Search
Close this search box.

Maldives Tobacco Import Rules for Tourists: What’s New and What’s At Stake

Maldives Tobacco Import Rules for Tourists:

The Maldives Customs Service has announced updated guidelines for travelers bringing tobacco products into the country, effective from 9th November 2024. These changes, are part of the Fourth Amendment to the “Regulation on Packaging and Labelling of Tobacco Products. As well as  the updated “Guideline on Duty Exemption for Goods Brought by Travelers, Personal Effects, and Commercial Samples.” It clarifies the new rules regarding tobacco products and duty-free allowances for tourists.

Revised Tobacco Importation Rules for Tourists

Starting on 9th November 2024, travelers entering the Maldives on a tourist visa can bring in a limited amount of tobacco products for personal use without paying duty. The following quantities of tobacco products are eligible for duty exemption:

  • 200 cigarettes, or
  • 25 cigars, or
  • 250 grams of tobacco.

What Happens if You Exceed the Limits?

If travelers bring more than the allowed quantities, Customs will keep the excess items for up to 30 days. However, tourists can collect these items at the departure terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA) from the Customs counter before leaving the Maldives.

Tobacco Products for Non-Tourist Travelers

For travelers who are not on a tourist visa, Customs will confiscate any tobacco products that do not meet the Ministry of Health’s labeling requirements.

New Regulations on Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Since 1st August 2024, the Maldives has enforced new rules for importing tobacco and nicotine products. These rules affect conventional and flavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah (sheesha), and e-liquids. As a result, Customs now enforces stricter requirements on these items, and some tobacco products are no longer eligible for duty exemptions.

Duty Exemption for Other Goods and Updated Cap on Personal Goods

In addition to the changes in tobacco importation, the Maldives Customs Service raised the duty exemption cap for goods brought by travelers, personal effects, and commercial samples, effective from 1st July 2024. The cap increased from MVR 6,000 to MVR 10,000, based on the Free on Board (FOB) value of the goods.

Exemption Details

  • Personal use goods: Goods with an FOB value below MVR 10,000 qualify for duty exemption.
  • Goods exceeding an FOB value of MVR 10,000: A goods declaration is required, and duty will be calculated after deducting MVR 10,000 from the FOB value.
  • Commercial quantities: If goods with an FOB value below MVR 10,000 are considered commercial quantities, travelers must file a declaration. Customs will assess duty based on the total FOB value of the shipment.

Medicines and Postal Consignments

  • Medicines: Travelers can bring in prescribed medicines for personal use, covering quantities for up to six months, and these will be exempt from duty.
  • Courier or postal consignments: These shipments will also enjoy duty exemption if the FOB value of each tracking number is below MVR 10,000. Multiple consignments under the same person can qualify for exemption as long as each individual consignment stays below the MVR 10,000 value.

Items No Longer Qualifying for Duty Exemption

Despite the raised exemption limit, some items no longer qualify for duty exemption. These items include:

  • Tobacco and nicotine products (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah, and e-liquids),
  • Single-use plastic items,
  • Energy drinks,
  • Motorcycles, autocycles, and four-wheeled vehicles,
  • Maritime vessels,
  • Automotive and marine spare parts,
  • Items imported by individuals identified by Customs for misuse or non-personal/commercial use.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

  • Travelers entering the Maldives on a tourist visa can bring in limited quantities of tobacco products for personal use without paying duty.
  • If travelers exceed these limits, Customs will hold the excess items but allow tourists to collect them at the departure terminal of Velana International Airport before leaving.
  • Tobacco products (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah, and e-liquids) now face stricter rules, with some products no longer qualifying for duty exemption since 1st August 2024.
  • The duty exemption cap for personal goods has been raised to MVR 10,000 (up from MVR 6,000), but tobacco products will not be included in this exemption.

Travelers should stay informed and comply with these new regulations to ensure smooth entry into the Maldives. The Maldives Customs Service encourages all passengers to review these changes carefully and cooperate with Customs officials.

Read about the recent tax increases for travelers in the Maldives. These updates could affect your upcoming visit!

Ad - immaldives.com

Latest

The Nautilus Maldives and GlobeAir Redefine Luxury Travel

the Nautilus Maldives - The Nautilus Mansion

The Nautilus Maldives, an award-winning luxury private island hideaway, and GlobeAir, Europe’s premier private jet operator, announce their extraordinary partnership, which redefines the pinnacle of bespoke travel. This collaboration introduces GlobeAir’s long-haul private jet services to the Maldives, offering discerning travellers a seamless journey into a world of unmatched luxury.

A New Kind of Travel Experience

The partnership between The Nautilus Maldives and GlobeAir unites two icons of luxury. GlobeAir’s long-haul private jets provide a customized travel experience to the Maldives, tailored to your preferences. From the moment you board, you enter a world of unmatched comfort, where every detail receives meticulous attention. As a result, your luxury escape begins in the air, long before you land on the island.

Upon arrival at The Nautilus, your experience continues without interruption. The resort’s philosophy of freedom and ultimate luxury perfectly aligns with GlobeAir’s commitment to personalized service. This partnership redefines luxury travel, ensuring an unforgettable journey from takeoff to landing.

The Exclusive Nautilus Experience

A Seamless Voyage
You begin your journey aboard a GlobeAir private jet. The comfort and service are tailored entirely to your preferences. Every detail ensures a stress-free, luxurious experience, making your journey as memorable as your destination.

A Timeless Stay in Paradise
Upon arrival at The Nautilus, time slows down. You stay in one of the 26 ultra-luxury boho-chic residences, each offering unmatched privacy and exclusivity. Whether nestled on pristine beaches or perched above turquoise waters, these beautifully designed retreats provide the ultimate sanctuary. Each residence features separate living rooms, private freshwater pools, and a dedicated butler, ensuring your experience is uniquely yours. The resort’s design encourages freedom, with no rigid schedules, fixed menus, or services tied to specific areas. At The Nautilus, you live life on your terms.

Cinema Under the Stars
The Nautilus boasts a private beachside cinema. Picture a custom bokkura setup on a secluded sandbank, where the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean set the perfect atmosphere for a night of cinematic magic. You choose the film, whether it’s a timeless classic or the latest release, and enjoy gourmet snacks, fine champagne, and a BBQ dinner prepared to your exact taste. This private screening is fully customized to your desires, offering “showtime in your own time,” under the stars, with only your loved ones by your side.

A World of Freedom and Luxury

The Nautilus Maldives offers a one-of-a-kind experience with an emphasis on freedom and privacy. Located in the heart of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort provides seclusion with only 26 residences spread across the island. Each residence serves as a sanctuary designed for relaxation and comfort, complete with a private butler and everything you need to unwind.

You create your own itinerary, whether you choose to relax on the beach, enjoy a private picnic on a remote sandbank, or dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant marine life. The resort also offers enriching experiences for children through the Young Wonderers program, while adults can indulge in spa treatments or enjoy gourmet dining at any time, in any location. With The Nautilus, you shape your experience entirely.

Book Your Experience

The partnership between GlobeAir and The Nautilus Maldives delivers the ultimate in luxury travel. Combining seamless private aviation with an exquisite island retreat, this collaboration guarantees an unparalleled experience. From personalized jet service to the breathtaking island sanctuary, you are assured a journey like no other. For more information or to book your exclusive escape, visit GlobeAir – The Nautilus Maldives Exclusive Experience.

Ad - immaldives.com
No more posts to show