Maldives Bans Israelis from Entering the Country in Show of Support for Palestinians

The Maldives has officially closed its doors to Israeli passport holders, a decision rooted in what the government calls “solidarity with the people of Palestine” as the war in Gaza rages on.

President Mohamed Muizzu signed off on the ban just hours after parliament passed the measure. His office didn’t mince words, calling the move a direct reaction to what it described as “ongoing atrocities” against Palestinians — claims the Israeli government strongly denies.

Few Israeli Tourists, But a Loud Statement

While the Maldives is famous for its private villas and postcard-perfect beaches, it’s not exactly a top destination for Israelis. Government data shows only 59 Israelis visited the country in February, out of more than 214,000 international arrivals. In all of 2024, just 11,000 Israelis visited — less than 1% of the tourist total.

In other words, the ban won’t rock the tourism industry. But symbolically, it’s loud and clear.

Internal Pressure Behind the Decision

For months, both opposition leaders and government-aligned groups had been calling for the country to take a firmer stance. Many saw a ban on Israeli visitors as a way to reflect public outrage over the ongoing war.

Last year, the Maldivian cabinet started laying the groundwork for legal changes that would block Israeli passport holders from entry. Tuesday’s announcement made it official.

No Diplomatic Ties — and No Plans to Reconnect

The Maldives hasn’t had diplomatic relations with Israel since 1974. There was a brief attempt to reestablish ties in the early 2010s, but that effort stalled out. Despite the lack of formal relations, Israeli tourists were still allowed in — until now.

Travel Warnings and War Fallout

Israel, for its part, had already warned its citizens to avoid traveling to the Maldives amid rising hostility. This is part of a broader trend. Since Hamas’ October 7 attack — which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 kidnapped — the war has sparked a wave of anti-Israel sentiment around the world.

Many airlines canceled flights into Tel Aviv. Some Israeli travelers have even faced harassment abroad, particularly those with military ties.

Israel says it’s targeting Hamas operatives and trying to free the remaining hostages — about 59 are still believed to be in captivity. The Israeli military estimates it has killed over 20,000 Hamas fighters. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, claims more than 50,000 Palestinians have died — but those numbers haven’t been independently verified and don’t differentiate between civilians and militants.

A Country with Strict Religious Laws

The Maldives, a Muslim-majority nation made up of more than a thousand coral islands, enforces strict religious rules. Only Sunni Muslims can be citizens. Public practice of any other faith is prohibited, and evangelism is against the law. Leaving Islam is considered apostasy — a crime that carries the death penalty.