The Maldives has announced the temporary suspension of tourist visas for visitors travelling from South Asian countries. This will come into effect from May 13, 2021.
In addition to India, the list of countries includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Maldives tweeted:
With this change, all categories of visa holders originating from South Asian countries are now temporarily restricted to enter the island nation, until further notice, states an official release by Maldives Immigration.
Additionally, this also applies to travellers transited in South Asian countries for the past 14 days.
However, healthcare professionals with valid work permits are exempted from this restriction. They are required to hold a negative PCR result with a sample taken 96 hours prior to their departure and undergo home quarantine for 14 days. They also require a negative PCR test result before they are released from quarantine.
Maldives Immigration further added, “all inbound travellers from other countries/regions are obliged to hold a PCR negative result with a sample taken 96 hours prior to their departure from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives, effective from May 3, 2021, even if vaccinated.”
Besides, the Maldives has tightened measures for the residents as well. Under this, a curfew has been imposed in the Greater Malé Area (Malé, Hulhumalé, Villimalé) from 1600 hours to 0400 hours, starting from today (May 12, 2021) for a period of one week, Maldives’ Health Protection Agency said in an official statement.
Restaurants and cafes are allowed to open for deliveries and takeaway only, until May 18. Delivery allowed with police permit until 1200 hours.
Other restrictions include congregational prayers at mosques being temporarily stopped and businesses that don’t comply with guidelines closed for 24 hours.
Health Protection Agency tweeted:
