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TRAVEL REPORT
Maldives

1. RECENT UPDATES

The information contained in this Travel Report has been thoroughly reviewed and updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Maldives

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

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. Canadians should be aware that there have been reports of several diving injuries and one death (in May 2008), apparently as a result of poor equipment and lax monitoring of safety standards by local dive operators.

Tourist facilities are well developed on resort islands, but limited elsewhere.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions 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 destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the Maldives. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, N.Y., 10017, U.S.A. (tel.: 212-599-6195/ fax: 212-661-6405/ e-mail: maldives@un.int Web site: http://www.maldivesmission-ny.com/eng/), for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Maldives. Passports must be valid for at least three months following the date of entry. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Tourist visas are issued upon arrival and are valid for 30 days. Extension of a tourist visa is possible for a total stay of no more than 90 days.

Travellers intending to work in the Maldives should obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources, Employment and Labour prior to arrival in Maldives.

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas. Disinfection is also compulsory for passengers arriving from areas where yellow fever and malaria are endemic.

Tourist Visa: Required (issued upon arrival)
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

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 all visa requirements for this and other destinations, 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 or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

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: 33-A 5th Lane, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1006, Colombo,
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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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

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 Health 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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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited. There are only two hospitals on Male and they can provide adequate service for routine medical problems. In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation is often necessary. Canadian travellers should be aware that medical transport is very expensive and payment up front is often required.

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8. 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include life imprisonment.

It is illegal to import alcohol, firearms, drugs, and pornography 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.

Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in parts of the country. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Visitors should dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts.

Homosexual activity is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences and fines.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

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.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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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. Automatic banking machines 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.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. 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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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

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.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, 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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12. ANNEX

N/A

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