GoMaldives Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa

Chinese tourists who come to Maldives for a short period of time (within 30 days) and hold round-trip airfare and hotel reservation (or travel expense proof) are exempt from visa application. If a horse engages in business activities or work, it is necessary to obtain the corresponding visa in advance.

2、 Entry

When entering the country, an electronic entry registration card (IMUGA) must be filled out, https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd ）Hold a valid passport, return (or extension) flight ticket, hotel reservation form (or travel expense certificate), and be released after being inspected by immigration officials. After collecting checked baggage, it needs to go through customs inspection, and all baggage needs to be inspected by X-ray machines. If necessary, customs officials may require unpacking inspection.

3、 Common types of visas

（1） Tourist visa. All foreigners can apply for tourist visas. Holders of tourist visas are strictly prohibited from working in Malaysia. If discovered, they will be deported.

（2） Business visa. A business visa is issued to individuals who travel to Malaysia for official or personal reasons to conduct on-site inspections or negotiations in investment, trade, and other related fields.

（3） Work visa. Work visas are issued to foreigners who hold work permits. Foreigners working in Malaysia should complete all formalities before arriving in Malaysia, otherwise they will be repatriated.

（4） Dependent visa. Dependent visas are issued to spouses and children under the age of 18 of foreigners who hold valid work permits and valid residence visas. This type of person can change their visa after entering the country with a tourist visa and an English translation of their employer's consent letter and marriage certificate (or child birth certificate). If you fail to apply for a change of visa within the validity period of the tourist visa, the change application may be rejected by the immigration office and immediately deported.

（5） Marriage visa. Foreigners applying for marriage and the Maldivian shall notify the Immigration Office in writing to explain the situation before foreigners arrive in Malaysia. After arriving in Malaysia, foreigners will be issued landing visas. Once they get married according to the laws of Malaysia, they can get a marriage visa. If the marriage is registered abroad in Maldives, foreigners will first issue landing visas after arriving in Maldives. Once they are registered and married according to the laws of Maldives, they can obtain marriage visas. Once the marriage is legally terminated, the immigration office will terminate the marriage visa of the original foreign spouse upon receiving notification. In this case, the immigration office will ensure that sufficient time is left for the original foreign spouse to handle relevant affairs.

（6） Special visa. Awarded to those engaged in humanitarian work; The original visa has expired and I need to continue staying in Malaysia due to hospitalization and medical needs; Due to judicial proceedings requiring a stopover on horseback; Minors of Maldivian residents and foreign spouses who do not hold Maldivian citizenship but need to reside in Maldives.

4、 Special Reminder

（1） The Maldives Immigration Department requires a passport validity period of no less than one month. However, some airlines or transit third countries require passport validity to be no less than 6 months in accordance with international practices. Please carefully inquire with relevant authorities about specific requirements and check the passport validity before traveling to Malaysia to ensure that the passport validity meets the requirements for the last trip (including returning home) in the future. If you have changed your passport, please use the new and old passports together to fully display your travel history and facilitate your continued travel.

（2） Please fill in the electronic entry card carefully and truthfully, without missing any information. If there are difficulties in filling out the form, please ask the flight attendant or others to assist in filling it out.

（3） Please cooperate with the immigration bureau and other departments to conduct inspections, truthfully explain the situation, and ensure smooth travel. When communicating with others, it is important to remain calm and rational, and avoid extreme words and actions. When immigration officials have doubts about your intention to enter or the duration of your stay, they have the right to refuse your entry without providing reasons.

（4） When encountering special inspections upon entry, if the language barrier is not met, it is important to avoid nodding in agreement or signing documents at will. Translation can be requested immediately or provided by family or friends. If required to sign on the document, confirm its accuracy before making a decision. If denied entry, while waiting for appropriate transportation to return, they should be required to provide humane treatment, guarantee basic rights such as food and rest. Otherwise, you should immediately request to contact the Chinese Embassy in Maldives.

（5） If your request to contact the Chinese embassy is rejected or if you encounter discriminatory practices, please note down the name or job number of the other party's staff member for future complaints. The Chinese Embassy in Maldives will do its best to safeguard your legitimate rights and interests based on your situation and requirements, and reserves the right to further understand the situation and make negotiations, but cannot guarantee that you will definitely be able to enter the Maldives.

（6） When you depart, please arrive at the airport two and a half hours in advance to check in.

For more information, please visit the website of the Maldives Immigration Department (www.immigration. gov.mv).

Fax number of the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Maldives: 00960-3010644; 24-hour consular protection emergency hotline: 00960-3010639.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs requirements

（1） Customs declaration

1. When your luggage passes through customs, please verbally declare the items you are carrying to customs, such as gifts given to others, goods sold, and samples. Present any prohibited, restricted, or controlled items to customs. For items with restricted entry and exit, an import license and other documents are required.

