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Sign up for our newsletter and receive special offers and promotions delivered directly to your mailboxGeneral Information about Maldives |
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| Area: | 298 sq km (115 sq miles) |
Population: |
269,010 (2000) |
Capital: |
Republic since 1965.Gained independence from the UK in 1965.Head of State and Government: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom since 1978 |
| Language: | The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used in the tourism sector |
| Religion: | The indigenous population is 100% Sunni Muslim |
| Mobile: | GSM 900 network operated by Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunications Company . Handsets can by hired by the day |
| Internet: | The Internet can be accessed from most areas of the Maldives.Malé, the capital, has Internet cafés and almost all resorts and even some liveaboards (StingRay)facilitate the sending and receiving of e-mails.The islands' ISP is Dhiraagu |
| Post: | Airmail to Western Europe takes about a week.Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0730-1330 and 1600-1750 |
| Press: | The dailies Haveeru Daily, Aafathis and Miadhu News have English sections. Information about local events is widely available on all the resort islands |
General Information about Maldives |
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| Passport: | Passport valid for the duration of stay required by all |
Visas : |
Tourist visas for 30 days will be issued on arrival only and free of charge to all visitors in possession of valid travel documents |
Note : |
Foreign visitors who enter the Maldives must be in possession of return or onward tickets and sufficient funds to cover duration of stay |
| Types: | Tourist visas can be extended for a minimum of three months for a fee of Rf750 (£45) |
| Validity: | Three months to one year |
| Application: | Visas are issued on arrival at the immigration desk at Maldives International Airport |
| Requirements: |
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| Time required: | Visa extensions can be requested on arrival at Maldives International Airport, and will be issued immediately provided nationals are holding valid travel documents |
General Information about Maldives |
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| Currency: | Maldivian Rufiya (Rf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of Rf500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rf2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari |
Exchange: |
Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, traveler's cheques or credit cards |
Credit cards: |
Most major island resorts will accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard and Diners Club. Arrangements vary from island to island, and it is advisable to check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available |
| TC's: | Traveler's cheques are generally accepted in Sterling and US Dollars. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars |
| Restrictions: | There are no restrictions on import or export of either local or foreign currencies |
| Bank hours: | Sun-Thurs 0800-1330 hrs |
The following goods may be imported into the Maldives Republic without incurring customs duty: A reasonable amount of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco; a reasonable number of gifts.
Prohibited items: Pornographic literature; idols of worship; pork products and certain other animal products; explosives, weapons or drugs may not be imported.
Alcoholic beverages cannot be imported without an official licence.
Drugs are strictly prohibited; the penalty for importing drugs for personal or other use is life imprisonment.
Animals require a veterinary certificate, but dogs cannot be imported.
The following may not be exported in any form: turtle shells and products made of turtle shell (the Government has banned the killing of turtles), black coral, eel, puffer fish, parrotfish, skate and ray, big-eyed scad under 15cm (6 in), bait fish used in tuna fishery, dolphin, whale, lobster, all stony coral, triton shell, trochus shell and pearl oyster.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from infected areas.
- Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Maldives.
- Typhoid may occur.
- Malaria is disappearing. The risk of infection is very low.
Food & drink
The water provided in the resorts and liveaboards are generally safe to drink. In other areas, water of uncertain origin used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Food in hotels and resorts is usually risk free, although visitors should be cautious elsewhere
Other risks
Hepatitis A, B, and E can occur. Tuberculosis and diphtheria vaccines are sometimes advised. Dengue fever occurs. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered.
Health care
There are two hospitals in 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 from most resorts in case of diving emergencies. Health insurance is recommended.
The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F). The best time to visit is November to Easter
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Light waterproofs are advised during the rainy season.
