Egypt & Maldives travel rules from the UK

At last, some very exciting news for UK divers and the travel industry. After months of uncertainty over COVID travel restrictions, the UK government have announced the latest Egypt and Maldives travel rules for people planning to travel from the UK. We’re over the moon to report that this means you can dust off your BCD & regulators and get planning for your next liveaboard diving adventure.

Image by Nick Fewings

Eight countries were taken off the COVID Red list on the 22^nd of September, but two in particular we’re very excited about, Egypt and the Maldives. If you’ve been dreaming of exploring the SS Thistlegorm and diving with Oceanic sharks in the Red Sea, or longing for close encounters with manta rays and whale sharks in the Maldives then please read the information below.

It’s time to get back to doing what you love and Blue O Two have never been more excited about creating inspirational diving experiences for you.

Entry into Egypt

Image by Dario Morandotti

Egypt entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Egyptian authorities have advised that all arrivals into Egypt will be subject to health measures. Passengers from all countries will be required to complete a health declaration with personal details, and will need to provide confirmation of a valid health insurance policy to airport authorities. Passengers arriving from countries where C19 variants of concern have been identified may be required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test (ID NOW) on arrival, which if found positive will lead to a subsequent PCR test to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.

All persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas must have proof of one of the following:

• A full course of COVID-19 vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Egypt);

or

• A negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours prior to departure)

Children under the age of 6 are exempt. Proof of COVID-19 recovery will not be accepted.

Some airlines have special requirements in place, such as the wearing of protective face masks. You should check specific requirements with your airline before you travel.

Your Vaccination Certificates

The Egyptian authorities advise that COVID-19 vaccination certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue and linked with a QR code. Vaccinated passengers must have received the full course of either the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V, and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines at least 14 days prior to their arrival in Egypt. Passengers arriving from countries where COVID-19 variants of concern have been identified may still be required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test (ID NOW) on arrival, which if positive will lead to a subsequent PCR test to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Egypt accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

PCR Test Certificates

The Egyptian authorities advise that PCR tests need to be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure. Passengers arriving from London Heathrow only are permitted to have their PCR test conducted no more than 96 hours prior to flight departure. PCR certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue, and must be stamped or have a QR code.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You will need to take a private test.

Entry into the Maldives

Screening on arrival

All visitors (except children under the age of one) must present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 on their arrival to Maldives. The negative PCR certificate and test must be issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

All travellers to the Maldives must fill in a  Traveller Health Declaration form  24 hours before departure to and return from the Maldives.

All passengers need to complete an Immigration Arrival Card when arriving in the Maldives.

Temperature checks and screening procedures will be in place on arrival to the Maldives. Quarantine facilities have been set up to isolate any suspected cases of COVID-19. Travellers presenting symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival will be subjected to a PCR test at the traveller’s cost or at the cost of the tourist facility where the traveller is booked to stay in the Maldives. Additionally, local health authorities may conduct random testing, at no cost to travellers.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

The Maldives will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

It feels exciting knowing that we can finally get our fins back on and start exploring after so much time stuck on dry land. It’s time to get back to what we all love… adventure.

If you have any further questions about entry into Egypt and the Maldives, then please don’t hesitate to contact one of our helpful sales team by email: divingholidays@blueotwo.com or call us on: 01752 480808.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have a trip booked with us, then please check with a member of our team or visit the gov.uk site for the latest updates as it’s important you have the most up-to-date information. Please use the links below to see the updates on the UK government website:

• Egypt updates
• Maldives updates

If you’re eager to book your next diving adventure, check trip availability on our Schedules & Prices page where you can book online 24-7 with immediate confirmation.

Happy diving.