in 2023 is not the same as what used to be pre-pandemic. The good news is that travel is very much possible, it can be done safely, and we can now access most of those wonderful ocean experiences this beautiful planet has to offer!
Summary:
- Maldives does not require testing or vaccination for Covid 19 to enter the country
- All travellers must complete a declaration prior to travel – IMUGA website
- Australia does not require testing or vaccination for Covid 19 to either depart or return to Australia
- There may regulations when entering other countries as a stop over, but not if just in transit
- All other travel regulations still apply – its up to the traveller to make themselves aware and ensure they comply check Smarttraveller
How It Works
Whilst the host communities, waves and marine environment await for your 2023 travels, there might be a few more steps in your travel process. To help you work your way through the new and fast-changing world of travel we have summarized everything here in this article! The Australian Government Smarttraveller site offers a useful step by step planner. Perfect Wave Travel also has a FAQ document to answer many of the questions that may arise.
All the Boys Raising Beers to the Sky Celebrating Life on a Perfect Wave Maldives Charter Trip
Travel Insurance has evolved to cover many Covid related risks.
Over the last couple of years travel insurers have adapted their cover so many common covid risks are insurable. Things like the costs if denied boarding, compulsory quarantine if suspected or diagnosed with Coronavirus during travel. Some of the better policies also include coverage for childcare costs and even pet care back home if your travel is disrupted by Coronavirus diagnosis during your trip. Talk to Perfect Wave Travel or your preferred insurer about a policy that works for you.
Do I have to be Vaccinated?
Depending on where you are headed and where you are returning to. The simple answer is yes, it makes a difference. Vaccination not only reduces your risk of getting really sick from Covid19 – it also opens up travel with few or any restrictions. Unvaccinated people may still be able to travel into some countries (e.g. Maldives does not require vaccination to enter).
Fast Kandooma Right with Two Take Off Spots and a Barrel
Pre Departure
International travellers should be prepared with full vaccination for Covid-19 and other regular travel vaccines. In the case of travel, fully vaccinated is considered 2 doses, boosters are not required. This will need to be completed at least 2 weeks prior to departure from your home country. Travellers should also carry both paper and digital certificates of vaccination status, so they satisfy any official requests en-route. If travelling to Europe or other destinations that will require certification you can get a free International Vaccination Certificate HERE. Here is a step by step guide before booking.
As of 2023, on arrival into the Maldives, vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are no longer required to show a negative PCR test on arrival.
Singapore Airways itself doesn’t require a negative test result but many countries including Singapore do and this will be checked by the airline before first boarding a flight if not transiting in Singapore. The test must be certified as an official document to travel which is in PDF format – these can only be secure from accredited clinic, lab or medical practice. The free Covid testing provided by health authorities will not provide the documentation required.
For more information on commercial testing and providers see this website.
Don’t forget: All passengers arriving to and departing from the Maldives are required to complete the Traveler Health Declaration form within 48 hours of the flight time on the Maldives Immigration website: IMUGA website – Click the link to complete yours!
Stopover at the Worlds Best Airport in Singapore, Changi
Tips for travellers
- Take some masks. Clean comfortable face masks will be very important to travellers as they will be required in many settings. Take lots of spares!
- Take some RAT tests. It is possible RAT Tests may be required at stages of your journey – if you are able to provide your own you may reduce delays.
- Stay patient. After a couple of years without travel we all realise it is a privilege. There will be more delays and hassles than before – but we will be back travelling again – so just smile and go with it!
Travelling out of Australia
The Australian International borders are open but some restrictions remain. Vaccinated Australian citizens can depart for any reason.
The Australian Government recommends passengers departing Australia be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and travel with proof of vaccination status documentation. Unvaccinated COVID-19 travellers entering the Maldives under specific visa categories may still be required to undergo PCR testing and mandatory quarantine periods on arrival. Learn more here!
Australian residents and citizens have the right to return, fully vaccinated Australians will be able to enter without quarantine. For more info see Smart Traveller official advice on leaving Australia.
In Transit
Singapore is the most commonly used transit hub en-route to the Maldives and there are no test or vaccine requirements for transiting through Singapore Airport. There are limits on transit of maximum 48 hours (about 2 days) or alternatively entering Singapore for a stopover. – for more info see this page.
Arrival in the Maldives
Arrival procedures are a little changed at Velana International Airport. Tourist Visa are still granted on arrival for stays less than 30 days. There are currently no countries excluded from travel into the Maldives. All international visitors must complete a travel declaration prior to arrival in the Maldives. Your travel declaration will be checked as well as being asked about current symptoms of Covid Illness. Vaccinated travellers are not required to provide negative PCR test result. Make sure you have your vaccination certificate ready. To make a declaration click + New Declaration.
Birdseye View of Male Airport in the Maldives
Your Stay in the Maldives
The Maldives have used their unique geography as an effective tool to manage the spread of the virus. Tourism is open to those resorts and boats that have an approved plan for managing isolation etc. The list currently only allows travel to the best properties and boats – there are no surf camps or guesthouses on local islands currently receiving guests.
Family Relaxing at their Kandooma Water Villa
Travel between approved boats or resorts must still be approved by Maldives Health based on questionnaire and any recorded outbreaks. For this reason, Perfect Wave Travel suggests all trips should be to a single resort or boat.
For official Government Travel Advice see the following; Australia – SmartTraveller.
Departure from the Maldives
From 12.01am AEST 6 July 2022, you’ll no longer need to:
fill out a Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration when entering Australia
declare or prove your vaccination status
seek exemptions to enter Australia.
What’s still in place?
You’ll still need to wear a mask on inbound international flights. State and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights also remain in place.
The Maldives doesn’t require a negative test to leave and The Australian Government no longer requires people travelling to Australia to have a COVID-19 test before travel.
Luxury Water Villas at Niyama Private Island
Grabbing rail out of the Barrel on a Perfect Wave Maldives Surf Charter Trip
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