Ministry of Tourism has revealed tourists arriving in the Maldives will only be tested for COVID-19 if they are presenting symptoms.
The Guideline for Restarting Tourism in the Maldives states all tourists arriving in the country will not be tested for COVID-19. However, travellers presenting symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival will be subjected to a PCR test. The guideline says the test must be done at the traveller's cost.
The guideline notes tourists will not be subject to any quarantine measures upon arrival to the Maldives. Furthermore, the guideline states tourists will not be required to submit any medical test results for entry to the Maldives, adding the Health protection Agency (HPA) will collect random samples from the visitors. The tourism ministry stated tourists can undergo a PCR test if they wish before departing the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced the government of China has agreed to install a machine at Velana International Airport (VIA) capable of undergoing 1,000 PCR tests per day. The president expressed the authorities will try as much to accommodate the requirements from other countries when the borders of the Maldives are opened. He revealed the borders of the Maldives will be opened on July 15 for international operations.