TRAVELLER
INFORMATION ................................................
Recommended
acommodations
To stay
Maldives has different
kinds of resort islands with all modern comforts
and water sporting facility.
Things to do
Maldives is known for
its underwater beauty. It's a harmony of colours
under water. The better visibility and warm temperature
make itest place for under water entertainment.
Above all the services of professionals for scubadiving,
snorkeling, surfing, fishing etc
Location.
Lies south east
of Sri Lanka.
It's an archipelago of 26 major atolls comprised
of 1190 coral islands. Here,87 islands
are exclusive resort islands. Climate is generally
warm throughout the year.
Dress code. Casual cotton clothing or T -Shirts
are advisable. For women modest dressing is suggested.
Culture.
Maldives is the merging
point of different cultures because the settlers
of this island are from different parts of this
world. Music forms and dance forms in Maldives
has African influence. Though this island secludes
women from public affairs they play a major role
in the society. The society of this island is
Muslim dominated.
Language of communication.
Dhiveashi is the mother tongue but visitors can
easily communicate in English.
Currency
Rufiya and laaree is the Maldivan currency. The
US Dollar is widely accepted foreign currency.
Travellers can make payments in hard currency
or as travelers cheque or credit cards.-American
Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and
Euro Card.
Healthcare .
For health care
Maldives has good hospitals that maintains high
quality standards. Indira Gandhi Memorial hospital
belong to that category.
General Business hours.
Government sector
offices maintains 7.30 - 14.30 hrs timing.Private
sector follows 9.00 - 5.00 5timing. Most of the
private sector offices open half day on Saturday.
. Communication.
The island is well
connected to the rest of the world via inter ent
and telephone.
History .
There are legends about
the early settlers of Sri Lanka. However it's
believed that Aryans from India settled in Maldives
from 1500 BC onwards. With visit of Abul Barakaath
Maldives startyed converting to Muslim faith.
As in the case of India British business men came
to Maldives in 1887 and they became the rulers
of Maldives till they gained independence on July
26 ,1965.
Entry formalities
No prior visa is needed
for visitors. Free 30 days Visa will be issued
up on arrival. To get an entry in to Maldives
, a visitor should have: a valid international
travel document issued by the Government of a
Sovereign State, a valid return air ticket to
a destination where the passenger has permission
to enter, together with necessary visas for the
onward journey to the next, minimum of US$30.00
per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation
for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.
Following are exempted from this requirement.
An entry permit does
not allow foreigner to: work here, set up any
business or exercise any profession whether paid
or unpaid except with the consent and in conformity
with the pertinent laws and regulations of the
Maldives. However, an alien or foreign delegation
visiting the Maldives to conclude business agreements,
contracts or to negotiate business transactions
with their counterparts do not require work permits
if the stay does not exceed the duration granted
on arrival. An expatriate must get a work permit
from the Ministry of Human Resources Employment
and Labour prior to arrival in Maldives to engage
in employment.Aliens who stay beyond the period
for which they have been approved may be deported.
The Government of Maldives refuses admission and
transit to holder of Merchant Seaman books. Disembarkation
and Embarkation card shall be filled by every
passenger and submitted to the Immigration Officer
on entry.
Customs
The import of firearms,
liquor, drugs and pornography are prohibited.
An official license is required for import of
alcohol. Alcohol is available in all the resorts
and not sold / available in Male'. Dogs, Pigs,
and pork products are prohibited. Special permission
should be sought to bring the personal pets (dogs
not allowed).
Internal Transport
Water transport and air
trans port are the two options available.
Health aspects
Maldives government
takes all measures to check the possibility of
pandemics and epidemics. The officials are accomplishing
their mission by maintaining intensified surveillance
for incoming passengers and continuous inspection
of food items, animals imported etc
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