The Maldives reopened its borders in July 2020 with testing requirements for visitors and enhanced health and safety protocols in place across the country's nearly 1,200 islands. Situated in the Arabian Sea in the northern Indian Ocean a few hundred miles southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives has something to offer everyone seeking a quintessential vacation after a challenging year, including relaxation, romance and plenty of adventure. But before you visit, there are some things you need to know.

The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for the Maldives on April 21, 2021, encouraging Americans to avoid travel to the islands due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the Maldives, recommending that travelers avoid the destination as a result of the ongoing pandemic. If you do decide to travel, the CDC recommends getting tested before and after your trip and safeguarding yourself by wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding crowds and washing or sanitizing your hands frequently. As of March 3, 2021, the Maldives has reported more than 20,140 coronavirus cases.

Travelers will need to complete several steps before they can begin their vacation in the Maldives, including securing a confirmed booking in a tourist establishment registered with the Ministry of Tourism (split-stays are permitted but travelers must make requests to the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel) and submitting an online Health Declaration Form within 24 hours prior to departure through the IMUGA portal. What's more, travelers are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 96 hours of their scheduled departure time. The test result needs to be submitted through the IMUGA portal within 24 hours prior to departure. Tourists will also present their test results in paper or electronic format during the airline check-in process. Additionally, visitors should expect to undergo thermal screening upon arrival in the Maldives and are encouraged to download the contact tracing app "TraceEkee." Due to the latest CDC requirements, Americans age 2 and up will need to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure of their return flight in order to gain re-entry into the U.S.

Face masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing have become the norm around the world over the past year and visitors to the Maldives shouldn't expect that to change in 2021. Dozens of hotels and resorts across the islands have reopened and subsequently stepped up health screening procedures via temperature checks and other measures and have elevated cleaning and hygiene standards in the wake of the pandemic. That's key as guests typically don't have to leave their resort grounds to have a great experience in the Maldives. The destination offers visitors a wide variety of accommodations to choose from, many of which offer an isolated experience. "The signature 'one-island-one-resort' concept means that visitors to the country are based in their respective resorts," Visit Maldives states. "Together, these unique arrangements make it easier for visitors to maintain social distancing, whilst enjoying a truly safe and secluded holiday."

Travelers flying to the Maldives from the U.S. will need to be patient as getting there will require at least one-stop and take roughly an entire day, give or take a few hours based on the length of your layover. Consider using the Google Flights tool to filter flight options based on your departure city and travel dates. This will show you what airlines are offering flights to the Maldives and help give you an idea of total travel time and what you can expect to pay for roundtrip flights based on the time of year you're booking and planning on visiting.

Google Flights is just one helpful tool so look to someone with many. Consider talking to a qualified travel advisor before booking your trip to the Maldives. Having an experienced advisor in your corner not only saves you time sifting through reviews and comparing prices but also saves you money in the end as travel advisors have exclusive access to special discounts and perks. A good travel advisor also provides personal attention and expert advice, both of which have never been more important. Head to TravelSense.org to find an American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) verified advisor with experience selling your destination and trip type in no time.