2. The Maldives Customs announced that starting from January 17, 2021, those who bring cash in the amount of over 10000 US dollars or its equivalent in Lufia (or foreign currency) into the Maldives must declare it to the airport customs. (Previously limited to $20000)

3. All taxable items must be declared to customs.

4. If all items that need to be declared are eligible for tax exemption within the allowed exemption range, there is no need to fill out a declaration form.

5. Customs officials may require you to declare all items brought into the Maldives again orally and/or in writing, and re inspect them.

（2） Taxable items

1. Unless otherwise exempted, all goods imported into Maldives shall be subject to import tax.

2. When passengers carry commercial quantities of taxable items through customs, they must provide commercial invoices, import permits, customs declaration forms, and other necessary permits or documents.

（3） Duty free

The following personal items that are carried with you, in reasonable quantities, and for personal use are eligible for tax exemption: clothing, jewelry, watches, and pens; Cosmetics; Books, magazines, newspapers; Adults aged 16 and above are eligible to carry 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco duty-free. In addition, taxable items with a value of up to 6000 Lufia (approximately 15.42 Lufia per US dollar) can also enjoy tax exemption. If the commercial quantity is reached, this provision does not apply.

（4） List of Prohibited and Restricted Items for Entry and Exit

Religious items that offend the Islamic faith; Pornographic materials; Anesthesia and psychotropic drugs; Live pigs; Weapons and ammunition; Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, pork and pork products; dog; Dangerous animals.

（5） List of controlled inbound and outbound items

Unless the release conditions are met or approval for entry is obtained from relevant authorities, all controlled entry and exit items will be detained: live plants and animals - valid animal and plant quarantine and health quarantine certificates must be provided; Medications - require a doctor's prescription; Pre recorded videotapes, movie films DVD、VCD、 DVDs, etc; Telecommunications and wireless communication equipment; The Quran and paper or electronic materials related to Islam.

（6） Customs supervision

Items can be stored for free for 3 days within the customs supervision area. If collected after 3 days, a storage fee must be paid. If the item is not taken away within thirty days, the customs will treat it as an unclaimed item. If you are a transit passenger, the goods can be stored in the customs supervision area until your departure. But you need to pay a storage fee.

（7） List of Seafood Products Prohibited for Export in Maldives

Black coral and related products; Conical shell; Shuttle tail snail; Lobster and lobster meat; All rocky corals except for red coral; Fish bait used for fishing with golden spears; Pufferfish; Eel; Sea turtles and their related products; All pearl oysters; Rays and gray rays; dolphin; whale; Parrot fish; Large eyed bamboo pod fish under 6 inches.

（8） Warning: According to Maldivian law, those involved in drug trafficking will face severe punishment.

（9） Special Reminder

1. Do not be tempted to help others carry items. If you help others carry items that are or contain prohibited, restricted, or controlled items, or taxable goods, you will be held legally responsible.

2. Customs declaration precautions. Please declare any items that you believe may be prohibited, restricted, or controlled from entering or leaving the country, as well as any goods that may exceed the tax-free limit. Please declare your items correctly and completely to the customs.

3. Accelerate luggage inspection. Please pack your luggage in a way that is easy to inspect. When inspecting luggage at customs, you will be required to present, open, and retrieve the luggage before repackaging it.

Note: The above information is for reference only and does not include all customs procedures and requirements. The above list of prohibited, restricted, and controlled items for entry and exit is not exhaustive. For more information, please contact Maldives Customs. Phone:+960 3322001, Fax:+ 960 3322633.

information

2、 Inspection and Quarantine

Malaysia implements strict inspection and quarantine measures for imported goods, with a focus on requiring hygiene licenses and import permits for animal imports.

Except for dengue fever, there are no other diseases that pose a threat to public health or are widely recognized internationally in Malaysia. Continuous preventive measures have been taken at the ports and airports to ensure effective monitoring activities and prevent diseases that pose a serious threat to health from entering the country. All ports across the country have strengthened monitoring of incoming passengers and conducted continuous inspections of incoming food and animals. Mandatory disinfection of cargo and passenger planes from areas where yellow fever and malaria are prevalent.

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Visa extension

If you need to extend the allowed stay period of your visa, please bring a confirmation of your hotel stay and return flight ticket to the immigration office before the visa expires. Generally, the maximum extension is 60 days, for a total stay of 90 days (including the previous 30 day visa).

2、 Residence procedures

Staff members and their families in Malaysia, as well as non Malaysian spouses of Malaysian nationals, may apply for relevant residence visas from the immigration office.

