MALDIVES BANS ISRAELI VISITORS
The Maldives has banned Israeli citizens from entering the country due to the war in Gaza. The island nation, known for its tourism revenues, announced that it took this decision in response to Israel's "genocide" actions against Palestinians.
Maldives Bans Entry to Israeli Passport Holders
The Maldivian government has banned individuals holding Israeli passports from entering the country in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza. The legal amendment, approved by President Mohamed Muizzu, came into effect on April 16, 2025.
According to Reuters, the President's Office stated, "This legal amendment reflects the government's clear and unwavering stance against Israel's ongoing atrocities and genocide actions against the Palestinian people." With the new regulation, an article added to the Maldives Immigration Act explicitly prohibits Israeli citizens from entering the country.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry and the consulate office in Sri Lanka did not comment on the matter. Israel, on the other hand, denies "genocide" accusations regarding its military activities in Gaza. Israel maintains that it is acting in accordance with international law and exercising its right to self-defense in the war that began after the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
As will be recalled, the Maldivian government gave the first signals of this ban in June 2024 with a cabinet proposal. Following this development, the Israeli Foreign Ministry warned its citizens not to travel to the Maldives.
Tourism accounts for a significant portion of the country's economy, with the Maldives earning $5.6 billion in tourism revenue in 2024. Approximately $5 billion in revenue is targeted for 2025. While it is known that Israeli citizens constitute a significant tourist group to the Maldives, the impact of this decision on the country's economy will become clear in the coming period.
