Travel Blog

Indian Ocean Islands entry requirements in response to Covid-19 as well as health guidelines. We recommend you always check the travel restrictions in your destination before planning a trip.

Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles & Sri Lanka 

 

1. Maldives – Covid-19

Last updated: 10 June 2021

If you are travelling to the Maldives, you may be required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test before departure.

Travel eligibility

Covid-19: Passengers travelling to the Maldives as tourists must have a confirmed hotel reservation for their stay at registered tourist facilities. The visa on arrival facility is currently available.

Machine‑readable travel documents/passports with extended validity will not be accepted for travel to the Maldives.

Entry to the Maldives has been suspended effective 13 May 2021, and until further notice, for all categories of visa holders from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This restriction applies to travellers originating from or transiting for more than 24 hours in the past 14 days through Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Healthcare professionals with valid work permits are exempted, provided they meet the general entry and quarantine requirements.

COVID‑19 testing requirements

All passengers travelling to the Maldives must present a negative COVID 19 PCR (nucleic acid) test result.

COVID‑19 test criteria

The test must be conducted within 96 hours of departure from the first port of embarkation. Passengers who have transited for more than 24 hours must repeat the test. The certificate must have the name of the passenger as in the passport and name and address of the testing laboratory.

The initial COVID‑19 PCR test for transit/transfer passengers is valid provided their transit time is not more than 24 hours.

Passengers and airline crew are subject to medical screening on arrival.

The COVID‑19 test certificate must have the following information:

  • Name of the passenger (name as in passport)
  • Name and address of the testing laboratory
  • Type of test stated as PCR test
  • Date of sampling
  • Result

Exemptions

Covid-19: The following categories of travellers are exempted from pre‑arrival COVID‑19 PCR test requirements:

  • Children below one year of age
  • Flight crew arriving on General Declaration and not exceeding a stay of 7 days

Required forms

Covid-19: Complete the online Immigration and Health Self‑Declaration Form within 24 hours of your flight. A negative COVID‑19 PCR test result has to be attached to the online Immigration and Health self declaration form. Obtain a QR Code and present it to the Immigration Officer on arrival.

Quarantine

Covid-19: The following categories of passengers are required to undergo mandatory home quarantine for 14 days in their place of residency or work:

  • Special visa holders whose duration of stay in the Maldives will be more than 7 days
  • Business visa holders whose duration of stay in the Maldives will be more than 7 days
  • Foreign diplomats and their accompanying family members
  • Maldivian citizens and work visa holders

Travel from Maldives

Covid-19: If you are travelling from the Maldives, you may be required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test and submit additional documentation before departure. Please check the requirements of your specific destination before you travel.

COVID‑19 testing requirements

It is mandatory that customers confirm the COVID‑19 PCR test requirements as per the regulations of the destination country and present the test result certificate at check‑in. Please contact your resort’s guest relations department for assistance with COVID‑19 PCR testing, if required.

Tourist visa holders residing in guest houses and tourists who arrived from India and/or are returning to India after their stay in the Maldives shall provide COVID‑19 negative PCR Test result done within 72 hours prior to their departure. Tourists shall contact the respective resort/ guest house management to facilitate the COVID‑19 PCR tests. It is advised to stay in their resort/ guest house and not to proceed to the airport before a negative COVID‑19 PCR test result is obtained.

Covid-19: For the list of guest houses, please refer to registered tourist facilities.

Required forms

Covid-19: Complete the online Immigration and Health Self‑Declaration Form within 24 hours of your flight. A negative COVID‑19 PCR test result has to be attached to the online Immigration and Health self declaration form. Obtain a QR Code and present it to the officials at the entrance to check in, and to Immigration officers on departure.

If you’re travelling to Maldives, please check our page: Things to do in Maldives

 

 

2. Mauritius – Covid-19

Last updated: 17 June 2021

Covid-19: From 15 July to 30 September 2021, borders will be open to vaccinated passengers and Mauritian nationals.

A list of pre‑approved COVID‑19 safe resorts will be available from 20 June 2021 on the Mauritius Now website.

Vaccinated guests:

  • Passengers must be fully vaccinated and hold a vaccination card.
    • If a second dose of a vaccine is required to be fully vaccinated, this must be given at least 3 weeks before arrival.
  • Passengers must have a negative certificate for a COVID‑19 PCR test administered between 5 and 7 days before departure from their final embarkation point.
  • Passengers must have a booking at a certified COVID‑19 safe hotel.
  • Fully vaccinated passengers will be able to remain in their resort and move freely within the resort given that they do not leave the premises.
  • After a negative COVID‑19 PCR test on day 14, guests will be free to go and explore the island.
  • Passengers must have insurance cover.

If the duration of stay in Mauritius is less than 14 days, passengers will be taken to the airport through a sanitary corridor by approved transfer agents.

