The Maldives reopened its border to tourists early Wednesday and welcomed its first tourists in over four months.

The Indian Ocean archipelago closed its border and suspended issuing on-arrival visas on March 27 as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. The country’s president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih deemed July 15 as an appropriate date for border reopening, and the country welcomed its first 104 tourists post lockdown early Tuesday.

The first flight to arrive in Maldives was an aircraft from Qatar Airlines, carrying 104 tourists and 24 Maldivians. A special ceremony was held at the newly developed apron area of Velana International Airport (VIA) to welcome the arrivals. The attendees included several cabinet ministers, senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, MMPRC. A water salute was given to welcome the aircraft.

Speaking to the press following the ceremony, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail said the reopening of the border has rekindled hope, and that the government would step up its efforts to bring in more tourists.

11 airlines are scheduled to arrive in the Maldives. While three airlines are scheduled to operate to the island nation this month, an additional six airlines will resume operation in August. Two more airlines will begin operation in September while a single airline will begin operation in October.

Tourists visiting the Maldives have to submit a document to immigration that states that they tested negative for COVID-19. HOwever, they will not have to undergo an additional test once they arrive, if no symptoms are exhibited.

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