A decision has been made to stop issuing tourist visa to the tourists visiting the Maldives from the South Asian countries.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) made the announcement on Twitter stating that tourist visas for South Asian tourists will be temporarily halted from 13 May 2021 onwards.

Currently, South Asian countries are among those where Covid-19 cases have been on the rise, with India reporting overwhelming numbers daily.

While the government has decided to stop issuing tourist visa for South Asian travelers, they have also temporarily halted the entrance of work permit holders from the region.

As part of their efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, a curfew will also be imposed in the Greater Malé Area (Malé, Hulhumalé, Villimalé) from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting from 12 May 2021, for the duration of 1 week.