Unvaccinated Mauritian nationals must complete the following requirements:

  • Negative certificate for a COVID‑19 PCR test administered between 5 and 7 days before departure from their final embarkation point
  • Booking at an official quarantine hotel where they will be required to stay in the room for the entire quarantine period
  • Insurance cover

COVID‑19 testing requirements

A certificate of a negative COVID‑19 PCR test administered between 5 and 7 days prior to the date of boarding at the last point of embarkation.

Required forms

Covid-19: Incoming passengers to Mauritius must download and fill their Public Health Covid‑19 Passenger Health Self‑Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form which must be handed over to the Ministry of Health and Wellness counters upon their arrival

Quarantine measures for unvaccinated Mauritian nationals

  • Quarantine is only applicable to unvaccinated Mauritian nationals.
  • Mauritian nationals must book a stay at official quarantine hotels.
  • These passengers must hold a travel package including accommodation, on a full board basis, at a designated hotel for a mandatory 14‑day in‑room quarantine. Passengers must hold proof of purchase and the travel package has to be booked from the MTPA website.

Exemptions

Covid-19: Passengers under 18 years of age are currently exempted from vaccination and will not need to undergo COVID‑19 PCR testing.

Other information

Covid-19: Passengers must wear masks and gloves when disembarking from the plane.

If you’re travelling to Mauritius, please check our page: Things to do in Mauritius

 

 

3. Seychelles – Covid-19

Last updated: 6 June 2021

Covid-19: Seychelles welcomes all visitors irrespective of their vaccination status provided they have a negative certificate for a COVID‑19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

However, restrictions apply to the following categories of passengers:

  • Travellers who have been in Nepal, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Pakistan and South Africa in the last 14 days will not be permitted entry into Seychelles.
  • Travellers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 are not required to quarantine when they travel to or from the UAE and the Seychelles.

COVID‑19 testing requirements

Covid-19: All travellers, including infants and children, regardless of vaccination status, must have a negative COVID‑19 PCR certificate from an accredited laboratory to enter Seychelles.

The test must be taken not more than 72 hours before departure from the point of origin.

Required forms

Health Travel Authorisation

  • Once COVID‑19 PCR test results are received, all travellers must submit Health travel authorisation (HTA) for approval. Please note that your travel authorisation must be valid up to one day after your scheduled arrival for you to be accepted for travel.
  • This applies to all travellers including children, infants as well as Seychellois and all foreigners.
  • Passengers will require to have details of their passport, a recent valid negative COVID‑19 PCR test, their travel itinerary, hotel bookings, other relevant information as well as a payment card to complete the application. If vaccinated, to provide authentic vaccination card/ certificate.
  • HTA will be processed at a charge of EUR 45 for all travellers, except for Seychelles passport holders the fee will be EUR 5.40.
  • Passengers can do an urgent application and select “URGENT” at the time of payment. An additional amount of EUR90 will be charged for urgent applications which may be processed in 60 minutes but is NOT GUARANTEED. The URGENT processing is only possible for people that meets all the requirements and submit complete documentation in English or French only.
  • The HTA can be presented in a form of hard or soft copy. Permitted hard copies are a paper print out or PDF and soft copies are Mobile app/ Apple Passbook versions.

Other information

Covid-19: Visitors must have valid travel health insurance that includes cover for COVID‑19 testing, related isolation, quarantine and clinical care.

Visitors must ensure that accommodation bookings are made only at licensed establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Public Health Authority.

Visitors are not permitted to stay at private residences.

A separate advisory for returning Seychellois residents and GOP holders is available on the website of the Department of Health.

For more details on travel guidelines, please refer to the Department of Tourism website.

Travel from Seychelles

Covid-19: If you’re travelling from Seychelles, you may be required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test and submit additional documentation before departure. Please check the requirements before you travel.

COVID‑19 testing requirements

It is mandatory that customers confirm the COVID‑19 PCR test requirements as per the regulations of the destination country and present the test result certificate at check in.

COVID‑19 PCR testing facilities are available for tourists before departure on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Appointments maybe required as health centres offer the tests on different days and times (an appointment should be booked at least 5 to 7 days prior).

Location of the testing stations:

Mahe Island

  • Central/ East: Music Stadium, English River – Tel +248‑4388410 / +248‑2829340
  • North: Beau Vallon Health Center – Tel +248‑4385001
  • South: Anse Royal Health Center – Tel +248‑4388467
  • West: Anse Boileau Health Center – Tel +248‑4355555
  • Euromedical Family Clinic (with special rates for Emirates passengers) – Tel +248‑4324999
  • Seychelles Medical Private Tests (Open 24/7, with special rates for Emirates passengers) – Tel +248 4366999

Praslin Island

  • Baie St. Anne Hospital – Tel +248‑4232333
  • Seychelles Medical Private Tests (Open 24/7, with special rates for Emirates passengers) – Tel +248 4366999

La Digue Island

  • La Digue Hospital – Tel +248‑4234255
  • Seychelles Medical Private Tests (Open 24/7, with special rates for Emirates passengers) – Tel +248 4366999

If you’re travelling to Seychelles, please check our page: Things to do in Seychelles

 

4. Sri Lanka – Covid-19

Last updated: 8 June 2021Tourists

Covid-19: The following categories of passengers are allowed entry under the Sri Lanka Tourism Safety Protocol:

  • Tourists (foreign nationals) who have obtained approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
  • Foreign passport holders with a valid Sri Lankan residence visa who have a confirmation letter issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
  • Sri Lankans who hold dual citizenship
  • Sri Lankan passport holders

Eligible passengers can make a reservation at a listed Safe and Secure level 1 hotel to start the process of acquiring the ETA/SLTDA letter. The passenger may also book with a certified travel agent.