The validity period of residence permits issued to foreigners working in Malaysia is open. As long as the work permit is valid, the residence permit is also valid. Please carry your work permit with you for verification.

Spouses of foreigners with valid work permits and valid residence visas and children under the age of 18 shall, before the expiration of the 30 day visa, apply for a dependent visa at the immigration office with the employer's consent letter and the English translation of the marriage certificate, child passport (or child birth certificate). Please change your dependent visa in advance. If you illegally stay and apply for a change, you may be rejected by the immigration office and immediately deported.

3、 Regulations on Foreigners Working in Horse

（1） Ma has very strict control and management over the import of foreign labor. Before entering the Maldives for work, it is necessary to confirm with the employer whether there is a work quota. If there is a quota, the employer needs to submit an application online in the immigration system of Maldives. After approval, they will receive an Employment Approval, and the employer needs to purchase the corresponding insurance in advance. After confirming that the above procedures and materials are complete, they can enter the Maldives.

（2） After entering the country with tourist visas, foreigners are not allowed to work, do business or engage in any paid or unpaid occupation without permission. Foreigners who have entered the country with tourist visas must re-enter after leaving the country to obtain a residence visa, even if they have obtained a work permit.

（3） Work permit application procedures and conditions

1. Foreigners' work permits in Malaysia shall be applied for by Malaysian employers, including Malaysian enterprises and foreign invested enterprises in Malaysia. The condition for local employers to apply for foreign employees is that they can only hire from abroad for technical or management positions that are difficult to recruit locally. According to the preferential conditions provided by the Malaysian government for foreign investment, foreign investment enterprises can hire foreign management, technical, and non skilled labor personnel.

2. Provide information

The documents or materials to be submitted to the issuing authority for applying for work permit in Malaysia include application form, employer information, academic certificate, professional technical qualification, work resume, etc. held by the foreigner to be employed. Foreigners who have obtained the work permit approval can only hold a copy of the work permit (the original is kept by the Malaysian employer).

3. Confirmed by the Embassy of Malaysia in China

In order to facilitate the smooth exit of such personnel to Malaysia, the Malaysian Embassy in China is responsible for confirming the copy of their work permit. Upon confirmation, embassy officials will sign and stamp the copy of the work permit.

4、 Nationality Policy

Maldives is a single Muslim country.

Maldives risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall social order in Ma is good, and there are not many criminal offenses. There are occasional street political rallies or marches in the capital city of Male and other residential islands. Recently, due to a significant increase in drug crime rates, there have been occasional incidents of motorcycle bag snatching and late night money grabbing. Tourist islands are basically one island, one hotel, and are less affected by political activities in Male. Occasional cases of cash and item theft in hotels.

Travel police safety tips:

1、 Before arriving in Maldives: When planning to travel to Maldives, please verify whether the travel agency or tourism island is registered with the Maldives Ministry of Tourism. After reaching a consensus with the travel agency on all the terms of the contract, please directly confirm with the hotel whether the room has been booked and whether the hotel and the services provided are fully in accordance with the contract terms. Please visit the official website of the Ministry of Tourism, the website of this tourist island, or use fax or promotional materials to learn as much as possible about your tourist destination. Please book the hotel in advance and obtain the written confirmation of hotel reservation through fax, Internet or other means.

2、 In Male and Hulumale: You should avoid walking on deserted streets or alleys, and avoid walking through places with excessive vegetation at night. When taking a taxi, please keep your valuables in front of you and record the license plate number. If you feel someone is following you, please enter the nearby commercial building. When resting in a restaurant or outdoor caf é, do not place your wallet, digital camera, or other items on the table or in other easily forgotten places. Keep your personal belongings within sight.

3、 Brushing bank cards and shopping: After arriving at Male International Airport, you can exchange currency at the airport or Male and withdraw money from ATM machines. Please do not hand over your bank card to strangers. If a stranger wants to teach you how to use an ATM machine, please do not accept their help. Please request a transfer voucher when shopping, and verify the purchase amount before signing.

4、 Commitment and requirements for handling cases by tourism police: Tourism police will do their best to promptly handle your case and complaint; Your case and complaint will be handled by the investigating officer specifically; If you need a police investigation report, please provide a detailed email address.

5、 In hotels or tourist islands: please lock doors and windows when going out or sleeping at night; Please do not use your passport as collateral for advance payment to the hotel; Please do not allow strangers to enter the room. If you have to let them in, please pay attention to their every move; Please do not leave valuable items such as cameras, wallets, watches, etc. at the hotel pool, restaurant, etc.

