Maldives: Officials expanding COVID-19 testing requirements for vaccinated arriving passengers from May 3 /update 39

Event

The Maldives will require vaccinated travelers, including tourists, to submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival from May 3 due to increased COVID-19 activity. The test must be completed within 96 hours of arrival; children under one years old are not required to submit test results. The government had previously exempted vaccinated entrants from submitting PCR tests; all other arrivals had to provide negative results. Vaccinated domestic travelers crossing between islands do not need to submit test results, though people traveling from areas with more than 5 percent transmission of COVID-19 must provide a negative PCR test. Such locations include greater Male as of May 1. Non-vaccinated travelers still require testing and quarantine according to current rules.

The government of the Maldives continues to enforce a state of public emergency, which is active through at least May 4; additional extensions are likely. Officials continue to enforce localized and nationwide restrictions on travel, gatherings, and business operations. No gatherings of more than five people are allowed across Greater Male; police permission is necessary for all events. Entertainment venues, sports facilities, and educational institutions may reopen while adhering to social distancing directives. Travel from Male city to other islands is only allowed for essential purposes and after obtaining official permission. Passengers must undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before departure. Individuals traveling from Greater Male, resorts, or any inhabited island with guesthouses to other parts of the Maldives must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival at their destination.

All residents over two years of age must wear facemasks in public places across the Maldives, except when exercising. Establishments are required to ensure sanitation and social distancing; violations are punishable by fines and closures for at least 24 hours. The government is advising businesses in locations with COVID-19 activity to minimize on-site work. Officials typically restrict entry and exit to such areas for at least two weeks to facilitate monitoring; localized measures such as overnight curfews and business restrictions are also possible. Violations of restrictions are punishable by fines of up to MVR 5,000 (USD 322). Officials could amend measures at short notice, depending on COVID-19 activity. Authorities may enforce heightened measures such as curfews in high-risk areas at short notice.

Tourist facilities across the Maldives are operational; however, foreign tourists require prior permission for split stays between accommodations and are subject to COVID-19 testing before traveling between regions. While resorts and approved guesthouses are open, officials may enforce temporary movement restrictions at such establishments in the event of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases.

International Travel Restrictions
International arrivals must submit an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours before travel and produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using an RT-PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure. From May 3, all arrivals, including vaccinated passengers, will need to submit a negative PCR test. Inbound foreign travelers must reserve accommodations at approved lodging establishments; split stays between facilities must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism at least two days before departure. All entrants from India, or with a transit history of at least 24 hours in India, must produce negative results of a RT-PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival. Such entrants - except tourists - must quarantine at home for 10 days; testing and quarantine are compulsory, regardless of vaccination status. Tourists from India cannot stay in local hotels and guesthouses in inhabited islands.

Returning Maldivian nationals and permanent residents must undergo a 10-day home quarantine. Passengers who have spent at least 12 hours in the UK in the past 14 days must also undergo quarantine. Quarantined individuals typically undergo COVID-19 tests on the fifth and tenth day. Some testing and quarantine exemptions apply for arriving international travelers whose medical histories show they have recovered from COVID-19. Any person staying for over 48 hours in the Greater Male region must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours before leaving the Maldives. Authorities have advised Maldivian citizens to refrain from all nonessential international travel.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements, especially across Greater Male. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Ministry of Health (English)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Imuga Health Declaration Portal
Ministry of Tourism Split Stay Application