Maldives: Officials impose nightly curfew in Greater Male region from May 6 due to increased COVID-19 activity /update 41

Event

The Maldives is imposing a 21:00-04:00 nightly curfew in the Greater Male region from May 6 until further notice due to increased COVID-19 activity. All nonessential activity and movement are banned during curfews; cargo, delivery, and essential services are unaffected. Residents must obtain a police-issued movement permit to exit homes. Other enhanced curbs will continue in Greater Male, consisting of Male, Villimale, Hulhumale, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu areas. No gatherings of more than five people are allowed across Greater Male; police permission is necessary for all events. Sports facilities will close May 5-15. Passengers exiting Greater Male must undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before departure.

The government is also enforcing a state of public emergency through at least June 3; further extensions are likely. Officials are maintaining local COVID-19 controls until May 15. These measures include a ban on all vehicular movement 00:01-04:00 nationwide; emergency and cargo vehicles are typically exempt. Educational institutions will close except for examinations; authorities are advising telecommuting for all private and public offices to the extent possible. Inter-island travel, except within Greater Male, is limited to essential purposes and requires prior approval. Those traveling from Greater Male to other regions or returning to residential islands from industrial islands must quarantine at home for 10 days; earlier quarantine exemptions for vaccinated people are no longer valid.

Other nationwide measures continue. All residents over two years of age must wear facemasks in public places across the Maldives, except when exercising. Establishments must 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.

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. Foreign arrivals 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. Returning Maldivian nationals and permanent residents must self-quarantine for 10 days. Stricter rules apply for entrants from India or those with a transit history of at least 24 hours in India. Such passengers - except tourists - must undergo a 14-day home quarantine and additional testing, regardless of their vaccination status. Tourists from India cannot stay in local hotels and guesthouses within inhabited islands. 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
Maldives Police Movement Pass Application