Maldives Visa Requirements

August 8, 2009 by Islandhopper  
Filed under General Info

To get an entry to the Republic of Maldives, there are certain requirements which need to be fulfilled by the visitors after which the entry permit can be granted to them. The requirements to be fulfilled are stated as follows:

  • A valid international travel document should be present which is issued by the government of Sovereign State’s.
  • A return air ticket which is a valid one; to the next destination where the person has planned to go. He or she should have the permission to enter that destination and also the visa to carry on with his journey to that place.
  • A reservation at a hotel should be made prior to your visit to Maldives and every person should have a minimum $30 (US) per day along with them.

The above requirements are exempted for the following people:

  • UN Personnel
  • A Diplomat
  • People who are approved for employment
  • People who are attached to the Government and are experts in the Technical and other fields as well
  • Those who have bookings which are confirmed in hotels and tourist resorts which are registered under the government
  • The ones who are sponsored by a Maldivian

A prior visa is not a necessity to enter Maldives. When the visitors arrive at designated ports, they get the entry permit based on the immigration requirements.

Sponsorship

The sponsorship program helps a foreigner to enter the Republic of Maldives without much of a hassle. The form for this purpose is available at the immigration and should be filled and submitted by the sponsor.

Without the sponsorship being approved, the foreigner cannot get entry to Maldives. It is the foreigner headache to make sure that the sponsorship program is approved before he or she lands up into Maldives. Any local person of Maldives or a locally registered company can act as a sponsor.

The Renewal of Tourist Visa

The renewal process of the tourist visa can only take place if the person applies to the immigration for a renewal before the existing visa gets expired. Immigration studies the person’s financial condition to make sure that he or she can stay at Maldives. The Extension Application form is required to be filled and applied, and this form is available at the Head Office during work hours only. This extension can be granted to a maximum of 90 days only, including the days which were already granted on arrival. An extra charge of Rufiyaa 750 is applicable as a visa fee if the stay is extended to the maximum that is of 90 days. If the number of days of extension is added to the number of days already granted, and the result is not more than 30 days, then no extra fee on the visa will be charged. Those foreigners who do not extend their visa or stay for more number of days than granted, maybe deported from the Republic of Maldives.

Travel to the Maldives Facts

July 2, 2009 by Islandhopper  
Filed under Traveling to the Maldives

Maldives Travel

When you want to experience a truly remarkable vacation experience, consider making your destination be the Maldives. Located forty-five minutes from Columbo, three hours from Dubai, four hours from Singapore and only thirteen hours from London, the Maldives is a hidden paradise in the Indian Ocean. There are some things that you should know when you are planning your trip to the beautiful islands so that you are well prepared and can travel smoothly.

The Maldives is served by all of the major airlines that are scheduled in the region, as well as many charter flights that leave from Europe and Scandanavian countries. The Male Internation Airport is located on an Island called Hulhule, which is around 10 minutes from the capital. There are ferry services that can transport visitors from the island to the capitol. In order to be able to transfer to the different resorts, arrangements need to be made prior to arriving at the airport and are usually done by seaplanes or speedboats provided by the resorts.

There is not a prior visa required from travelers entering the Maldives and there is a thirty day pass that all visitors are granted that meet all of the immigration requirements when they arrive. Student visas are also granted. There are also some items that are prohibited from being brought into the Maldives that you should be aware of to avoid any potential delays in your commuting. The following items are prohibited from being brought into the islands and can result in imprisonment or not being allowed into the islands:

• Idols of worship
• Port products and other animal products
• Explosives and weapons
• Alcoholic beverages
• Drugs

In addition, animals that are brought into the Maldives must be accompanied with a veterinary certification. It is also a good idea to become familiar with the culture of the habitants of the Maldives and native cultures prior to arriving for your vacation. Each resort may have their own regulations as well, so it is important to check with them prior to your arrival.

The Maldives truly have something to offer anyone looking for a
relaxing and beautiful escape. There are many attractions that can allure people to the Maldives including excellent diving, amazing marine life, the beautiful corals, miles of sandy beaches and colorful landscapes. The many resorts are nestled in and around the islands and offer travelers a variety of amenities and accommodations. You can find one easily that will best suit your needs. There are also organized tours of the islands and fishing excursions offered by some of the many resorts.

Whatever your reasons are for traveling to the Maldives, you are sure to find what you are looking for and so much more. The islands in the Maldives have been attracting tourists from all over the world for many years and is known for their rich culture, fish delicacies and amazing scenery. You can spend your days relaxing in your beach resort, getting a spa treatment or diving among the coral reefs, anything is possible in the Maldives.