The Indian Ocean destination lifted this ban for UK arrivals on Wednesday (15 July), alongside arrivals from other countries and regions.

The Maldives has also now officially reopened its borders four months after suspending on-arrival visas in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The country welcomed 107 foreign tourists on Wednesday as the first commercial flight since March - operated by Qatar Airways - landed at Velana International airport.

But any UK visitors who travel to the Maldives will currently still face a 14-day period of self isolation on their return to the UK, as the Maldives is not one of the “travel corridor” countries which are exempt from the quarantine.

The Foreign Office is currently advising against all "non-essential" travel to the Maldives, as the islands have not so far been included in the list of the countries that are exempt from this advice.

The Maldives has also extended its public health emergency because of the pandemic to 7 August.

Those who visit the Maldives will face screening on arrival with quarantine facilities set up to isolate anybody suspected of having Covid-19.

Resorts, hotels and liveaboard boats located on uninhabited islands can open from 15 July with 40 properties now operational. Hotels and guest houses on inhabited islands can open from 1 August.