Bandos Diving Medicine Course

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The travel

Domestic and international transfer

The long haul (London-Male) carrier (SriLankan) regrettably only co-operates with British Airways in the Scandinavian countries.  For the 2003 course, we have been able to arrange transfer from Arlanda, Kastrup and Gardermoen.  In spite of intense negotiation, we have not been able to arrange transfer from other Scandinavian airports.  Travel to either of these airports (in time!) will thus remain the responsibility of each participant.  We deeply regret this, but have no alternative without upgrading to a business-class ticket (with the unacceptable cost associated with it).

Airport tax

The Maldivian (Male) airport tax (USD 10) is included in your payment and will be arranged by us.

Baggage allowance

20 kg checked-in baggage + 7kg cabin baggage.

Airplane

During the past years SriLankan has drifted this route with spacious rather new Airbus A330-200 with high comfort (seating and video/music facilities).  We can of course not take responsibility for any changes in aircraft effected by the airline.

Routing and stop-overs

British Airways will fly you from Arlanda, Kastrup or Gardermoen to London/Heathrow (LHR).

The flight from LHR to Maldives/Male (MLE) leaves LHR Sat Oct 18th at 2145 and arrives in MLE on Sun 19th at 1215.  To the best of our knowledge this is a non-stop flight.

The return flight leaves MLE Sat Nov 1st at 2300 and arrives at LHR Sun 2nd at 0845.  This is a two-leg flight with a short transfer in SriLanka/Colombo around 0125-0245 in the night.

Special meals and requirements

Please present these to us at the earliest possible time and at the very latest at the time of your reservation to allow us to enquire and respond to them. 

Tax free shopping

On the way out of Sweden (to Male) remember that you don't by alcohol (see below).  It is convenient to bring a mains power adapter at home or buy one at the airport.  If you smoke then buy tobacco at home or Arlanda, the selection is somewhat limited at the resort.

On  the way home you may buy tax-free either at Male intl airport or Colombo intl airport.

Customs, visa and immigration

You will not need a visa to visit the Maldives, an immigration form will be provided.  The Republic of Maldives is a Muslim country and you should be aware that a number of articles are forbidden to import to the country.  Please respect this as  you baggage will be X-rayed and subject to inspection at the time of immigration.  The list of forbidden/restricted articles are (the list is not complete):

  • Alcohol or spirits
  • Pornographic material of any kind (regular video cassettes, e.g. VHS or similar are subject to  being withheld for inspection.  Regular camcorder cassettes as Video 8/Hi 8/Digital 8 and DV are usually accepted).
  • Material considered blasphemic to the Islamic faith
  • Material considered preaching non-Islamic faith
  • Illegal drugs (heavily sentenced!)
  • Chemicals

Please take a few moments before you leave home to ensure that you don't carry any of the above mentioned items. Custom arrest of any of these items cause at the least inconvenience and embarrassment to yourself and the travel company, at worst legal action.

Frequent flyer program/bonus points

Sri Lankan operates the "Skyward" frequent flyer program, co-operating with airline "Emirates"  (code sharing and bonus trips). As per April 2003 the "Skywards" program includes British Airways as a global partner, allowing redemption of miles within the BA's "Executive club" bonus program.