Maldives
Why Film in Maldives?
The Maldives is a year-round filming destination, with each season offering distinct advantages depending on your project needs. The dry season (December to April) provides sunny weather, calm seas, and clear skies, while the rainy season (May to October) offers dramatic skies and intense weather patterns, ideal for a moody or adventurous atmosphere. November and April provide the clearest water and optimal visibility for stunning underwater shots. For surfing scenes, the best months are June to August, offering perfect waves and prime conditions.
Top Filming Locations
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Malé
The bustling capital city with a mix of modern and traditional Maldivian architecture.
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Baa Atoll
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with pristine beaches and incredible marine life.
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Vaadhoo Island
Famous for its bioluminescent "Sea of Stars."
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Addu Atoll
Known for its untouched landscapes and historical significance
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Maafushi
A popular island with a mix of local and tourist-friendly settings
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Hulhumalé
A planned island city featuring modern infrastructure and scenic coastlines.
Visa Requirements
A business visa is required for film crew members traveling to the Maldives. A film permit must be obtained before a visa is granted.
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Required Documentation
A scanned copy of the passport, a passport photo adhering to strict Maldivian standards, and a CV or biopage for each crew member are required. Applicants must also provide their email and telephone number, employer details and occupation, a completed visa declaration form, and proof of mandatory health insurance coverage. Additional documents may be requested depending on the specifics of the visa application.
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Timings
Visa applications typically take 7 working days, provided all documents are in order. Applications can only be submitted after receiving the filming permit.
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Cost
The total cost for the business visa is $100 USD ($50 for the visa and $50 for mandatory health insurance).
Private Locations
African Fixer Maldives will work with the private property owner to negotiate the terms for filming at the private location.
General Film Permit
The National Centre for Arts (NCA) is responsible for issuing film permits. The application process takes approximately 10 working days.
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Required Documentation
To successfully apply, you must include several essential documents. First and foremost, provide detailed information about all shooting locations, including specific addresses and site descriptions. Additionally, submit flight details or copies of flight tickets, as well as passport copies for every crew member. Moreover, ensure that your application includes a comprehensive equipment list. This should specify serial numbers, values, weights, and detailed packing information for each item. In addition, a copy of your company registration certificate is mandatory. Furthermore, you need to include a letter of intent outlining all production details. Not only that, but all official letters must also be printed on your company’s letterhead to ensure authenticity. Similarly, you must provide hotel accommodation details for your entire crew. Last but not least, a sponsor document from the Maldivian side is required to complete your application. By including all these documents, you can streamline the approval process and avoid unnecessary delays
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Cost
The film permit is free, but application processing fees may apply.
Drone Permit
Drones are permitted in the Maldives; however, they must comply with strict customs clearance regulations. Additionally, operators may need to obtain special permits depending on the location and purpose of use. To ensure a smooth process, it is advisable to check with local authorities in advance and adhere to all applicable guidelines.
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Permit Issuance
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) are responsible for drone permits.
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Required Documentation
Equipment list and serial numbers. Drone license. Drone specifications. Filming locations and shooting times.
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Timings
Permits take approximately 10 working days to process.
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Cost
$1,000 to $3,000, depending on project scope and location
Equipment Customs Clearance
The Maldives is not a Carnet country.
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Clearance Process
A detailed equipment list, including serial numbers, manufacturing location, weight, and other relevant details, must be provided.
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Issuing Organization
Maldives Customs handles equipment clearance.
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Timings
1 to 3 working daysProcessing takes a minimum of 10 working days.
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Cost
A base fee of $150, plus customs agent and application fees, ranging between $100 and $200 depending on equipment value.
Safety and Security
The Maldives is a generally safe destination; however filmmakers must be mindful of cultural sensitivities, particularly on local islands where filming content featuring revealing attire may be restricted. Approval from the Maldives Film Board is required to ensure compliance with local regulations and cultural norms. Standard security is recommended to ensure smooth filming operations.
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