In order to provide a more convenient efficient service to the passengers arriving to Maldives, Maldives Customs Services has introduced a change in its regulation governing the prohibited items. 

The change being the introduction of the new law applicable to the passengers carrying alcohol and produces of pig items are to be confiscated near the Customs check in area to a "drop box" provided by the Maldives Customs Services.

Previously under the Maldives Customs law, the passengers carrying alcohol and produces of pig items on arrival were allowed to store them in the Airport Customs bond and collected it back during their departure flight. However, with the increase of daily flights arriving to the Maldives, Customs Authority has found it impossible to accommodate the storage facilities for the ever-increasing passengers. 

The "drop box" rule is applicable only for the passengers carrying alcohol and produces of pig items without written approval from the Ministry of Economic Development.

Notices and information regarding the above change will also be communicated to the passengers via notice boards and advertisements in the Airport. 

This regulation is to be in effect from 01 May 2011.

Listed below are the import prohibited items, import restricted items and items allowed with certificate. Additional information regarding the Maldives Customs Service can be obtained from the website www.customs.gov.mv

Import Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited from importing, producing, handling, selling, distributing or giving in Maldives

·      Religious materials offensive to Islam
·      Idols (for worship)
·      Pornographic material
·      Narcotics and psychotropic substances
·      Live pigs

Import Restricted Items (except to Government authorities)

·      Arms and ammunition
·      Alcohol and Spirits
·      Pork and its by-products
·      Dogs
·      Dangerous animals

Items allowed to import when accompanied with certificates

·      Live plants and animals - a valid phytosanitary / sanitary certificate required
·      Medicines - doctor's medical prescription required
 

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For more information, please contact:

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Telephone: +960 332 3228
Facsimile: +960 332 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Website: www.visitmaldives.com