Ministry of Tourism has announced an increase in the cruise permit fee for large foreign tourist vessels, which has now been raised to USD 1,000. Previously, these larger vessels were charged USD324 for a cruise permit.
The latest amendment to the Regulation Governing Foreign Tourist Vessels Cruising and Harbouring in Maldivian Waters states that foreign tourist vessels must appoint an agent from the country to oversee the vessel upon arrival in the Maldives. Only parties authorised by the Maldives Customs Service can act as agents for foreign tourist vessels.
Additionally, the agent is responsible for settling any outstanding payments or taxes owed to the government before the vessel departs from the Maldives. All foreign tourist vessels must obtain permission from the tourism ministry before operating and docking in Maldivian waters, according to the regulations.
Furthermore, foreign tourist vessels exceeding 20m in length that stay in the Maldives for more than seven days from the inward clearance of the customs service date must pay a USD1,000 fee to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) to obtain a cruising permit. Vessels under 20m are allowed to operate and dock in Maldivian waters for up to 90 days without charge, with the option to extend the period to 275 days by paying USD50 per day. During the extended period, the vessel's crew must obtain a charter license if they intend to carry passengers other than the vessel owner and their family.
The tourism ministry is authorised to impose fines on agents found in violation of the regulations. A first violation incurs a penalty of USD2,000, with subsequent violations incurring fines of USD 6,000 for each violation.