Maldives: Officials to enforce extended curfew in Greater Male May 12-18; additional restrictions on travel from South Asia from May 13 /update 43

Event

Officials will enforce an expanded daily 16:00-04:00 curfew May 12-18 in the Greater Male area, which includes Male, Hulhumale, and Villimale, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Authorities will also prohibit dine-in services at restaurants and cafes, though food deliveries will be allowed until 23:59. Businesses that do not comply with the measures will be closed for 24 hours. The government will also halt tourist visas for tourists traveling from the South Asian nations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka from May 13. Officials had already banned work visa holders from the specified countries from entering the Maldives from May 9; the move to stop issuing new tourist visas from May 13 will effectively prevent the entry of most foreign nationals from South Asian countries. Tightened domestic COVID-19 controls continue under a state of public emergency through at least June 3.

Under the curfew, all nonessential activity and movement are banned; cargo, delivery, and essential services are unaffected. Residents must obtain a police-issued movement permit to exit homes. No gatherings of more than five people are allowed across Greater Male; police permission is necessary for all events. Sports facilities are closed. 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 curbs 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. 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 mandating 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from industrial islands must quarantine at home for 10 days; earlier quarantine exemptions for vaccinated people are no longer valid.

Strict rules are affecting locations with increased COVID-19 activity; as of May 11, impacted areas include AA. Mathiveri, AA. Rasdhoo, AA. Ukulhas, Addu City, B. Eydhafushi, Fuvahmulah City, K. Maafushi, and L. Naifaru. Officials typically restrict entry and exit to such areas for at least two weeks to facilitate monitoring; localized measures, such as 16:00-04:00 daily curfews and limits on nonessential businesses, are also underway. Violations of restrictions are punishable by fines of up to MVR 5,000 (USD 325). 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. Authorities are restricting entry for passengers with travel or transit history to South Asian countries; permitted arrivals must undergo a 14-day home quarantine and additional testing, regardless of their vaccination status. Tourists from South Asia cannot stay in 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