Maldives Immigration should remove Imuga Traveler Declaration

The Maldives Immigration introduced the Imuga Traveler Declaration in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration is a form that all travelers must complete within 96 hours of their flight to the Maldives. The form collects information about the traveler’s health, travel history, and contact information.

The Imuga Traveler Declaration was a necessary measure during the pandemic, when the Maldives was trying to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the pandemic is now over, and many countries have lifted their travel restrictions. The Maldives is one of the few countries that still requires travelers to complete the Imuga Traveler Declaration.

There are several reasons why the Maldives should remove the Imuga Traveler Declaration. First, it is an unnecessary obstacle for travelers. The form is time-consuming and difficult to complete, especially for travelers who are not familiar with the Maldives’ online systems.

I recently met an elderly couple at the airport who were distressed because they did not know how to fill out the Imuga Traveler Declaration. They had to ask another passenger for help, which caused them a lot of stress. This is just one example of the many challenges that elderly people and others face when trying to use online forms.

Imuga Traveler Declaration does not provide any additional benefit to the Maldives’ public health. The Maldives has a strong vaccination program and a low rate of COVID-19 cases. Third, the Imuga Traveler Declaration is a burden on the Maldives’ tourism industry. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, and the Imuga Traveler Declaration is discouraging people from visiting the country.

The Maldives should remove the Imuga Traveler Declaration immediately. It is an unnecessary obstacle for travelers and a burden on the tourism industry. Maldives can still keep its borders safe without the Imuga Traveler Declaration.

In addition to the points mentioned above, here are some other reasons why the Maldives should remove the Imuga Traveler Declaration:

• It is not aligned with the travel requirements of other countries in the region. Most other countries in Southeast Asia have lifted their travel restrictions, and there is no need for the Maldives to maintain a stricter standard.
• It is a hassle for travelers. The Imuga Traveler Declaration is an additional step that travelers have to take before they can travel to the Maldives. This can be a source of stress and confusion, especially for first-time visitors.

Maldives as a leading tourist destination with a lot to offer tourists, the government should do everything it can to make it easy for people to visit. Removing the Imuga Traveler Declaration would be a big step in the right direction.