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!

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to immerse themselves in an enchanting Easter celebration, stepping into a whimsical world filled with magic and joy. From April 19 to April 23, 2025, the resort will transform into an Island Wonderland, bringing together delightful culinary creations, exciting entertainment, and fun-filled adventures for an unforgettable Easter experience.

A Whimsical Cocktail Hour and Gala Dinner

To kick off the festivities, the evening will begin with a lively cocktail hour, where guests can sip on whimsical handcrafted drinks inspired by the Wonderland theme. Additionally, Ming Da will make a special appearance, enchanting guests with interactive sleight-of-hand illusions that set the tone for the magical night ahead.

The centerpiece of the celebrations, however, will be the grand gala dinner, where guests will enjoy an indulgent feast inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Maldives and beyond. As the evening unfolds, master magician Ming Da will captivate guests with incredible illusions, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Alongside him, curious and playful Wonderland characters will surprise and delight, mingling with guests and guiding them through a night filled with magical moments. The excitement will reach its peak with DJ Lupe’s dynamic beats, keeping the energy high under the starlit sky.

Creative Workshops and Family-Friendly Activities

Throughout the celebration, the island will offer a variety of creative workshops and family-friendly activities. For instance, guests can express their artistic side with themed painting sessions, sculpture classes, and basket-making workshops. Moreover, those seeking friendly competition will enjoy high-energy games and treasure hunts, which will guide guests across the island in search of fun surprises. At the same time, younger visitors will delight in activities like face painting and talent showcases, all infused with the playful spirit of Easter and Wonderland.

Furthermore, for those craving relaxation, the Pullman Spa will offer a luxurious chocolate-inspired experience. Guests can indulge in a rich chocolate body scrub or wrap, followed by a soothing coconut oil massage, providing the perfect escape into blissful relaxation.

As the festivities near their end, guests will gather once more for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. The mischievous Wonderland characters will make their final appearances, while performers of all ages will take the stage for a playful talent showcase, marking the perfect conclusion to this magical Easter celebration.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s Easter Island Wonderland promises a one-of-a-kind event, where fantasy and fun collide to create an experience full of joy and wonder. From magical moments to creative adventures and high-energy entertainment, this Easter celebration will undoubtedly become a cherished memory for years to come.

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