Maldives: Officials plan new domestic curbs May 5-15 due to increased COVID-19 activity /update 40

Event

The Maldives is extending the quarantine period for entrants with travel or transit history in India to 14 days instead of 10 days as of May 4. The government is also enforcing a state of public emergency until further notice. Officials will impose new local COVID-19 controls May 5-15. Under these measures, all vehicular movement is banned 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from industrial islands must quarantine at home for 10 days; earlier quarantine exemptions for vaccinated people are no longer valid. 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.

Other nationwide measures continue. 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.

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 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 are also prohibited from staying 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