Maldives Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All foreign passengers to the Maldives must hold onward/return tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Furthermore, visitors entering the Maldives without a hotel reservation or a Maldivian sponsor must hold at least USD 30 per person per day, to cover their expenses while in the country. A disembarkation card must be filled in by every passenger, and submitted to the Immigration Officer upon entry into the Maldives. Nationals of most countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. Extensions of stay, to a maximum of 90 days from the date of the visitor's arrival in the Maldives, are possible, by paying a fee of MVR 750 to the Department of Immigration in Male, at least one day prior to the expiry date of the initial 30-day entry period. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Maldives, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Healthcare

Visitors to the Maldives should take precautions against mosquito bites as cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus have been reported. Precautions should be taken to avoid sunburn and dehydration. There is a good private hospital on Malé and first aid facilities are available on all the resort islands. In the event of diving emergencies, a decompression chamber is available. Food and water in the resort hotels is generally risk-free. Medical insurance is advised.

Safety

Crime levels are low in Mladives but petty theft does occur. It is best not to leave goods unattended on the beaches or in hotel rooms. There is a measure of political instability and visitors are advised to avoid gatherings and demonstrations, particularly on Malé Island. A small bomb explosion on Malé on 29 September 2007 injured a number of people, including foreigners.