Maldives: Officials lifted curfew in Greater Male, eased other restrictions nationwide as of July 8 /update 50

Event

Officials have lifted the curfew in Greater Male and eased other restrictions nationwide as of July 8 due to lower local COVID-19 activity. Authorities have extended the opening hours for dining-in customers at food establishments in Greater Male, which includes Male, Hulhumale, and Vilimale, through 23:30 nightly. Shops can operate through 22:00 nightly. Gathering caps are now increased to below 30 people nationwide. Fully vaccinated people can travel without quarantine to islands that are not under government monitoring and stricter curbs, such as a curfew; passengers can travel two weeks after they have completed their vaccinations. The list of islands under government monitoring is unclear.

Other domestic COVID-19 controls continue under the ongoing state of public emergency; the decree has undergone monthly extensions since March 2020. Residents over two years of age must wear facemasks in public places nationwide, 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 must close except for examinations; authorities are mandating telecommuting for all private and public offices to the extent possible. Passengers exiting the Greater Male area must undergo PCR tests no more than 72 hours before departure.

Authorities are monitoring and enforcing stricter rules in locations with increased COVID-19 activity. Officials typically suspend entry and exit and impose other measures, like daily curfews and limits for most nonessential businesses, in such areas for at least two weeks. Violations of restrictions are punishable by fines of up to MVR 5,000.

International Travel Restrictions
Officials have reduced the quarantine period for fully-vaccinated international arrivals to seven days as of July 8. The policy applies only to travelers who are fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by the WHO. Passengers who have not completed their vaccination must still quarantine for at least 10 days upon arrival. Incoming travelers must adhere to protocols, including submitting an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours before travel and producing proof of a negative result from a 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.

Authorities will allow passengers from the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to enter with visas on arrival from July 15, provided they are going to resorts. Officials say they may allow travelers from these South Asian nations to visit guesthouses from the end of July. Work permit holders from the South Asian countries can enter the Maldives as of July 8, with measures like requiring the travelers to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours after arrival and quarantine at designated sites; the length of the quarantine period is unclear.

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 also 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. If intending to travel within the Maldives liaise with the local authorities for any additional travel document requirements. 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