Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory for Maldivians travelling to countries of the European Union (EU) and nine other countries.
The advisory was issued for all Maldivians travelling to Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Russia, New Zealand, Ukraine, the UAE and the US in addition to the countries of EU.
The foreign ministry further explained certain measures have been taken by the Council of EU to restrict travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures include closing external borders of EU for 30 days and ban entry for outsiders, only allowing access to citizens of EU countries and long-term residents in EU nations. The ministry urged all Maldivians to be cautious of the measures and to clarify the latest information before travelling.
Moreover, the ministry also urged Maldivians to be cautious of the measures taken by the other 9 countries included in the advisory. In this regard, the ministry noted the UAE has decided to temporarily suspend on-arrival visas except for individuals with diplomatic passports. The foreign ministry has also advised all travelers to obtain travel insurance before travelling abroad.
While the ministry has alerted the Maldivians residing abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic, all Maldivians arriving from countries with a temporary ban from entry to Maldives will also be subject to a 14-day self-quarantine period at home. The measures have been taken under the authorities granted to the Director General of Public Health during the State of Public Health Emergency, as stated in the Public Health Act.
Maldives has also taken an additional measure to quarantine all people travelling to Maldives from US for 14 days.