Maldives (MV)
The Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country — a chain of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, of which only about 185 are inhabited.
Bringing Pets to Maldives
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Quarantine duration: Typically 7–14 days at the government-designated quarantine facility at Velana International Airport. Duration depends on documentation compliance. Well-prepared arrivals with all required documents may be released sooner after inspection.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
💰 Costs
Import permit fee: MVR 500–1,500. Quarantine facility cost: MVR 500–1,500/day (14 days = MVR 7,000–21,000). Veterinary inspections: MVR 300–800 per inspection. International air transport for pets: USD 200–800 depending on airline and pet size. Rabies titre test (in origin country, before travel): USD 100–300. Total estimated cost: USD 1,500–5,000 (highly variable).
📋 Relocation Process
Step 1: Obtain import permit from Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture (MFRA) at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Step 2: Ensure microchipping, rabies vaccination, and rabies titre test (RNATT) completed in that order in your origin country. Titre test must show ≥0.5 IU/mL at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before departure (for high-risk countries). Step 3: Obtain government-issued health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in your origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority, within 10 days of travel. Step 4: Arrange pet-friendly flight on a carrier that accepts pets in cabin or cargo on Maldives routes. Direct flights from Dubai, Colombo, and Singapore are the most practical. Step 5: Declare pet on arrival at VIA. Present all documents to Ministry of Agriculture representatives. Step 6: Quarantine period. Arrange vet visits. Step 7: After clearance, arrange transport to your island (seaplane/speedboat operators have specific rules for animals — confirm in advance).
Bringing pets to the Maldives is logistically complex, expensive, and often impractical. The archipelago is an isolated coral island ecosystem — the Ministry of Agriculture strictly controls imports to protect native bird and marine species. Most expats in the Maldives do not bring pets. Resort operators and employers generally do not accommodate pets on resort islands. If you are posting to a non-resort inhabited island (e.g., Malé, Hulhumalé), a pet is more feasible but still requires considerable planning. Dogs and cats are the most commonly brought pets; exotic animals, birds, and reptiles face additional permit requirements and may be refused entry. The Maldives is a rabies-free country — authorities take import controls very seriously to maintain this status.