The Government of the Maldives has banned travellers from seven African countries over the new Omicron COVID-19 variant.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) announced travel to the Maldives has been banned for travellers from South Africa, Namibia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. HPA stated travellers who arrived within 14 days of leaving one of the banned countries or travellers who stayed in transit in these countries for over 12 hours will not be allowed to enter the Maldives.
Maldivians and work permit holders who arrived from these countries will be required to undergo 14 days of quarantine and PCR testing before entering the Maldives. HPA also called on individuals who had returned from these countries in the past 14 days to undergo PCR testing immediately.
Additionally, travellers from these countries who are currently staying in the Maldives are required to undergo PCR testing after 14 days, and those returning to their country earlier than 14 days are required to undergo PCR testing before they leave.
Many countries have begun strengthening COVID-19 restrictions after the Omicron variant was detected in South Africa.