The Maldives has amended the ‘Regulation Governing Foreign Tourist Vessels Cruising and Harboring in Maldivian Waters’, publicised yesterday, stipulating that only Maldivians can serve as agents for foreign tourist vessels arriving in the country.
Under the new amendment publicised yesterday, only companies with Maldivian shareholders are permitted to act as agents for foreign vessels. If the shareholders of a company are a partnership or sole proprietorship, all shareholders must also be Maldivians.
The regulations further specify that foreign tourist vessels must appoint a local agent before their arrival in the Maldives. Additionally, all passengers and crew members on these vessels are now required to engage in excursions led by licensed tour guides.
In conjunction with these changes, the Ministry of Tourism has revised the passenger license fees applicable to foreign vessels. The updated fee structure is as follows:
- Vessels smaller than 20 meters: USD 100 per day
- Vessels larger than 21 meters but smaller than 35 meters: USD 250 per day
- Vessels larger than 35 meters but smaller than 45 meters: USD 400 per day
- Vessels larger than 45 meters but smaller than 75 meters: USD 500 per day
- Vessels larger than 75 meters but smaller than 100 meters: USD 650 per day
- Vessels larger than 100 meters (excluding cruise liners): USD 750 per day
- Cruise liners larger than 100 meters: USD 850 per day
Another notable amendment is the change from the term ‘Charter License’ to ‘Passenger License,’ which will incur an additional fee. The passenger license will be issued upon the submission of required documents and payment of a daily fee based on the vessel’s size. Furthermore, an extra fee of USD 5 per passenger will be collected and paid by the vessel, applicable to all individuals aboard.
These regulatory changes are anticipated to enhance the local tourism sector, fostering greater ownership and engagement from Maldivians while ensuring visitors receive high-quality services.
