Travelling to the Maldives in 2022? What European Surfers Need to Know!

Last updated: 26 July, 2022

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
Check for each European countries requirements on testing and vaccination for Covid 19 to either depart or return
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

How It Works

Whilst the host communities, waves and marine environment await for your 2022 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 official European Union Website has a special Re-open EU page, from here you can search your country of residence and find out the requirements to travel in and out of that country, and discover further travel guidance for your specified country of residence in Europe. The site offers a a link to your countries official guidance website, i.e. Frances’ official site is here: Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. 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?

It is dependent 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 Coivd’19 – 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). Unvaccinated travellers will have to be prepared for potential quarantine requirements or restrictions when returning home to some countries (e.g. France).

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. This will need to be completed at least two 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 from Europe you can use your EU Digital Covid Certificate when traveling to the Maldives, as so far, 33 non-EU countries (and territories) have joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate system (including United Arab Emirates – likely your transfer country when heading to the Maldives from Europe).

For arrival into the Maldives, vaccinated nor unvaccinated travellers are no longer required to show a negative PCR test on arrival.

Don’t forget: All passengers arriving to and departing from the Maldives are required to complete the Traveler Health Declaration form within 72 hours of the flight time. Found on the IMUGA website – Click the link to complete yours!

Stopover at the Dubai International Airport

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 Europe

Europe is open!

You will have to check your official website for department of foreign affairs’ for the most up to date requirements for traveling out of your country in Europe. You can find your countries guidance website here at the the official European Union Website – it has a special Re-open EU page – just type in your country and select the 4th icon on the right to find out: ‘What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?’. < < < Here is a example if you reside in Denmark. Again, you can change country in top left hand corner of page.

In Transit

Dubai is the most commonly used transit hub en-route to the Maldives. Travellers en route to the Maldives are advised to travel by the most direct flights and avoid stopovers, reducing risk of the virus or the requirement to get further tests prior to arriving in the Maldives.

Sea Rex Maldives Surf Charter

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 no unvaccinated travellers are not required to provide negative PCR test result.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.

Family Relaxing at their Kandooma Water Villa

Approved resorts and boats list

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.

Departure from the Maldives and return to Europe

You are required to fill out a Traveler Health Declaration form within 48 hours of your departure flight, We urge you to remember as penalties apply.

Traveler Health Declaration – Maldives Immigration website: IMUGA – Click the link to complete yours!

The Maldives doesn’t require a negative test to leave but each country in the EU has different requirements upon arrival. You can find out the exact requirements by typing in your country of residence on the Re-open EU Travel Plan drop-down menu. This will enable you to select your returning country and find out the requirements for you return country.

Travellers that need to get a COVID-19 viral test – these tests are easily arranged with the resort clinic or the charter boat will arrange a visit to a clinic for testing – all will ensure test results are ready with plenty of time before outbound international flight

When you travel to most European countries by air, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before you board your flight.
Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required in indoor areas of public transportation (including airplanes) traveling into, within, many transportation hubs (including airports).