Maldives Further Eases Yacht Entry
The PCR Test Negative result is not required for the tourists visiting the Maldives if two doses of recommended vaccine have been administer two weeks before departing to the Maldives.
The welcome news reported by Mohamed Hameed, heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives, supersedes the previous regulation whereby yachts/crew had to present a negative Covid-19 test on arrival. Below are some of the other protocol your agent (using an agent is mandatory in the Maldives) will advise: Clearance will be issued electronically. See Clearance for details of the process.
Note that sailors are categorized as crew and not as tourists. Immigration therefore are issuing 90-day visas on arrival (in place of 30-day visas which are issued for tourists). Yacht crew can go ashore at resorts and some islands after showing negative PCR test results. Visiting inhabited islands: It is not permitted to visit all islands but there are some inhabited islands which sailors are allowed to go (such as Dharavandhoo Island in Baa Atoll). This includes islands which operates guest houses + if there is an airport on that island. During the pandemic your agent has to arrange permission from the island council in advance if sailors request to go there. Rules continue to be in a state of flux, thus it is important to contact your agent for the latest before departing for the Maldives.
One of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world, The Maldives is also one of the few top cruising destinations lifting Covid-19 restrictions early on. The decision to open during the pandemic has been a positive and beneficial decision for visiting vessels, notes Hameed, “Maldives entrance formalities and restrictions are very easy to comply with and there has been a lot of demand and inquiries, especially when compared to other competitive markets/countries”.
“Also benefiting yachts is a substantial reduction in fees to enter the Maldives, a decision made in April of 2020. This has helped to make the Maldives not only a superyacht favourite, but the reduced fee also provides a viable stopover for all yachts crossing the Indian Ocean as well as a convenient stop-over for yachts bound for either the Red Sea or en route via the Cape of Good Hope. There are a number of yachts visiting the Maldives at this stage and our clients love the generally picture-perfect weather featuring sunlit days, breezy nights, balmy mornings and iridescent sunsets”, Hammed remarked.
The Maldives Archipelago consisting of 26 atolls in entirely natural formation, with only a small number inhabited, stretch across the equator. The miniscule coral islets of deep blue seas offer fantastic cruising adventures with the waterways providing the best and most natural of transport. The country epitomizes luxury and elegance with exclusive resort islands defined by their high-end luxury and incredible beauty, ambience and high end service. To learn of any changes in requirements before traveling and cruising itinerary options contact Mohamed Hameed at mohamed@asia-pacific-superyachts.com.