6、 How to protect oneself: Even if strangers claim to make emergency calls, do not lend them your phone for use; When traveling on horseback, please carry your identification documents with you; Please do not place mobile phones, handbags, or other valuable items on tables in hotels and restaurants; Please do not follow anyone to remote areas. If you notice any abnormalities, please feel free to call the Tourism Police Hotline at 00960-9790070/1478 to report any issues you have encountered.

7、 Please remember: never show off your cash, jewelry, or other valuable items to others; Inquire with hotel staff about the safety situation of your destination; In case of emergency, please report to the police and notify the Embassy in Maldives as soon as possible.

8、 Reminder from the Embassy of China in Maldives on Chinese Citizens' Travel and Vacation in Maldives

（1） Properly store personal belongings. Bring your passport, entry card, hotel check-in confirmation, round-trip airfare, travel insurance, and other documents with you, and carefully check if they are valid to avoid entry and exit obstacles. Important documents and certificates should be kept in photocopies, one should be carried with you and the other should be left at home. The contact phone number of family or friends should be indicated on the passport for future reference. When storing luggage at the airport, please choose a formal storage location and avoid entrusting it to strangers. Passports, cash, and valuable items should be carried with you or stored in the hotel room safe, and doors and windows must be locked when leaving the room. If any property is lost, please contact the hotel immediately for investigation and report to the police. If your passport is stolen, lost or damaged, please report it to the police in a timely manner and hold a copy of your passport or ID card until the Chinese Embassy in Maldives applies for a replacement of your return documents (the original should be kept properly for inspection when leaving the country). Before leaving the country, it is necessary to bring a travel permit and a police report to the Malaysian immigration office to obtain an entry stamp (Expatriate Monitoring&Repair Section, located near the STO supermarket).

（2） Pay attention to the safety of water activities. Maldives receives more rainfall and sometimes experiences strong winds and waves at sea. When participating in water activities, please always wear a life jacket and travel together to take care of each other. Children and the elderly need someone to accompany them. When participating in diving, it is necessary to understand the precautions and receive professional training and guidance. Tourists who are elderly or have heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. should not take risks. When participating in snorkeling, they need to be proficient in the use of relevant equipment. Please do not enter the water after taking alcohol and drugs, and do not overexert yourself. Strictly follow the severe weather warning and prompts. In case of severe weather such as strong winds and waves, do not venture out to sea to avoid accidents. In addition, activities should be carried out in designated areas, and attention should be paid to observing the traffic situation in the surrounding waters to prevent accidents from colliding with passing ships. Given that there are multiple incidents of Chinese citizens drowning every year, please give sufficient attention.

（3） Comply with Maldivian laws and regulations related to resorts. Horses are Muslim countries, and it is prohibited to bring drugs, alcohol, pork products, other religious items, obscene books, images, and other items that violate Islamic teachings into the country. In addition, animals, plants, sharp weapons, and flammable and explosive materials are also not allowed to enter the country, and a maximum of 200 cigarettes can be carried. To participate in activities such as hydrotherapy, fishing, dolphin watching, and sunset on tourist islands (residential islands), it is necessary to understand the relevant regulations in advance. If you need to cancel the appointment, please handle it in advance according to the prescribed time limit to avoid any cost disputes afterwards. Protect the environment, do not touch or fish for marine life, do not move or step on corals.

（4） Respect the religious customs of Maldives. Maldivians are simple and enthusiastic, and the whole nation believes in Islam. They avoid strangers touching children's heads and using their left hand to deliver things. Ladies are not suitable to wear suspender off shoulder clothing on residential islands. If entering the mosque, you need to take off your shoes and wear long pants or skirts. Mutual greetings can involve shaking hands, but some conservative Muslims only raise their hands to indicate to avoid direct physical contact between men and women. Drinking alcohol and pork are prohibited on the residential island, and smoking is prohibited indoors and in public places.

（5） Other precautions. Be careful to avoid motorcycles in Male. The streets in the capital city of Male are narrow, and motorcycles travel at high speeds, resulting in frequent traffic accidents. When sightseeing, please use pedestrian crossings when crossing the road and be sure to avoid motorcycles to prevent accidents. The transportation from Male International Airport to and from various tourist islands mainly relies on speedboats, seaplanes, and inland flights. These modes of transportation are susceptible to delays caused by adverse weather conditions, and the additional expenses for food, accommodation, transportation, etc. are generally borne by tourists themselves. Tourists should be mentally prepared to avoid unnecessary disputes. If international flights are delayed, according to relevant regulations in Malaysia, airlines usually make corresponding arrangements for stranded passengers based on the International Civil Aviation Organization's Montreal Convention. Tourists should patiently wait for resettlement. In case of disputes, please protect your rights rationally. It is recommended to negotiate with domestic travel agencies or obtain compensation through insurance channels.

