Maldiverna

Översikt

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an island nation formed by a double chain of 26 atolls south of India's Lakshadweep islands in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives faces relatively low security threats in nearly all assessment areas. The country lies around 700km southwest of Sri Lanka and southern India. The Maldives are the smallest Asian nation, both in terms of population size and land area. With an average ground level of 1.5m above sea, the Maldives is the lowest country in the world.

In early 2018, a political crisis also erupted in the country amid tension between the judiciary and the government in which a state of emergency was later declared. A presidential election in September 2018 saw the surprise victory of opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who defeated his rival Abdullah Yameen. The change of leadership was described as turning point in the region that has long seen the growing influence of China.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Maldives. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

Risk of dengue transmission is present throughout the country, with peak transmission occurring during the rainy season, from April to September.

Maldives has risk of ongoing Chikungunya and Zika virus transmission. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A valid Internationl Vaccination Certificate with proof of Polio vaccination is required from all travelers arriving from and going to Polio-affected countries, including Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Most resorts have a resident doctor, or share one with another nearby resort. However, if you are seriously unwell it will be necessary to go to Male or to the nearest atoll capital with a hospital. The Maldivian health service relies heavily on doctors, nurses and dentists from overseas, and facilities outside the capital are very limited.

Pass

All travellers must have a passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival.

Visum

No pre-arrival visa is required to enter Maldives. A 30-day visa can be issued on arrival for all nationalities, provided the following conditions are met: 1. should possess a valid passport; 2. have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives; and 3. have enough funds to cover the expenses for duration of the stay in Maldives or a confirmation of reservation in a tourist resort or hotel.