MALDIVES GUESTHOUSES REOPENED AFTER 6 MONTHS

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the Maldivian budget guesthouses located in the outer atolls have been closed for the past six months. However, these guesthouses have finally re-opened on Thursday after 6 months.

The guesthouses located in the capital city, Male’ are still in closure due to the community spread of Covid-19 in that region not being under control.

The tourism minister of the Maldives traveled to Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll on Thursday

morning in order to warmly welcome the first group of tourists who arrived to spend their holiday in a local Maldivian island after the borders re-opened in the month of July. It has been announced by the tourism ministry of the Maldives that 22 guesthouses on 12 islands re-opened on Thursday. Several islands from different atolls have allowed guesthouse operations to resume. Some of which include Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll,

Maafushi and Huraa in Kaafu Atoll. These islands are gifted with incredibly beautiful pearl- white sandy beaches and the guests who previously visited these islands have been really pleased with their experience.The guesthouses must also meet the regulatory requirements put forward by HPA in order to ensure the safety of the staff, visitors and the islands while offering the chance to get the best at Maldives experience with a budget.

A free 30-day on-arrival visa to the Maldives is still issued to all tourists who have booked for a stay at one of the tourist facilities in the Maldives. The on-arrival visa process remains unchanged even after the borders have re-opened during July. Although a quarantine period is not mandated, tourists are still required to complete an online health declaration form. They must provide a negative Covid-19 test. This test must be taken at least 4 days before traveling.