Maldives Travel Guide

Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
British	Yes	1	Yes
Australian	Yes	1	Yes
Canadian	Yes	1	Yes
USA	Yes	1	Yes
Other EU	Yes	1	Yes

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

1. Tourist visas for 30 days will be issued on arrival only and are free of charge to all visitors in possession of valid travel documents.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy for visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Visa Note

(a) Foreign visitors who enter the Maldives must be in possession of return or onward tickets and a minimum of US$100 and US$50 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives. (b) Tourist visas can be extended by 90 days (including the initial 30 days granted on arrival) by applying to the immigration department.

Types of Visa and Cost

Initial visa is free; extensions are available for a fee of MRf750 (£45).

Validity

30 days.

Applications to:

Visas are issued on arrival at the immigration desk at Maldives International Airport.

Travel Warnings

There has been a period of political transition with the first democratic parliamentary elections held in May 2009. Social unrest is still possible and some demonstrations on Malé Island and other islands have ended in violence. You should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

Travelers should avoid demonstrations or large gatherings as some demonstrations on Malé island and in non-resort islands have turned violent.

There was a small bomb on the capital island of Malé on 29 September which injured a number of people including some British nationals and other foreigners. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Possession of illegal drugs carries severe penalties.

Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

There are two hospitals on Malé, the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and the ADK private hospital. First-aid facilities are available on all resort islands. A decompression chamber is accessible in Malé in case of diving emergencies. Medical treatment in the Maldives can be very expensive and comprehensive health insurance is recommended.

Vaccinations

Vaccination	Special Precaution
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	No
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*

Special Notes

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas.