Travelling to the Maldives in 2022? What British Surfers Need to Know!
It’s fair to say that travelling in 2022 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
- UK does not require testing or vaccination for Covid 19 to either depart or return to England
- 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 the UK Foreign Office
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 UK Government offers foreign travel advice to the Maldives here. You can also check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Maldives on the TravelHealthPro website. Perfect Wave Travel also has a FAQ document to answer many of the questions that may arise.
Raising Beers to the Sky – Celebrating Life on a Perfect Wave Maldives Charter
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). Unvaccinated travellers will have to be prepared for potential quarantine requirements or restrictions when returning home to some countries (more info for England and UK ).
Fast Kandooma Right with Two Take Off Spots and a Barrel
Pre Departure
You no longer need to take any COVID-19 tests before departure or fill in a UK passenger locator form to leave the UK.
For arrival and departure from the Maldives, vaccinated nor unvaccinated travellers are no longer required to show a negative PCR test.
However, 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. Found on the IMUGA website – Click the link to complete yours!
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 Britain
The British borders are open! Before you travel you should:
- Check foreign travel advice for all countries you will visit or travel through.
- Arrange any COVID-19 tests you will need to enter the countries that you will travel to.
- Find out how you can use the NHS COVID Pass to prove your vaccination status abroad.
- Check what you will need to do when you return to England.
For more information and guidance on travel in and out of Britain, click here.
Emirates Airplane at Dubai International Airport
In Transit
Dubai is the most commonly used transit hub en-route to the Maldives and there are no vaccine requirements for transiting through Dubai Airport. There are limits on transit of maximum 48 hours (about 2 days). 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.
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 (within 72 ours before departure time). Your travel declaration will be checked as well as being asked about current symptoms of Covid Illness. Vaccinated nor 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. 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.
Departure From the Maldives and Arriving Back in Britain
Luxury Water Villas at Niyama Private Island
Who wants waves like this? Get on a Perfect Wave Maldives Surf Charter Trip