Maldives bans Israeli travelers citing "unwavering support" for Palestine 

The Maldives officially banned the entry of Israeli citizens today (Tuesday), citing what it called “resolute solidarity with the Palestinian people” amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The legislation was swiftly approved by the Maldivian parliament and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu the same day.

“The ratification reflects the government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” read a statement from Muizzu’s office. Israel has strongly denied any accusations of genocide.

The ban takes immediate effect, according to a presidential spokesperson. While only 59 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives in February out of over 214,000 total arrivals, the country welcomed nearly 11,000 Israelis in 2023 — representing about 0.6% of total visitors to the luxury resort destination.

Public pressure has been mounting within the Maldives to enact a formal ban, with both opposition parties and pro-government voices calling on President Muizzu to act. Israel’s Foreign Ministry had already advised its citizens against travel to the Maldives, citing growing anti-Israel sentiment.

In December 2023, Israeli authorities issued a travel warning, noting increased hostility toward Israeli citizens and inflammatory rhetoric from Maldivian officials. At that time, the Maldivian cabinet approved steps to change immigration laws to block entry for Israeli passport holders and formed a special subcommittee to oversee the legal shift.

Israel and the Maldives have not had diplomatic relations since 1974. Although Maldives lifted a prior ban on Israeli travelers in the 1990s and explored restoring ties in 2010, those efforts were abandoned in 2014.