The Ministry of Tourism has suspended the licenses of three local guest houses for accomodating tourists arriving from South Asia.
The Maldives suspended issuing tourist visas to South Asian travelers on May 13 after the COVID-19 situation in India worsened significantly. The country resumed issuing visas to South Asian travelers from July 15. However, they can only stay at
resorts and cannot stay at local guest houses and tourist hotels.
The Tourism Ministry Saturday said the operating licenses of 3 guest houses have been suspended, and 3 other guest house operators have been cautioned in Greater Mae' Area following the ongoing inspection for compliance of accomodating South Asian tourists and adherence to COVID-19 protocols. The ministry has given the opportunity to the tourists at the premises to complete their quarantine at a local resort.
While the Tourism Ministry is conducting inspections, 248 tourists with false hotel bookings attempted to enter the Maldives on Thursday. Most of them were Indian nationals.
