Maldives: Officials tighten travel restrictions for seven African countries as of Nov. 28 due to COVID-19 variant /update 55

Event

Authorities have tightened restrictions for travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as of Nov. 28 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant. Foreigners who have been to these countries in the past 14 days cannot enter Maldives. Returning Maldivian citizens and work permit holders who have traveled to or transited for more than 12 hours in the aforementioned countries in the previous 14 days must comply with protocols. The rules include quarantining for two weeks upon arrival and undergoing a PCR test before they can leave quarantine. It is unclear whether the government provides exceptions from the travel ban for other groups. Entrants who are already in Maldives and have been in the aforementioned locations in the past 14 days must undergo PCR tests.

International Travel Restrictions
All entrants must submit an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours before travel and produce proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Maldivian authorities allow entry for tourists from most locations. Foreign tourist arrivals are not subject to quarantine requirements but 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. Vaccinated tourists can check in to any tourist guesthouses, while unvaccinated tourists are allowed to enter only guesthouses in islands that have met some requirements, such as a 95-percent vaccination rate among the staff at the tourist facilities on the island. Tourists must also obtain a negative result from a PCR test within 72 hours before checking out from guesthouses.

Returning citizens and work permit holders who arrive in the Maldives from most locations are exempt 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. Arrivals exempt from the quarantine rules must take a PCR test between days 5 and 7 after arrival. All other returning citizens and work permit holders must quarantine for 14 days upon entry.

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. Officials have advised Maldivian citizens to refrain from all nonessential international travel.

Domestic Restrictions
The state of public health emergency nationwide is in effect through Nov. 30. Unvaccinated people are banned from using public transport and dining-in at restaurants. Unvaccinated staff must take a COVID-19 test to enter office buildings. Residents must wear facemasks in public places nationwide, except when exercising. Fully vaccinated people can travel without quarantine to islands that are not under government monitoring and stricter curbs, such as a curfew. The list of islands under government monitoring is unclear. Passengers exiting the Greater Male area must undergo PCR tests within 72 hours before departure.

Authorities may enforce more stringent rules in locations with increased COVID-19 activity. The stricter curbs typically include the suspension of entry and exit, daily curfews, and limits for most nonessential businesses for at least two weeks.

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