Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Maldives
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 18:52:30 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Maldives
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Maldives - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Embassy Location:  There is no U.S. Embassy in Maldives.  The U.S. 
ambassador to Sri Lanka is also accredited to the Maldives.  There 
is a U.S. Consular Agent in Male, the capital city of Maldives.  The 
Agent's address is Mandhu Edurruge, 20-05 Violet Magu, Male, 
Republic of Maldives.  The local telephone number is 322581 or 
325199.  The Consular Agent works under the jurisdiction of the U.S. 
Embassy in Sri Lanka.

Country Description:  Maldives is a group of islands west of Sri 
Lanka, off the southern tip of India.  Facilities for tourism are 
relatively well developed in most beach areas.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  Tourist visas are 
issued upon arrival at no charge.  Visitors must have proof of 
onward/return transportation and sufficient funds.  For further 
information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of Maldives in Sri 
Lanka, at 25 Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 4, Sri Lanka, or the Maldives 
Mission to the U.N. in New York, telephone (212) 599-6195.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited and some 
medicine may be unavailable.  Doctors and clinics often require 
immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance 
is not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental 
coverage which specifically covers overseas treatment has proved to 
be of use.  Information on health matters can be obtained from the 
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, 
telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  There is a low rate of crime in Maldives.  
However, petty crime does exist.  Valuables left on beaches are 
subject to thievery.  Information on safeguarding valuables and 
protecting personal security is available in Department of State 
pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It can be ordered from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips For Travelers:  The Department of State pamphlet, "Tips for 
Travelers to South Asia," contains general information on travel in 
the area.  It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Agent 
in Maldives, or in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in 
Colombo, Sri Lanka, can obtain updated information on travel and 
security in Maldives.

 No. 93-006