Maldives

The Maldives is a group of low-lying coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls, situated south west of Sri Lanka. A small percentage of the islands are inhabited and 87 are exclusively resorts, boasting tropical landscapes hugged by picture-perfect beaches festooned with palm trees. The myriad islands are surrounded by coral reefs enclosing shallow lagoons.

The Dhivehin people of the Maldives are descended from an ethnic mix of Aryan, Negroid, Sinhalese, Dravidian and Arab cultures. The history of the area was dominated by a succession of bids for control that began with Muslim rule in the 12th century. The Arabs were later supplanted by Portuguese then the British, until 1965 when the Maldives finally achieved full independence as a sultanate. The majority of Maldivians are Sunni Muslims and their lifestyle follows the traditions of Islam. Traces of ancient beliefs have endured in the form of superstitions centred on evil spirits.

The Maldives rely on tourism and fishing for their income, and with the large number of foreign visitors, eco-friendly tourism is gaining popularity in order to maintain the Maldives' natural beauty for future generations. Very little tourism in the Maldives is independent, with most visitors opting for all-inclusive resorts and package tours.

Climate

The temperature of Maldives is hot throughout the year and although the humidity is relatively high, the constant sea breezes help to keep the air moving. The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April, during the dry season. However this is also the tourist high season, and resorts are not only more expensive, but often fully booked. The wet season runs between April and October, when strong winds can also be expected. November and April are reported to be the best months for diving.

Money

The Maldivian Rufiya (MVR) is divided into 100 laari. The resorts in Maldives are generally expensive and travellers should ensure they bring sufficient funds. There are no cash machines and travellers' cheques are rarely used, but there are currency exchange facilities available at resorts and banks. Major credit cards are accepted at most resorts and hotels. US Dollars can be exchanged at the airport, banks or hotels. Guests staying at resorts can settle their accounts in hard foreign currency (US Dollars are best), credit cards or travellers cheques. Banks are usually closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to the Maldives must hold onward/return tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Furthermore, visitors entering the Maldives without a hotel reservation or a Maldivian sponsor must hold at least USD 30 per person per day, to cover their expenses while in the country. A disembarkation card must be filled in by every passenger, and submitted to the Immigration Officer upon entry into the Maldives. Nationals of most countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. Extensions of stay, to a maximum of 90 days from the date of the visitor's arrival in the Maldives, are possible, by paying a fee of MVR 750 to the Department of Immigration in Male, at least one day prior to the expiry date of the initial 30-day entry period. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Maldives, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the Maldives. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

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.

Embassy Consulates

• Maldives High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7224 2135.

Foreign Embassies

• American Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 249 8500.
• British High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 539 0639.
• Canadian High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 522 6232.
• Australian High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 246 3200.
• South African High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 268 9926.
• Mission of Ireland to the UN, New York, United States (also responsible for Maldives): +1 (212) 421 6934.
• New Zealand Consulate, Singapore (also responsible for Maldives): +65 6235 9966.