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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: September 15, 2006 10:02
EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:12
EST
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| Maldives |
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1. INTRODUCTION
Section 9 of this Travel Report has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
There are no serious security or safety concerns. Petty crime is prevalent. Pay attention to the security of valuables at all times, especially on the beach. Large crowds and demonstrations should be avoided.
Permission is generally required to visit non-resort islands. Travellers who participate in water sports and scuba diving should be aware that rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. The Maldives is among the South Asian countries affected by a tsunami in the Indian Ocean in December 2004. Those planning a trip to the Maldives should check with their tour operator or resort to verify that the resort is operating normally.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Traffic drives on the left. Only a few islands have facilities for automobiles. Most transportation is by boat or seaplane. Motorized water taxis (dhonis) provide transportation between the airport, Male, and nearby resort islands.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The monsoon season extends from November to April in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Flooding can occur. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
It is illegal to import alcohol to the Maldives. However, alcohol is available on resort islands. It is also illegal to promote religions other than Islam. Importation of alcohol and non-Islamic religious materials may result in confiscation. Offenders may be subject to jail sentences, deportation, and heavy fines.
Homosexuality is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences and fines.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
There is no resident Canadian government office in the Maldives. Canadians in the Maldives can obtain consular assistance and further information from the High Commission of Canada in Colombo, Sri Lanka, at the following address:
Sri Lanka - COLOMBO, High Commission of Canada
Address: 6 Gregory's Road, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1006, Colombo, 7, Sri Lanka
Tel.: 94 (11) 532-6232 or 522-6232
Fax: 94 (11) 532-6299 or 522-6299
E-mail: clmbo-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.srilanka.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of tfhe Maldives and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on January 25, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
For further information, contact the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations, 820 Second Avenue, Suite 800C, New York, N.Y., 10017, U.S.A. (tel.: 212-599-6195/ fax: 212-661-6405/ e-mail: mdvun@undp.org Web site: www.un.int/maldives/.)
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Maldives. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Tourist visas are issued upon arrival for 30 days.
Travellers intending to work in the Maldives should obtain a work permit upon arrival. Such permits are usually organized through the employer.
Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas.
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required__________________________________________
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the rufiyaa. Major credit cards are accepted at resorts and hotels. U.S. dollars can be exchanged at the airport, banks, or hotels. ATMs in Male accept certain foreign bank cards. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Maldives (capital: Male) consists of approximately 1,190 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India. The official language is Dhivehi. English is commonly spoken. Tourist facilities are well developed on resort islands, but limited elsewhere.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are limited. There are only two hospitals on Male. Treatment can be very expensive.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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