maldives with a criminal record

[honeymooner]

Anyone know if it is possible to go to the Maldives with a criminal record? I know they issue a visa on arrival. What kind of questions do they ask? On the disembarkation form do they ask anything about criminal records etc? The travel agent wasn't sure and seemed to hint to just go and she thought it would be ok. Stopping in Singapore first and apparently don't require a visa here so should be ok? Any advice appreciated!!

 

[wmetz]

Do you watch the news. I think a visa there is least of your problems.

 

[honeymooner]

yes, i am aware of the issues at the moment but according to smart traveler, it is safe to travel to other parts as the political issues are in male.

 

[Major]

DFAT has issued a warning for Male Is. Reconsider your need to travel

Travel Advice for Maldives - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

 

[wmetz]

Maybe they should watch cable news.... What about your travel insurance, are they happy with things.

 

[honeymooner]

What are they saying on cable news?? Everywhere i have read is that it has not affected the resort islands. I am traveling in may so hopefully it is over by then... anyway, back to the question... do you think we can get a visa with criminal record?

 

[honeymooner]

and just to add... we have not even booked yet so no travel insurance purchased yet

 

[Febs]

I think we can assume that "rest of Maldives" includes all the resorts - currently listed by DFAT as "Exercise normal safety precautions". Male is the capital and quite far removed from most of the resorts. Even the one we're currently staying at (Coco Palm Bodu Hithi) is a 40min speedboat trip, and that's in the same atoll as Male - many are much further away.

Funny, we arrived on the 4th and one thing I was really keen to do was visit Male on a day trip. We signed up but the resort didn't get the requisite numbers (or at least that's what they said) so it didn't go ahead. Possibly a good thing! I deliberately have been staying away from any news in an effort to totally disconnect. Flying out tomorrow morning, but not expecting any issues.

OP - fwiw I can't remember any questions about criminal records on the arrival form, and the immigration process was pretty smooth (you do need an onward flight though). Still, I'd seek better advice before booking anything.

Cheers
Febs.

 

[Major]

I think we can assume that "rest of Maldives" includes all the resorts - currently listed by DFAT as "Exercise normal safety precautions". Male is the capital and quite far removed from most of the resorts. Even the one we're currently staying at (Coco Palm Bodu Hithi) is a 40min speedboat trip, and that's in the same atoll as Male - many are much further away.

Funny, we arrived on the 4th and one thing I was really keen to do was visit Male on a day trip. We signed up but the resort didn't get the requisite numbers (or at least that's what they said) so it didn't go ahead. Possibly a good thing! I deliberately have been staying away from any news in an effort to totally disconnect. Flying out tomorrow morning, but not expecting any issues.

OP - fwiw I can't remember any questions about criminal records on the arrival form, and the immigration process was pretty smooth (you do need an onward flight though). Still, I'd seek better advice before booking anything.

Cheers
Febs.

You're lucky you were not staying at the Lily Beach resort

Accident: Maldivian DHC6 at Male on Feb 9th 2012, right wing submerged upon landing

 

[QF WP]

I'm sure the OP will be interesting in your experience on getting the visa on arrival, particularly your recall on the question(s) asked about criminal record Febs

 

[honeymooner]

Febs- how was your holiday? AMAZING????

CAn you tell me anything else that you recall about the visa process and disembarkation card questions? We will have an onward flight, more then 6 months in passport and enough money to support. Can you recall what else they require or ask? thanks!

 

[Febs]

Major - Wow. Always knew seaplanes were pretty unsafe! Actually saw those planes (same coloring) flying overhead at least once a day.

Lindsay/Honeymooner - as I was saying, can't remember any specific questions about criminal records (I could be wrong trout, it was very late when we arrived so as I was saying, I'd seek better advice before booking anything). I do remember though there were quite a few questions on items you're not allowed to bring in - pork, coughography, alcohol (yes, totally banned unless you're a resident), idols and "materials contrary to Islam".

The immigration process felt a lot more Asian (i.e. a passing glance, a grunt, a stamp and off you go) than American ("who are you, what are you doing here, what do you do for a living, etc...").

The Visa seems to only be good for 30 days too - maybe a consideration if you're planning a huge honeymoon here!

Cheers
Febs.

 

[Febs]

Oh and yes the honeymoon itself has been INCREDIBLE! We were in Langkawi before flying here and while I love the Westin there (amazing property) it just doesn't compare with the Maldives. It really is paradise here. You can go at your own pace (plenty of activities if you want, or you can just relax) and the snorkeling/diving is incredible. The coral reefs that are literally just off our back steps, and the sharks/rays/turtles we've swum with on a daily basis are just awesome.

Definitely recommend it! I recommend at least going on half-board wherever you go though - it's an expensive place!

Cheers
Febs.

 

[honeymooner]

thanks febs. i will contact the Maldivian consulate tomorrow. fingers crossed!

 

[one9]

thanks febs. i will contact the Maldivian consulate tomorrow. fingers crossed!

Countries don't share that much information. Maldives is a small country and they would have very little access to foreign country police systems. Unless you had committed a very major offence or been put on Interpol or something, the Maldives government would have no way to know if you had a criminal record or not.

Australia & New Zealand share info. Some other countries that Australia has good relationships with (eg. UK, US) share info about more major crimes, but not for small offences. Small countries like the Maldives have very little access except for access to International criminal systems such as Interpol and you would only been on them if your offence was major or crossed international borders.

Most likely (as others have reported) the form doesn't even ask if you have a criminal record. In the event that it does, they will only know about it if you tell them.