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The Maldives drops pre-departure test for vaccinated

The Maldivian ministry of tourism has relaxed entry rules to the archipelago, by removing the need for fully vaccinated visitors to take a pre-departure test.

Arrivals to the destination no longer have to take the PCR test, provided their vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and was taken at least 14 days before travel. Booster doses are not required.

Furthermore, tourists who spend their holiday in designated facilities are no longer required to take a PCR test when departing the islands.

However, work permit holders and Maldivians are required to take a PCR Covid test between three and five days of arrival – and children who are not eligible for vaccination will be asked to provide a negative PCR test upon arrival, taken within 96 hours of departure to the Maldives.

The Maldives’ Health Protection Agency confirmed the changes on March 4, and they came into effect on March 5.

The ministry of tourism also tweeted confirmation of the change.

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