The Maldives has banned Israeli citizens from entering the country due to the war in Gaza. The island nation, known for its tourism revenue, announced that it took this decision as a reaction to Israel's "genocidal" actions against the Palestinians.

Maldives Bans Entry for Israeli Passport Holders

The Maldives government has banned individuals holding Israeli passports from entering the country in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza. The law amendment, approved by President Mohamed Muizzu, came into effect on April 16, 2025.

According to Reuters, the Presidential Office stated, "This legal amendment reflects the government's clear and resolute stance against Israel's ongoing atrocities and genocidal acts 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 the "genocide" accusations regarding its military activities in Gaza. It argues that Israel 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 Maldives government gave the first signals of this ban with a cabinet proposal in June 2024. Following this development, the Israeli Foreign Ministry warned its citizens not to travel to the Maldives.

Tourism has a very high share in the country's economy. The Maldives earned $5.6 billion from tourism revenues in 2024. For 2025, a revenue of approximately $5 billion is targeted. While it is known that Israeli citizens constitute a significant tourist group for the Maldives, the impact of this decision on the country's economy will become clear in the coming period.