The Maldives has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering its territory, escalating its response to the ongoing Gaza war. This major policy shift comes as the Maldivian government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians—an allegation that Israel has vehemently denied. The recent development highlights a significant intersection of global politics and tourism, potentially impacting the Maldives’ thriving travel industry. The move has sparked international attention and concerns, particularly considering the heavy reliance of the Maldives’ economy on tourism.
The Maldives’ New Immigration Law Amendment
On Tuesday, the Maldivian Parliament passed a pivotal amendment to the nation’s Immigration Act. Shortly afterward, President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the law, making it official. This amendment introduces a critical provision: an outright ban on Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives. The government emphasized that this decision mirrors its “firm stance” against “the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.”
The announcement, dated late April 2025, underscores the Maldivian leadership’s solidarity with Palestine and marks a historical diplomatic move for the archipelago nation.
Israel’s Response and Ongoing Denials
The Israeli foreign ministry and consular offices, particularly the one in Colombo responsible for regional relations, have so far not responded to requests for comments regarding the ban on Israeli passport holders. Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, maintaining that it acts within international law and in self-defense, particularly after the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Following the Hamas assault, which led to thousands of casualties and ignited the current Gaza conflict, Israel has launched extensive military operations in Gaza. These operations have drawn widespread international criticism, including legal actions initiated by South Africa at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) and strong reports from human rights organizations like Amnesty International.
Maldives’ Long-Standing Support for Palestine
The Maldives has historically shown strong support for the Palestinian cause. Past governments have consistently voiced opposition to Israeli military actions in the occupied territories. However, the current move to ban Israeli passport holders is unprecedented in recent decades.
In June 2024, President Muizzu initially proposed the ban after recommendations from his cabinet, signaling an increasingly proactive foreign policy stance. The latest formalization of this policy is seen by analysts as an effort to align more closely with public opinion and broader Islamic solidarity movements across South Asia and the Middle East.
Impact on Maldives Tourism
The Maldives is world-renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and turquoise waters. Tourism contributes approximately 21% to the nation’s GDP, generating a whopping $5.6 billion in 2024 alone. Government projections for 2025 anticipate tourism revenue of about $5 billion, despite global economic fluctuations.
Israeli tourists, while a relatively small segment of the Maldives’ tourist demographic, have been a noticeable presence in recent years. Following the cabinet’s initial announcement of the ban on Israeli passport holders, Israel’s foreign ministry advised its citizens to avoid traveling to the Maldives. This advisory has likely influenced booking cancellations and travel plans for many Israeli tourists.
Despite the potential economic implications, the Maldivian government appears committed to prioritizing political and ethical considerations over short-term tourism revenue.
Global Context: Gaza War and International Legal Actions
The Gaza war, triggered by the October 2023 Hamas assault on Israeli soil, has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread destruction. Israel’s military response has faced international scrutiny and legal challenges. Notably, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing it of genocide—a grave allegation carrying significant diplomatic weight.
In December 2024, Amnesty International released a detailed report accusing Israel of systematic abuses and potential acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel categorically denied these accusations, insisting on its right to defend itself against terrorist threats.
The Maldives’ decision to ban Israeli passport holders can thus be viewed within this larger framework of international condemnation and calls for accountability.
Regional and International Reactions
Neighboring South Asian and Middle Eastern nations have generally shown sympathy toward Palestine, though not all have enacted measures as direct as the Maldives’ ban on Israeli passport holders. Regional reactions remain mixed, with some governments praising the Maldives for taking a moral stand, while others caution against politicizing travel and tourism.
Internationally, human rights advocates and pro-Palestinian groups have welcomed the move. Conversely, critics argue that such policies may exacerbate divisions and hinder efforts for peaceful resolutions.
Practical Implications for Travelers
For travelers, especially Israeli citizens, the ban on Israeli passport holders means immediate changes to travel plans involving the Maldives. Tour operators, airlines, and travel platforms must update their advisory notices accordingly.
Israeli citizens currently abroad or planning travel to the Maldives are strongly advised to seek alternative destinations. Major airlines operating flights to the Maldives, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, may update their passenger guidelines in light of the new regulations.
The Maldives Immigration Office has published an updated travel advisory on its official portal, outlining the new regulations and offering guidance for affected travelers.
Tourism Diversification Efforts
Recognizing the potential fallout from the ban on Israeli passport holders, the Maldivian government is ramping up efforts to diversify its tourist markets. Key focus areas include strengthening ties with China, India, Russia, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Additionally, initiatives are underway to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism to attract a broader international audience. These efforts aim to buffer any possible economic setbacks from the reduced Israeli tourist segment.
Maldives’ Diplomatic Strategy Moving Forward
The Maldives’ assertive move may foreshadow a broader recalibration of its foreign policy. Analysts suggest that President Muizzu’s administration seeks to position the Maldives as a vocal advocate for human rights and justice within international forums, such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The impact of the ban on Israeli passport holders will likely be a topic of discussion in upcoming international summits, potentially influencing similar moves by other nations sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
FAQs
Q1: Why did the Maldives ban Israeli passport holders?
A1: The Maldives banned Israeli passport holders in protest against Israel’s alleged acts of genocide against Palestinians during the Gaza war.
Q2: How will the Maldives’ tourism industry be affected by the ban?
A2: Although Israeli tourists represent a small fraction, the Maldives is expected to experience some economic impact, which it aims to offset by diversifying tourism markets.
Q3: Can Israeli dual citizens with another passport still enter the Maldives?
A3: The Maldives has specified the ban based on Israeli passports. Dual citizens using a non-Israeli passport may not be affected, but they should confirm current travel regulations with Maldivian immigration authorities.