Maldives welcomes yachts during Covid-19


Maldives welcomes yachts during Covid-19

 

The post from Asia Pacific Superyachts

Photo: Kuda Bandos

The Maldives, one of the best and most fascinating travel destinations in the world, is one of the few top cruising destinations lifting Covid-19 restrictions, now announcing a change while still keeping the country open. 

“Starting from July 15, 2020 International airports will open in phases for flights and tourist/ yacht arrivals. Per the current plan, the first phase allowed for arrival to private jets and visiting tourists and yachts,” reports Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives Director, Mohamed Hameed, adding: “There are health guidelines to follow until a vaccine is available and these releases may change at any time depending on the situation and virus spread in the community”.  

Now it is mandatory for all tourists and short term visitors to present a Negative PCR certificate on arrival/entry to Maldives, Mohamed explains, “It is required for each tourist/crew to conduct a PCR test 72hrs prior to departure to Maldives; in case for transiting/visiting yachts; each crew will be required to conduct the test 72hrs prior to departure from their last port/origin (even though it takes several days at sea afterward to reach the Maldives). We can arrange to collect PCR samples from departing crew as well; for a nurse or health personnel to go on board for this service and then email them once the results are ready. It usually takes 48hrs to 72hrs to get PCR results in Maldives”, Mohamed adds. 

Also benefitting visiting vessels is a substantial reduction in fees to enter the Maldives. This helps make the Maldives not only a superyacht favourite, it also provides a viable stopover for all yachts crossing the Indian Ocean and is a convenient stop-over for yachts bound for either the Red Sea or en route via the Cape of Good Hope.

The Maldives Archipelago consists of 26 atolls in entirely natural formation, with only a small number inhabited. The exotic atolls stretch across the equator, rich green colours of the lush tropic jungle and gleaming white sands. The Maldives oozes luxury and elegance with exclusive resort islands with high end luxury and incredible beauty, ambience and services. 

These Maldives archipelago miniscule coral islets of deep blue seas offer fantastic cruising adventures with the waterways providing the best and most natural of transport. “Our clients love the generally picture perfect weather featuring sunlit days, breezy nights, balmy mornings and iridescent sunsets, adds Mohamed, suggesting yacht visitors contact APS Maldives to confirm any changes to travel requirements before traveling. 



All news