Several flights canceled as Maldives issues temporary ban on tourists from South Asian Countries

Several flights from South Asian countries are canceled following a travel ban on all category visa holders from South Asian countries starting 13th May.

The travel ban applies to travelers originating from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This also applies to travelers transiting in any of the countries listed above within the past 14 days.

However, healthcare professionals with valid work permits are exempted from this. Healthcare professionals are required to hold a PCR negative result with a sample taken 96 hours before their departure to the Maldives and undergo home quarantine for 14 days. They are also required a negative PCR test result before releasing from quarantine.

All inbound travelers from other countries are required to hold a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to departure from the first port of embarkation to the Maldives.

The restrictions come after the sharp increase in COVID19 cases across the country. As of Tuesday, there are 11,689 active cases with a total number of cases rising to 38,520.