Non tourists

Covid-19: The following categories of passengers are allowed entry into Sri Lanka without prior approval from the Foreign Ministry:

  • Sri Lankan nationals
  • Dual citizens who are travelling on Sri Lankan passports / emergency travel documents

Covid-19: Foreign nationals (including valid resident visa holders) and dual citizens who are travelling on a foreign passport must get prior approval from the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka before travelling to Sri Lanka if not travelling as tourists. Application for approval should be submitted to entry.permission@mfa.gov.lk

Foreign nationals must also carry an approved electronic travel authority or landing endorsement or residence visa.

COVID‑19 testing requirements

Before Departure:

Covid-19: Foreigners must hold a negative COVID‑19 PCR test report in English. The test must be conducted within 96 hours prior to departure.

Sri Lankan citizens / dual citizens must hold a negative COVID‑19 test report in English. The test can either be:

  • A COVID‑19 PCR test conducted within 96 hours of departure
  • Rapid antigen test within 48 hours of departure

Covid-19: All passengers, regardless of age, must present the test report.

Sri Lankan seafarers holding approval for exemption of pre boarding COVID‑19 PCR, from Ministry of foreign affairs, are exempted.

On arrival for passengers not travelling as tourists:

Covid-19: Two COVID‑19 PCR tests will be carried out on all passengers as below, except for diplomatic passport holders, as mandated by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Testing requirements for Sri Lankans and dual citizens with home/residence in Sri Lanka who have received the recommended doses of any COVID 19 vaccine 14 days prior to travel:

  • The first test will be carried out on the day of arrival at the quarantine hotel. If tested negative, the passenger will be released to go home for the rest of the mandatory 14‑day quarantine.
  • On the 14th day after arrival, the passenger must arrange for a second test to be conducted at home by any government approved facility.

For all other passengers:

  • The first test will be carried out on the day of arrival and the exit COVID‑19 PCR between days 11 and 14 at the quarantine hotel.
  • The passenger will be released from quarantine after a negative result of the exit COVID‑19 PCR test.

Covid-19: Health Ministry approved labs will conduct the first COVID‑19 PCR test at the quarantine hotels. Passengers may pay the lab directly for their test.

Contact CMB.repatriation@emirates.com for any further details.

Quarantine Requirements

Covid-19: The quarantine period for all travellers entering Sri Lanka will be a total of 14 days at a quarantine centre, quarantine hotel or Safe, Secure Certified Level 1 hotel, and/or at residence for fully vaccinated Sri Lankans and residents with dual passports, depending on their category.

Tourists:

  • Procedure could be found in quarantine measures link below.

Non tourists:

The following is applicable to passengers not travelling as tourists:

  • After arrival formalities, customers will be taken to an available designated hotel for a quarantine period between 2 and 14 days depending on their category. Quarantine rules for parents also apply for accompanying unvaccinated children up to 12 years old. Payment has to be done directly to the hotel and a standard charge per passenger, per day for full board accommodation would be as follows.
  • Charges subject to change with standard of the hotel:
    • Sharing room: LKR 7,500
    • Single occupancy: LKR 12,500
  • Passenger will have to bear the following costs as well as:
    • Transportation cost from the airport to the place of quarantine/hotel
    • Any other incidental expenditure

Please check quarantine measures for travellers.

Required forms

Covid-19: Passengers are required to submit a completed Health Declaration Form (HDF) on arrival in Sri Lanka and complete and sign the signed undertaking form for paid hotel quarantine and other related expenses. Diplomatic passport holders and seafarers are exempted.

Other information

Covid-19: Passengers transiting through Colombo must have OK to board approval for onward travel, and their transit time should not be longer than 12 hours.

Passengers travelling to China are not allowed to transit through Sri Lanka.

Passengers who have travelled from or transited through India, South Africa, countries of South America or Vietnam in the last 14 days are not permitted entry to Sri Lanka.

There is a temporary suspension on carrying animals as passenger baggage. Live animals can only be transported as cargo.

Travel from Sri Lanka

Covid-19: Passengers travelling from Sri Lanka are advised to arrive a minimum of 4 hours before departure to allow time for health screening and document verification.

COVID‑19 testing requirements

It is mandatory that customers confirm the COVID‑19 PCR test requirements as per the regulations of the destination country and present the test result certificate at check‑in. Only COVID‑19 PCR test reports from certified labs that issue a QR code linked to the original report will be accepted.

 

If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka, please check our page: Things to do in Sri Lanka