Covid-19: MFA urges caution when travelling to a number of countries

The government has urged caution when traveling to several countries, including from the European Union.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a number of statements in connection to measures taken by the governments of Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Egypt, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia and EU countries on Wednesday.

As such, the government of Kazakhstan announced a State of Emergency earlier this week and imposed a lockdown following which those except tourists planning to depart back to their respective countries by 16 March, expatriates married to Kazakhstani citizens, flight crews and boat crews as well as those who visit the country upon the official invitation of the Kazakhstani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have banned from entering the country.

Maldivians residing in Kazakhstan are required to register at the High Commission of the Maldives in Sri Lanka.

Consecutively, the Vietnamese and Russian governments have banned entry into the country and the government of Egypt has too, taken restrictive measures in their efforts to combat the wide-spreading Covid-19 by locking down all airports and halting flight schedules until 31 March.

The government of Sri Lanka temporarily halted issuing visas, under all categories, from Thursday onwards. Owing to this, all previously issued visas including those issued through electronic travel authorization for residency, entry, landing endorsement as well as multiple entry, have been suspended until 25 March.

Similar measures have been taken by the UAE, which has halted on-arrival visa for tourists.

In light of the global pandemic that continues to sweep over the entire globe, the European Union’s Council has also placed travel restrictions. As such, EU’s “external borders” have been closed down for a 30-day period. EU nationals and residents are exempt from these measures.

Maldivians residing in aforementioned countries have been urged to strictly adhere to the respective governments’ instructions and protocols.

They are also urged to register at the Maldivian embassies closest to them as soon as possible.

In addition, Maldivians travelling out of the country these days are required to acquire travel insurance, as it is of utmost importance and refrain from all non-essential travel abroad. Citizens are also urged to learn all the required information before traveling.