NZ government advice for Maldives

When travelling to Maldives, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Maldives.

There is high risk to your security in Malé and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Malé Island (excluding Malé International Airport) due to political unrest.

There is some risk to your security elsewhere in the Maldives due to an underlying threat from terrorism and civil unrest and we advise caution.

Political tension/civil unrest
The Maldives have been going through a period of political transition.  From mid-January 2012 there have been political demonstrations in Malé.  These escalated on 6 February resulting in violent clashes between government and opposition supporters and between the police and defence forces.  The political situation is uncertain and further unrest is possible.

New Zealanders currently in the Maldives are advised to exercise caution and avoid any demonstrations, protests and political rallies as they have the potential to turn violent.  We recommend monitoring local news media to stay informed of developments and adhering to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities.

Malé International Airport remains open and is operating normally.  There are no reports of unrest on the tourist resort islands.  Some unrest has been reported on some of the non-resort islands.

Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in the Maldives.  In September 2007, a small bomb exploded outside a crowded park in Malé injuring twelve tourists. 

General travel advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in the Maldives should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in the Maldives are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

See our regional advice for South Asia

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The New Zealand High Commission Singapore is accredited to The Maldives

Contact details are

Street Address 391A Orchard Road, #15 - 06/10, Ngee Ann City, Tower A, Singapore 238873 Telephone +65  6235 9966 Facsimile +65  6733 9924
Email enquiries@nz-high-com.org.sg
Website New Zealand High Commission Singapore [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs Reception Hours 0930 - 1300,  1400 - 1600 hrs

Contact details are

Street Address C/o Crown Company Pvt Ltd, H. Sea Coast 30, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male, Republic of Maldives
Postal Address PO Box 2034, Male, Maldives
Telephone +960 322 432 / +960 324 701 Facsimile +960 324 009
Email crown@dhivehinet.net.mv