Maldives

Specific Information

Important context: The Maldives is an Islamic republic. Customs regulations reflect Islamic law and values. Alcohol, pork products, religious materials offensive to Islam, and idols for worship are strictly prohibited from personal import. These items must not be included in any household goods shipment. See the Prohibited Items section for a complete list.

Consignment name: Goods imported for personal use must be consigned under the name of the individual. If goods are consigned under a company name, they will be treated as a commercial import and the standard import declaration process applies with full duties.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free categories: The following categories of personal effects may be imported under the duty-free allowance declared by the President of the Maldives: pre-used goods brought by Maldivian nationals returning after living abroad for 6 months or more; pre-used items brought by foreign professionals (as classified by the Ministry of Human Resources) coming to work in the Maldives for more than 6 months; personal effects imported for own use by Maldivians and foreigners already living in the Maldives; and goods carried by Maldivians and foreigners at the time of entering the country.

Duty-free threshold: Personal goods valued below MVR 10,000 on an FOB basis (excluding freight and insurance) are exempt from import duty. If the FOB value exceeds MVR 10,000, a goods declaration form must be submitted and duty is charged on the amount above the MVR 10,000 threshold. This threshold was recently increased from MVR 6,000.

Import duty rates: The Maldives applies varying import duty rates depending on the type of goods, generally ranging from 5% to 25%. Certain essential items are duty-free while luxury goods attract higher rates.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Copy of passport (data page and visa page)
• Vehicle registration documents and proof of ownership
• Invoice or declaration of value
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Work permit (for foreign citizens)

Specific Information

Practical considerations: The Maldives consists of approximately 1,192 small coral islands spread across 26 atolls. Most islands, including resort islands, are extremely small with limited or no road infrastructure. Motor vehicles are primarily used on the capital island of Male, the airport island of Hulhumale, and a small number of larger inhabited islands. There is virtually no demand for private vehicle importation by individuals relocating to resort islands or smaller inhabited islands.

Import duties: Motor vehicles are subject to import duty based on the CIF value and vehicle type. Rates vary and should be confirmed with the destination agent. Used vehicles may face additional scrutiny.

Registration: Vehicles must be registered with the Maldives Transport Authority. Given the extremely limited road network and the small size of most islands, confirm with the destination agent whether vehicle importation is practical for your specific destination.

Pets

Dogs are prohibited. The importation of dogs into the Maldives is strictly prohibited under all circumstances, regardless of breed, size, or purpose. This includes service and assistance dogs. There are no exceptions.

Cats: Cats may be imported into the Maldives. No import permit is required for cats travelling with their owners. Cats must enter via Velana International Airport (Male). They may travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo depending on airline policy. Upon arrival, all cats are examined by a government veterinarian and must show no evidence of communicable diseases.

Minimum age: Kittens must be at least 3 months old before receiving rabies vaccination, then must wait 30 days before travel, making the effective minimum age approximately 4 months.

Breed restrictions: Savannah and Bengal cats are not permitted unless proof is provided that they are 5th generation removed from the pedigree.

Other animals: Birds, reptiles, rodents, and other animals (except dogs) may be imported with special permission and require veterinary certificates. Check with the relevant Maldivian authorities and be aware that CITES restrictions apply to endangered species.

Veterinary services: There is no well-established veterinary service infrastructure in the Maldives outside Male. Pet owners relocating to resort islands or remote atolls should consider this carefully.

Common mistakes: Attempting to import a dog (prohibited under all circumstances). Not obtaining a health certificate before departure. Arriving at a resort island with no veterinary support available.

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