Maldives: Officials relaxing some commercial and gathering restrictions as of Aug. 6 /update 51

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Authorities have eased some commercial and gathering restrictions nationwide from Aug. 6. Restaurants, cafes, and other eating establishments may provide dine-in services as well as takeaway and delivery services at normal hours. Offices may also resume normal operations and employees may work at the office. Additionally, officials have removed attendance restrictions for public gatherings and social events; participants are advised to follow safety guidelines, such as adhering to social distancing and wearing a facemask. Authorities plan to reopen government institutions and offices from Aug. 8

Authorities continue to enforce restrictions in Greater Male, which includes Male, Hulhumale, and Vilimale. 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. 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

Authorities are exempting Maldives citizens and work permit holders from quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival, or have recovered from COVID-19 in the Maldives and departed for the country within 60 days of receiving a positive test result. However, exempted arrivals must take a PCR test between days 5 and 7 after arrival. Citizens of the Maldives and work permit holders must also provide a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours before departure. All other passengers must quarantine for 14 days upon entry and take a PCR test before being allowed out of quarantine. Incoming travelers must adhere to protocols, including submitting an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours of travel and producing proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of 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 are allowing passengers from the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to enter with visas on arrival, provided they are going to resorts.

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