Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. All visitors must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey. Travelers arriving without a hotel reservation or Maldivian sponsor must have at least US$30 per person per day for the intended duration of their stay. Extensions for stays up to a maximum of 90 days are possible.
Americans: US citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible).
UK nationals: UK citizens must have a valid passport.
A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible).
Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible).
Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible).
South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible).
Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible).
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible).
Health
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 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.
