Deep in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a geological oddity โ€“ prehistoric volcano meets ancient coral reefs, combined with cobalt blue water and endlessly sunny skies. Whether you come for the pampering, the diving, the beaches or a combination of it all, getting there is a long haul but worth it. Arriving to the Maldives is easiest from the West Coast of the U.S., which connect via airlines in Singapore. Otherwise, most flights from the U.S. fly via London and then continue on with Qatar Airways, Emirates or Sri Lankan. As with any trip abroad, researching visa requirements beforehand is necessary to avoid setbacks and headaches, so do your homework before you book your trip to the Maldives. Check with the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) for the latest travel warnings before you go.

Tourist Visa

No pre-arrival visa is required for travel to the Maldives. Travelers will receive a free 30-day tourist visa, regardless of nationality, as long as they have the following items: a valid passport, an onward ticket out of the Maldives, and either sufficient funds to support your stay on the island ($100, plus $50 per day, at the time of publication) or a confirmed reservation with a hotel on the island. The 30-day visa is not guaranteed to every traveler, and the decision for the number of days is at the discretion of the immigration official. No work activities are permitted under the tourist visa.

Renewing a Tourist Visa

The tourist visa may be renewed if you apply before the expiration of the initial tourist visa. The renewal fee is 750 Rufiyaa, which is about $50, and your financial status will be reviewed once more upon application for an extension. Application for the extension can only be done via the Visa Extension Application Form, which is found at the Head Office in the capital city of Male on Hulhule island during normal working hours. Staying beyond the allotted amount of days, whether the initial amount or the extension, can result in deportation.

Other Visas

Working and living beyond the 30-day tourist visa is possible in the Maldives. Travelers who wish to engage in employment must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources Employment and Labor before arriving in the Maldives. You may also enter under a sponsorship program, but you must not arrive to the Maldives until the sponsorship is approved. Sponsors may be a resident of the island or a locally registered company, but to arrive without the visa secured beforehand may result in refusal of entry.

Tips

Travelers arriving from an infected area need proof of yellow fever immunization. Apart from the capital of Male, tourists are generally prohibited from visiting non-resort islands without the permission of the Government of Maldives. Maldives is a Muslim nation, and public observance of any religion besides Islam is prohibited. Crime is sparse but always keep an eye on your belongings wherever you go, especially on the beach.

About the Author

Shannon Bradford began publishing work in 2000. She has published humor pieces in the offbeat newspaper "The Amusement," and inspirational travel articles in the travelzine, Vagabondish. She graduated from Miami University with a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American studies.

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