（6） If you encounter other difficulties and need assistance, you can contact the Chinese Embassy in Maldives. Embassy Consular Protection Duty Hotline: 00960-3010639. Embassy address: Nookurikeela, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Henveiru, Mal è (near the artificial beach square).

（7） Common hotline for seeking help and consultation in Maldives:

unit	Telephone, fax
Police seeking help	119, 9888999 (duty officer), 9790070/1478 (tourist police)
Anti drug hotline	1410, 7995075
Medical emergency	102 (IGMH Hospital ambulance)
Health Protection Agency (HPA) Epidemic Hotline	1676/100
fire fighting	one hundred and eighteen
Directory assistance	one hundred and ten
DHIRAAGU Telecommunications Company Service Phone	one hundred and twenty-three
OOREDOO Telecommunications Company Service Phone	nine hundred and twenty-nine
Male taxi	3321414, 3325656, 3321313, 3323132, 3322122, 3325757
Airport Information Desk	three million three hundred and twenty-two thousand two hundred and eleven
Flight information	3338800, 3331515 (fax)
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male	3335335, 3316640 (fax)
Male ADK Hospital	3313553, 3313554 (fax)
Hulumale Tree Top Private Hospital	three million three hundred and fifty-one thousand six hundred and ten
Hulumale Hospital	three million three hundred and fifty thousand and thirty-seven
Book domestic flights to Maldives	3335544 (reservation), 333 5566 (office), 331 4806 (fax)
Booking a seaplane: Trans Maldivian Airways	334 8400, 334 8409 (fax)

natural disaster

1、 The Maldives spans the equator and has distinct tropical climate characteristics, with most areas experiencing a tropical monsoon climate and the southern region experiencing a tropical rainforest climate. It is hot, humid, rainy all year round, with no distinction between seasons. The annual average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperature reaching 32 degrees Celsius in March and April each year. There are no hurricanes or tornadoes, only occasional storms. On December 26, 2004, Maldives suffered severe damage from the Indian Ocean tsunami.

2、 The biggest safety issue is drowning death cases. The reports of Chinese citizens drowning in horses in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were 6, 6, 9, 11, and 9, respectively. As of November 20, 2023, there were a total of 6 cases. Ma Tourist Island is scattered across the Indian Ocean, crossing the sea from the hospitals and police stations in the capital Male. Most of them are far away and have inconvenient transportation. There are no police officers on the tourist island, only one resident doctor or nurse, and the medical facilities are rudimentary, with insufficient life-saving equipment and almost no rescue capabilities.

3、 Safety Tips

（1） Strengthen risk awareness, make sure to obtain relevant personal and medical insurance before traveling to Malaysia, and purchase insurance covering flight delays.

（2） Master necessary safety knowledge and drowning self rescue methods, improve self rescue ability, and ensure personal safety.

（3） Strictly abide by the relevant regulations on the island and do not swim in non swimming areas. It is advisable to go swimming together and take care of each other. The shallow waters around the island may seem calm, but in reality, there are hidden currents surging and the danger is great. Before entering the water, it is necessary to consult with professional personnel such as lifeguards and diving instructors on the tourist island to understand the water conditions and precautions. Pay attention to the weather and ocean currents and do not rush into the water. Regardless of whether you can swim or not, be sure to equip yourself with life-saving equipment before going into the sea, just in case.

（4） If participating in diving and other tourism projects, it is necessary to master the correct use of equipment such as respirators and fins under the guidance of professional coaches.

（5） Protect the environment, do not touch or fish for marine organisms, do not move or step on corals. According to horse laws, it is strictly prohibited for tourists to capture, pick marine organisms, or bring them out of the country. Violators face high fines. Please comply with local laws.

FDA

Most tap water is desalinated from seawater and should not be consumed directly. It is recommended to purchase bottled water. The bottled water provided in the rooms of the tourist island is drinkable.

Tourist islands generally have one or two main restaurants and several specialty restaurants, as well as possibly water bars and bars (with permission, tourist islands can import and sell alcoholic beverages, and some rooms offer free drinks for visitors to enjoy without being restricted by prohibition). There are various types of cuisine, including Western, Chinese, Japanese, French, Indian, and Islamic, with good hygiene conditions.

Urgent Help

1、 Police assistance: 1199790070/1478 (tourist police).

2、 Medical emergency: ADK Hospital 3313553; IGMH Hospital 3335335; Tree Top Hospital 3351610; Hulumale Hospital 3350037.

3、 Firefighting: 118.

4、 Emergency rescue at sea: 191

air traffic

The aviation industry in Maldives is developing rapidly. At present, there are 17 land airports in Malaysia, including Mal é Velana International Airport, Gan International Airport located in Seenu Atoll, Hanimaadhoo International Airport located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maafaru International Airport located in Noonu Atoll, Villa Airport Maamigili located in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Kadhdhoo Airport located in Laamu Atoll, Kaadedhdhoo Airport located in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Kodu. Kooddoo Airport, located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Dharavandhoo Airport, located in Baa Atoll, Fuvahmulah Airport, There are 13 domestic airports located in Gnaviyani Atoll, Thimarafushi Airport in Thaa Atoll, Ifuru Airport in Raa Ifuru Atoll, Dhaalu Airport in Dhaalu Atoll, Kulhudhufushi Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Funadhoo Airport in Shaviyani Atoll, Maavarulu Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Hoarafushi Airport in Haa Alif Atoll.

The seaplane service is operated by Maldivian Seaplane (phone: 3315201) and Trans Maldivian Airways (phone: 3325234). Booking or chartering can be done at the corresponding counters at the airport or at the hotel.

At present, Chinese airlines operate round-trip routes to and from the Maldives, including:

Capital Airlines provides direct flights from Beijing to Male, Eastern Airlines provides direct flights from Shanghai to Male, and Sichuan Airlines provides direct flights from Chengdu to Male.

Chinese airlines do not have offices in Malaysia. Please consult relevant airlines for details.

land transport

The Maldives is an archipelagic country with a very limited land area. The China Maldives Friendship Bridge has been built between Male and Airport Island, but there is no railway between islands. The Lamu Atoll is connected by a road. Horses are one of the countries with the lowest number of motor vehicles in the world.

water communication

Maldives Shipping Company Limited is the largest shipping company in Maldives, mainly engaged in international shipping in the Middle East and Far East regions, as well as shipping between domestic islands. 90% of imported products from Malaysia rely on its transportation. Small and medium-sized ships are the main means of transportation for inter island traffic in Madai. There are two main ports in the country, Male Port and Gan Island Port. Male can dock 6000 ton cargo ships. Larger cargo ships can only dock at the sea near Male and Gan Island, and the goods must be transferred by barges.

The ferry from Male Island to Airport Island and Hulhumale Island is located at Hulhumale Ferry Terminal in the northeast corner of Male. The ferry from Male to Airport Island costs 10 Lufia per person, and between midnight and 6am it costs 20 Lufia per person. The ferry from Male Island to Hulumale Island takes 10 lufias per person and ends at 3am.

The cost of transportation between islands depends on the distance and the purpose of the island. Generally, the cost of traveling to residential islands around Male is relatively cheap, while traveling to tourist islands is much more expensive and requires advance booking.

Urban transportation

The main modes of transportation in the Greater Male region of the capital are taxis, public buses, and motorcycles.

Taxis generally need to be reserved by phone (33214143325656332131333123122323525757), or they can be taken on the road. Taking a taxi within Male Island and Hulhumale Island costs 25 Lufia per trip, and an additional 5 Lufia is charged for each piece of luggage carried; A taxi ride between Male Island, Airport Island, and Hulumale Island costs 75 Lufia per trip, with an additional charge of 5 Lufia per piece of luggage.

The public bus from Male Island to Airport Island and Hulumale Island is located at the Grand Male Bus Terminal in the southwest of Male, with a ticket cost of 20 Lufia per person. The public bus from Hulhumale Island to Male Island is at Hulhumale Bus Station in the south corner of Hulhumale, with a ticket of 20 Lufia per person per trip. The public bus stops to Airport Island are one at Hulhumale East Beach Square Airport Bus Station and one at Hulhumale Bus Station in the south corner, with a ticket of 20 Lufia per person per trip.

major city

The capital city of Male, with an area of 1.9 square kilometers and a population of about 250000, is the largest city in Madai and the political, commercial, and cultural center of the country. Male is divided into four administrative regions. The streets in the city are narrow and crowded. There is a seaside avenue in the north. The Ma government agencies and shops are concentrated here. There are Sudan Park, National Museum, Tsunami Memorial Tower, and 35 mosques of various sizes in the city.

Commodity prices

1、 Main products

Maldives has abundant marine biological resources. The main fish products include tuna, skipjack tuna, mackerel, lobster, sea cucumber, grouper, shark, sea turtle, etc. The main crops include coconuts, bananas, watermelons, mangoes, bananas, and cassava.

2、 Living expenses

In the living expenses of Ma residents, food, daily necessities, clothing, transportation, and medical expenses account for the vast majority. Apart from marine resources, horse resources are scarce, land is barren and scarce, the variety of agricultural products is limited, and some vegetables, fruits, and grains need to be imported. The manufacturing industry is backward, and the vast majority of industrial products and daily necessities rely on imports, resulting in high prices and a high proportion of living expenses. Most local residents rely on fish, coconuts, and cassava as their staple foods.

3、 Price level

The average price of some goods in Maldives is: Pakistani rice, 35 lufia/kg; Frozen beef, 145 lufia/kg; Frozen chicken, 45 Lufia/kg; Dried chili, 50 lufia/500 grams; Milk, 36 Lufia/1 liter; Fresh cucumber, 40 lufia/kg; Fresh green beans, 60 lufia/kg; Apple, 6 Lufia per piece; Edible oil, 40 Lufia/liter; Eggs, 3.5 Lufia per piece; Motorcycle, 45000 Lufia per vehicle; Gasoline, 15 Lufia per liter; The monthly salary for citizens is approximately 6000-10000 Lufia.

4、 Banking institutions

The financial system in Malaysia is relatively small. The Maldivian Financial Authority is the central bank, and there are currently three commercial banks in the area - Maldivian Bank, Maldivian Islamic Bank, and Maldivian Commercial Bank. In addition, there are five foreign bank branches, namely the State Bank of India, Sri Lanka Ceylon Bank, HSBC Bank, Mauritius Commercial Bank, and HABIB Bank.

Credit cards can be used for consumption within Malaysia, but using bank cards within China may not be smooth locally. Please consult the hotel or travel agency before departure.

The legal currency of Malaysia is Rufiyaa (Rf). 1 Lufia=100 Laari. Ma issued a new currency in 2015, with banknotes of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10 lufias, and coins of 1, 2, and 5 lufias and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, and 1 lire. Starting from March 1, 1987, the Maldives Monetary Authority (Central Bank) implemented a floating exchange rate policy. The official exchange rate between the US dollar and Lufia is 1:15.42.

Insurance Medical

Male has two major hospitals, one is the public IGMH hospital and the other is the private ADK hospital. IGMH Hospital has the largest scale, complete equipment, and relatively affordable fees. However, due to the influence of the local free medical policy, the hospital often needs to make appointments for diagnosis and treatment and wait for a long time. The private hospital ADK Hospital has a relatively good medical environment and commonly used examination and treatment equipment, but the diagnosis and treatment costs are relatively high.

Hulhumale also has two major hospitals. One is the public Hulumale Hospital, and the other is the private TREETOP Hospital. Hulumale Hospital has a limited scale and relatively lacks medical staff and equipment. But the hospital has an ophthalmology diagnosis and treatment center built with Chinese aid, and cooperates with ophthalmology diagnosis and treatment in China. TREETOP Hospital is currently the best hospital in the Maldives for diagnosis and treatment, with complete equipment and high costs.

In addition, there are more than 40 clinics in Male, including one Chinese Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic, which is a Chinese Health CARE (Chinese Health Care Clinic) solely operated by Chinese doctors. Its phone number is 3336866.

Due to the government's medical insurance policy, locals can enjoy some free medical services in most hospitals and clinics; Foreigners with valid work visas in Maldives have slightly higher outpatient fees than locals; The hospitalization expenses, due to the medical insurance paid for the annual work visa application, will have an insurance limit of 100000 Lufia, and the reimbursement amount will vary according to the disease type. For foreigners traveling in Madai, the hospital will charge 1 to 2 times more for diagnosis and treatment.

The medical staff in Maldives' medical institutions are mainly composed of foreign doctors from India and other countries, supplemented by locals; About 80% of the drugs come from India, with drugs from other countries serving as supplements. You need to make an appointment for registration to see a doctor. Taking foreigners with valid visas as an example, the registration fee for ordinary outpatient service is 200 Lufia, while that for expert outpatient service is 400 Lufia. Mainly relying on various oral medications, treatment methods such as injections and infusions are not commonly used.

The main epidemic disease in Maldives is dengue fever, which has strong seasonality. The rainy season (April to November every year) is the main epidemic season for dengue fever. Most patients can self treat until fully recovered, with only a very small number requiring hospitalization. According to Malaysian media reports, people die every year from dengue fever, but the mortality rate is extremely low.

Main hospital contact information:

1、 IGMH Hospital (Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital)

Telephone: (960) 3335335

Fax: (960)3316640

E-mail: info@igmh.gov.mv

2、 ADK Private Hospital

Telephone: (960) 3313553

Fax: (960) 3313554

E-mail: info@adkenterprises.com

website: http://www.adkhospital.mv/home.html

3、 Tree Top Private Hospital

Telephone: (960) 3351610

E-mail: care@treetophospital.com

website: www.treetophospital.com

4、 Hulumale Hospital

Telephone: (960) 3350037

Fax: (960) 3350014

E-mail: admin@hmh.gov.mv

Customs taboos

1、 Religion

Maldives is a single Muslim country and belongs to the Sunni sect. Islam is the state religion and has had a comprehensive impact on the social life of the Maldives. The current constitution of Malaysia came into effect in 2008, but in daily judicial practice, it is deeply influenced by the Quran and Islamic law.

