Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Natural Disasters and Climate
- Additional Information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation
For the latest update please read the General COVID-19 Travel Advisory >
Overview
Security Status
Avoid non-essential travel.
Security Status Last Updated: 16 March 2020
COVID-19
Emergency responses to the COVID-19 crisis in many countries have included restrictions of flights to/from Europe; imposition of new mandatory quarantine arrangements and new restrictions affecting the admission of Irish people travelling to and within the Asia Pacific region.
The Maldivian government have advised that all tourists and short-term visitors travelling to Maldives on or after 10th September 2020 must present a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 upon arrival. The health document stating the negative PCR test result for COVID-19 must be in English and conducted within a maximum of 96 hours prior to departure from your home country. Categories of passengers exempt from this requirement and further details on how to submit your negative test result are available from the Maldives Immigration website: https://immigration.gov.mv/faq-for-visiting-the-maldives/.
If you are in Maldives, you should monitor developments regularly, consult the management of your resort/hotel and follow the advice of local authorities.
See links below for details.
Maldives Health Protection Agency
World Health Organisation [WHO]
Additional information on COVID-19 can be found via the following links:
General Travel Advice
Health
Maldives has limited medical facilities. There are two hospitals in Malé that deal with routine medical problems, but some island resorts can be several hours' travel away from Malé. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury, so make sure your travel insurance covers this eventuality.
Zika Virus
There is currently an outbreak of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America, the Caribbean and other locations including the Maldives. Infection with Zika virus has been increasingly linked with a serious birth condition called microcephaly where the baby is born with an abnormally small head and/or brain damage. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and plan to travel to areas affected by the Zika Virus, you are advised to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider and to consider postponing your travel to affected areas. Irish Citizens are advised to follow the advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Emergency Assistance
Because there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in the Maldives, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in New Delhi on +91-11-49403200 or you can request consular assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in the Maldives.
We suggest you learn as much as you can about the Maldives before your trip from travel agents, tour operators and guide books. The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems when you are in the Maldives, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
EU Directive on Consular Protection
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation.
Our tips for safe travels
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a family emergency
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates
- Read our Topical ‘Know Before You Go’ guide
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Unrest
Caution should be exercised on Malé Island where political protests have been ongoing and there remains a possibility of civil unrest.
Irish citizens travelling within the Maldives are advised to take extra care, follow the advice of local authorities and avoid any large gatherings, protests or rallies.
Crime
Petty crime is rare; however, there are reports of theft of personal items from beaches and in hotel rooms.
Gang-related violence, including knife crime, has increased in populated areas, including Malé; however, there are no reports of any such violence on resort islands.
Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorism in the Maldives. We advise you to be aware of your surroundings, avoid any demonstrations that may occur and monitor the media and other local sources for information about possible safety or security risks.
Safety
Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. There have been several diving injuries and deaths due to poor equipment and poor compliance to safety standards by local dive operators.
Be careful when swimming in the sea, as several people drown each year because of strong and dangerous currents.
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Natural Disasters and Climate
Natural Disasters and Climate
Natural disasters and climate
Practical advice
- If you’re travelling to this country, make sure you know what to expect – then plan and pack so that you’re prepared
- Get local advice on how to manage in the case of a serious incident or dangerous conditions
- Co-operate with local authorities and emergency services in the case of serious incidents
Additional Information
Additional Information
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
We do not have an Embassy in the Maldives, please contact Embassy of Ireland India.
Embassy of Ireland
C17 Malcha Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
India
Tel: +91 11 4940 3200
Fax: +91 11 4059 1898
Monday to Friday 09:00-13:30 and 14:40-17:00
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