Maldives: Officials maintain tightened restrictions as of Jan. 12 due to COVID-19 variant /update 56

Event

Authorities continue to adjust controls as of Jan. 12 due to concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Tightened domestic curbs such as mandating pre-departure testing and/or quarantine for travel from Greater Male to other islands, and banning gatherings involving more than 50 people are in effect.

Domestic Restrictions
The state of public health emergency nationwide is in effect until further notice; the government has repeatedly extended the monthly decree since March 2020. Unvaccinated people are banned from using public transport, gyms, salons, and dine-in services. Unvaccinated staff must take a COVID-19 test to enter office buildings. Residents must wear facemasks in public places nationwide, except when exercising. All domestic travelers from the Greater Male area must upload negative results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure to other islands on the covidSafe portal. Unvaccinated passengers must additionally obtain pre-approval from the Haalubelun portal, as well as undergo a 14-day quarantine at their destination, and return a negative PCR test to exit quarantine.

Authorities 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 since the most recent COVID-19 case was detected. At least nine islands are affected as of Jan. 12.

International Travel Restrictions
All those entering or departing the Maldives must submit an online health declaration via the Imuga portal within 48 hours before travel. Arrivals aged above one year must produce proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure from the first port en-route to the Maldives. Those with transit over 24 hours must re-take a PCR test when exiting their transit location.

Non-tourist arrivals must undergo an additional PCR test between the third and fifth day from entry; non-tourist entrants above 12 years old who have not completed vaccination at least two weeks prior to arrival must also quarantine for 14 days, and undergo another PCR test at the end of quarantine. Maldivian nationals and long-term visa holders, as well as their dependents who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection detected in the Maldives within 60 days before arrival, are exempt from quarantine.

Tourists are allowed and on-arrival tourist visas are available. Foreign tourist arrivals are not subject to quarantine or post-arrival testing requirements but must reserve accommodations at approved lodging establishments; split stays between islands 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 departing the Maldives if they have stayed in a guesthouse at any point.

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)
Ministry of Tourism Split Stay Application
Imuga Health Declaration Portal
covidSafe Portal
Haalubelun Portal