FILMING IN THE MALDIVES
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The Maldives - an island nation, located in the Indian Ocean and existing out of almost 1200 sandy paradise islands, divided over 26 different atolls, in a range of 90.000 square kilometers. While the country exists for 99% out of water, it hosts a population of around half a Maldivian locals over around 200 inhabited islands. Tourism started in early 70's The Maldives became a famous and popular island getaway for travellers from all over the world, and it has grown to one of the most touristic countries in the world. Currently it is home to more than 100 operating resorts, and with total more than 600 tourism facilities scattered all over the country. The Maldives has introduced her independency since 1965.
The islands of The Maldives are small, with an average of 1 or 2 square kilometer in size. Due to the size of the country as well as the number of atolls, you can find all variaties of paradise in each atoll with all of them their own unique beauty and features.
The Maldives has been inhabited since the 5th century BC, and since early time the inhabitants were Buddhist and converted to islam at the year 1153. The Maldives and her inhabitants have their own unique language, called 'Divehi' ދިވެހި This language has been discovered in script in the 12th and 13th century.
The Maldives has a rich history of trade, colonisation, religion, culturally as well as island communities and features.
‘FORMALITIES
Filming permit
Concerning the Film Permit Regulations, all foreign
film crews will have to apply for a filming permit while
filming in The Maldives. A local agent will have to
accompany the film unit while filming. This filming
permit is free or charge and requires documentation
like ticket copies, passport copies and the equipment
list in order to apply for the permit.
VISA
For all non-tourist travellers, a sponsor or business VISA is required/highly advised.Once arrived as a tourist, the visitor is not permitted to engage in
any form of business, occupation, profession or paid employment while in Maldives (source: Maldives Immigration).
We therefor always apply for business VISA's for incoming crew, which includes a national health insurance for a minimum charge per person.
LOGISTICs
With a range of 820 KM from the north of the south to The Maldives,
the country is big and can require travel time. Since it exists for 99% out of water,
most of the traveling close by the capital Male' will be done with ferry or speedboat.
When traveling to more north or south of The Maldives, traveling by domestic flight is possible and traveling to/from resorts mostly is done by seaplane - The Maldives therefor has the biggest network of seaplanes worldwide.
Prefer to travel by private plane, live aboard or yacht? The possibilities are there and we are happy to look into the options.
EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOMS
The Industry is small in The Maldives, and therefor the
available quality equipment is limited. We can therefor
assist in bringing available equipment from neighbouring
country Sri Lanka, or we will advise our clients to bring their
own equipment. We will assist with the custom clearance
upon arrival - The Maldives is not a carnet country but the
procedure is the same. We will require a detailed equipment-
list and along with our agent we will deal with the simple
custom clearance process.
DRONE
Flying a drone in The Maldives - it will show and highlights the color contrasts even more. To fly a drone, we will have to apply for a drone permit through the Maldivian army and communication authority. They will have to approve your preferred drone route, also considering the busy seaplane network and nearby airports.
There are drone limitations concerning the height of flying, not close to military stations and airports, and also your drone will have to go through customs along with other equipment.
Note: We have professional drone flyers available in The Maldives that can assist with your requested imagery.
MORE INFORMATION -
MORE INFORMATION -
More information about filming in the Maldives required? We are happy to provide all the information you need, free of charge.