Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel can continue to Maldives.

 

 

Crime

 

Crime levels in Maldives are relatively low, but petty crime, including the theft of goods left unattended on the beach or in hotel rooms, does occur. You should take care of your valuables and other personal possessions, especially when travelling in Malé. Use safe deposit boxes on island resorts.

 

Gang related violence including knife crime in locally populated areas, including the capital Malé, has increased recently. There is no evidence that British nationals are being targeted. You should be vigilant when travelling to areas outside of resorts.

 

Local travel

 

The majority of visitors to Maldives spend their time on resort islands and would only visit the capital island, Malé, if they choose to go on a specific excursion there. The international airport is on a separate island within the larger Malé atoll. There are also many resort islands within Malé atoll. Advance approval is normally required to visit most non-resort islands, other than the capital island. Travel between islands is by boat or seaplane, and many of these services stop before sunset.

 

Sea travel

 

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. The Maldivian authorities are currently detaining a number of individuals suspected to have been involved in piracy outside of the Maldives’ Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ).

 

Local laws and customs

Maldives has very strong anti-drugs laws. Importing or possessing drugs can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment.

 

Local laws reflect the fact that Maldives is an Islamic country. Serious violations of local laws may lead to a prison sentence. Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

It is an offence to import the following items into Maldives: explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, materials deemed contrary to Islam including ‘idols for worship’ and bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.

 

Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Don’t take any alcohol away from a resort.

 

The export of tortoise shell and coral is forbidden.

 

Dress is generally informal but you should be sensitive to local dress standards when visiting non-resort islands. Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.

 

Same sex relations are illegal and convicted offenders could face lengthy prison sentences and fines.

 

Mariners in possession of firearms must surrender them to the local authorities. Any unregistered firearms will not be returned to the owner.

 

Money

Island resorts are generally expensive. Make sure you bring sufficient funds. There are no cash machines. Travellers’ cheques are not widely used. Major credit cards are accepted at most resorts and hotels. US dollars can be exchanged at the airport, banks or hotels.

 

Health

Medical facilities are limited. There are only 2 hospitals and these are on the capital island, Malé. Neither has a trauma unit. Although most resort islands are within easy reach of a doctor, many are several hours’ travel away from the hospital facilities on Malé. Many resort islands are more than an hour away from the nearest decompression chamber.

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 102 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

EU nationals can get a tourist visa for up to 30 days on arrival in Maldives, provided you hold a valid onward or return ticket and enough funds to cover your stay. Staying for longer than 30 days without the proper authority is an offence.

 

If you intend to work in Maldives you will need to get a work permit before you arrive. You must also pay a security deposit to the Ministry of Finance. See the Ministry of Finance website for current rates

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Document

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Maldives.

 

Previous travel to countries affected by Ebola You won’t be able to get a visa on arrival if you’ve travelled to Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea within 21 days of your arrival in Maldives.