As a Muslim country, citizens pray five times a day, between 4 and 5 a.m., noon, 3 and 4 p.m., sunset, and 7 and 8 p.m. The store will be closed from 6 to 8 pm in the evening, and will be closed for 15 minutes during the prayer period.

2、 Holidays and festivals

（1） Major religious festivals

1. Fit'r Eid is the first to third day of October in the Islamic calendar, following the end of Ramadan. Local residents gathered at the mosque to pray. Every household has prepared a feast and invited their friends and relatives to share it.

2. Eid ul Al'h'aa is an important festival in the Maldives, celebrated on the tenth day of the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar and lasting for 5 to 7 days. Many Muslims from around the world go to the holy city of Mecca to pay their respects. Local residents will visit friends or relatives living on other islands, and traditional sports, music, and dance will be coordinated with modern sports and music. People have no age or gender restrictions and can sing to their heart's content.

3. Islamic New Year, the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, is considered one of the four most sacred months in Islamic customs. Therefore, fighting is prohibited during this period and fasting is required for one or two days.

4. Prophet's Birthday, the 12th day of the third month in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Muhammad. Every household invites and shares their prepared food with each other.

（2） Fixed holidays

1. Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 26th, marks the end of British rule and is a two-day holiday. A large-scale celebration event will be held at the Republic Square in the evening.

2. Victory Day, celebrated annually on November 3rd, is a national holiday commemorating the successful victory over a terrorist rebellion in 1988.

3. Republic Day, celebrated on November 11th each year, is a two-day holiday. To commemorate the establishment of the Second Republic of Maldives, parades and military parades are held on the day of the holiday.

4. National Day of Maldives, the first day of the third month in the Islamic calendar, celebrates the great victory in the war against Portuguese colonizers in 1573, marking the liberation from Portuguese colonial rule and independence.

5. The weekends in Maldives are Friday and Saturday, and the week's work begins on Sunday. Friday is the Sabbath of Islam.

3、 Customs taboos and precautions

（1） Due to religious customs, Maldivians do not eat pork or drink alcohol.

（2） Maldivians eat with their right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and should be avoided when dining, shaking hands, pointing at people, or delivering objects.

（3） During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in front of local residents or in public places during the day.

（4） It is not allowed to promote doctrines other than Islam in public. When entering a mosque, one must dress modestly and take off shoes before entering.

（5） The Maldives strictly prohibits nudity and it is illegal to expose oneself in public places. Female tourists are prohibited from wearing three-point swimsuits (excluding tourist islands). When visiting residential islands or deserted islands such as Male, remember to dress neatly and avoid wearing revealing clothing. Men can wear shorts and shirts. Ladies' clothing should cover their shoulders and knees.

Communications Power

Most tourist islands provide internet services, except for the capital Male, mainly through mobile broadband internet access. For specific internet speeds and tariffs, please log in to the telecommunications operator Dhiraagu（ https://www.dhiraagu.com.mv ）And Ooredoo（ http://www.ooredoo.mv ）Search the website.

The Maldives has many islands, most of which are connected by satellite communication, and some islands are connected by submarine cables. Malaysia has an advanced international satellite communication system, which enables seamless communication between its islands and countries around the world. The vast majority of tourist islands have IDD direct dial telephone equipment, and telephone cards are suitable for residential islands. The rate for local voice calls on mobile phones is approximately RMB 0.25 per minute. Mobile users of China Mobile or China Unicom who have enabled roaming can connect to the domestic network after disembarking from the plane (the signal is often poor) and receive free text messages.

The main telecommunications operators in the Maldives are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, with voice networks covering all of the Maldives' population and over 250 islands. 3G&4G networks cover over 100 islands, and 5G networks are still in the initial deployment stage, with services to be provided in the capital region. In terms of data package fees, it is about 70 months/GB, and the operator provides multiple package options. For details, please visit the operator's official website.

Dialing Maldives landline and mobile phones from abroad requires dialing 00960+numbers. Please make direct calls between mobile phones in Maldives. To call China from Maldives: 0086 (China international area code)+domestic long-distance area code (e.g. 10 for Beijing)+phone number; Dial Chinese mobile phone: 0086+domestic mobile phone number. Using Dhiraagu's card to make a phone call to China, 3 Lufia per minute (approximately RMB 1.25 per minute).

The standard voltage is 220V; The majority of power interface types are three headed British plugs.

contact information

1、 Common contact phone numbers