Foreign Vessels Regulation 2023/R-155. 14 September 2023, Volume 52, Number 212Maldives Ministry of Tourism implements new regulations for foreign tourist vessels effective 14th September 2023.
The all new regulation has many good news for below 20 metre vessels.
High lights of the major changes from the new regulation on foreign tourist vessels below 20 meters in length cruising and chartering in the Maldives.
Cruising Permits: -• All foreign tourist vessels require a Cruising Permit to cruise and harbour in the Maldives.
• A Cruising Permit should be obtained within 3 working days from the date and time of arrival or from the time of inward clearance.
Requirements to Obtain a Cruising Permit and Allowances: -
1- Captains Declaration
2- No Cruising Permit Fee for below 20 meter vessels up to 90 days.
3- Requires Vessel and Crew documents
4- Any foreign tourist vessel below 20 meters can extend the stay from 90th day to 360th days if the vessel holds an IMO registration.
5- Any foreign tourist vessels below 20 meters which holds an IMO registration can extend the stay even after the 360th day with an additional extra fee.
Fee for Cruising Permits: -
1- Fee is Free up to 90th day
2- Fee is USD 50/- per day from 91st day for vessels with an IMO number
3- Fee is USD 3500/- to extend stay from 360th days and is subject to the daily fee of USD 50/- in addition.
Please note:
1- With a Cruising Permit you can only cruise with crew onboard. No guest can be accommodated. To cruise with guest onboard, a Charter License will be required.
2- Duration of the free Cruising Permit is 90 days.
Charter License: -• All foreign tourist vessels require a Charter License to have guest onboard other than the owners and owners’ family while in the Maldives.
• Charter License fees do not apply for vessel owners or owners’ family.
Requirements to Obtain a Charter License: -
1- Captains Declaration
2- Charter Fees as per the vessels LOA
3- Requires Vessels, Crew and Guest Documents
Fee for Charter License: -
Vessel below and up to 20 Meters Fee is USD 100/- per day.
Please note:
1- The additional fee of USD 50/- per day that occurs after the 90th day when on Cruising Permit from vessel below 20 meters do not apply when the vessel comes under a Charter License (when vessel is on charter the daily fee does not apply).
2- In addition to Charter License fee there is a Green Tax which applies for the guest accommodating while under a Charter License.
Green tax is USD 6/- per person per night.
Tax on Charters: -
All foreign tourist vessels are subject to Goods and Sales Tax at 16% of the charter value.
A non-official translation work is in progress and shall update accordingly.