Maldives Revises Tobacco Import Rules for Tourists Amid Rising Duties on Cigarettes

The Maldives has updated its guidelines on the importation of tobacco products, now permitting tourists to bring limited amounts of tobacco for personal use. The Maldives Customs Service announced that travelers on a tourist visa are now allowed to import up to 200 cigarettes, or one carton, for personal use upon arrival.

Under the new regulations, which took effect on Saturday, tourists aged 18 and older may bring either 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or up to 250 grams of other tobacco products for personal use. Quantities above these limits will be held by Customs for up to 30 days, allowing tourists to collect the items at the Velana International Airport (VIA) departure terminal before they leave the Maldives.

However, non-tourist travelers carrying tobacco products must adhere to the Health Ministry’s labeling requirements, or their items will be confiscated by Customs.

This policy shift follows recent legislative changes aimed at curbing tobacco use and increasing revenue from tobacco products. Just two weeks ago, the Maldivian Parliament approved a government-proposed tax increase, raising the import duty on cigarettes and beedi from MVR 3 to MVR 8, with an ad valorem tax hike of 50 percent. These adjustments, ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, took effect on November 1, causing cigarette prices to surge, with a pack now reaching MVR 250 and a carton priced at MVR 2,240.

The government anticipates that the increased duties will yield an additional MVR 1.05 billion in tax revenue next year, aligning with broader public health goals while generating significant funds for the state.