The Maldives

The Maldives has always been a unique nation. Apart from a period of Portuguese domination in the 16th century and carrying the status of a British Protectorate from 1887 to 1965, the Maldives has been an independent nation. The Maldives is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement. Maldives maintains a very cordial relationship with the international community and Maldivians themselves take pride in their hospitality and friendliness!

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe' islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.

Visitors entering the Republic of Maldives should fulfill the following requirement for the grant of an entry permit into the country.

- Posses a valid international travel document issued by the Government of a Sovereign State.
- Posses a valid return air ticket to a destination where the passenger has permission to enter, together with necessary visas for the onward journey to the next destination.
- Posses minimum US$30.00 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives. Following are exempted from this requirement.

No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. Entry permit will be granted on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirements.

An entry permit does not allow an alien to take up employment, set up any business or exercise any profession work whether paid or unpaid except with the consent and in conformity with the pertinent laws and regulations of the Maldives. However, an alien or foreign delegation visiting the Maldives to conclude business agreements, contracts or to negotiate business transactions with their counterparts do not require work permits if the stay does not exceed the duration granted on arrival.

An expatriate must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Higher Education, Employment and Social Security prior to arrival in Maldives to engage in employment.

Aliens who stay beyond the period for which they have been approved may be deported.

The Government of Maldives refuses admission and transit to holder of Merchant Seaman books.

Disembarkation and Embarkation card shall be filled by every passenger and submitted to the Immigration Officer on entry.

Port Health

Maldives , being free from certain diseases that are of public health concern as well as of international importance, implement continuous vigilance activities at ports of entry at sea and air. Intensified surveillance for incoming passengers and continuous inspection of food items, and animals that were imported into the country is being carried out at all ports of the country.

In preparation for the certification of the Malaria Free Maldives, all incoming passengers from malaria-infected countries are screened.

Disinfections is compulsory for cargo aircraft and passenger aircrafts coming from Yellow Fever and Malaria endemic areas.

Duty Free

Duty free shopping is only available at the departure terminal of the Male' International Airport . The lounge has specialized shops for electrical goods, watches, cameras, fashion, liquor, jewelry, tobacco and more.