Maldives Immigration has declared visa exemptions for foreigners who have been stranded in the Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immigration stated exemptions have been provided to facilitate the travel of foreigners who have been unable to leave the Maldives due to limited flight movements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, Immigration stated foreigners whose visas expired after March 19, 2020 can leave the country without extending their visa. Instead, they are required to submit the Application for Emergency Departure form for Immigration clearance during the departure process.
Meanwhile, Immigration stated foreigners whose visas expired before March 19 must submit the application via email before departure. Immigration said the Application for Emergency Departure is applicable until October 31. The authority urged responsible parties to pay more attention on the visa regulations and to complete the required processes to avoid violations.
Maldives reopened its borders for international flight operations on July 15, more than three months after borders were closed due to COVID-19.