Maldives: Officials lift pre-departure testing, on-arrival quarantine requirements for international arrivals as of March 14 /update 59

Event

Authorities have lifted requirements of pre-departure testing and on-arrival quarantine rules for international entrants as of March 14 amid ongoing COVID-19 measures. Officials have also lifted the nationwide state of public health emergency as of March 14; the decree had been in place since March 2020. The government has rescinded a requirement to wear facemasks when in public places nationwide, except when in healthcare facilities and areas with a positivity rate higher than 20 percent. However, authorities encourage people to wear facemasks when in high-risk settings, such as mass gatherings.

Domestic Restrictions
Unvaccinated people are banned from using public facilities, such as public transport, gyms, salons, and dine-in services. Unvaccinated staff must take a COVID-19 test to enter office buildings. Authorities require pre-departure testing for unvaccinated domestic travelers who are exiting high-risk locations. The government may also mandate unvaccinated passengers to obtain pre-approval from the Haalubelun portal, undergo quarantine at the destination, as well as take an additional COVID-19 test before exiting quarantine.

International Travel Restrictions
Travelers entering or departing the Maldives must submit an online health declaration via the Imuga portal within 48 hours before travel. Tourists are allowed and on-arrival tourist visas are available. Foreign tourist arrivals 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. Unvaccinated tourists must also obtain a negative result from a PCR test within 72 hours before departing the Maldives if they have stayed in an inhabited island at any point.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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 potentially disruptive 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