Maldives

All travelers entering the Maldives must have a valid passport. Here's a breakdown of the Maldives’ visa policies:

Visa-Free Entry and Visa on Arrival

The Maldives grants a free 30-day visa on arrival to all nationalities, provided travelers have a valid passport, a confirmed accommodation booking, and sufficient funds for their stay.

Visa Extensions

Visitors can apply for a visa extension, allowing them to stay up to 90 days in the Maldives. This can be done through the Maldives Immigration office.

Note: While no advance visa is required, always check entry requirements before planning your trip to ensure there have been no changes.

Citizens of certain countries, primarily those in the South Asian region like India, can enter the Maldives using a national ID card for short stays. However, most other travelers are required to present a valid passport upon entry.

Toll Roads in Maldives

There are no toll roads or vignettes in the Maldives. The majority of transportation within the country is by boat, seaplane, or on foot, especially in the resort islands and Malé, the capital. There are few roads, primarily in Malé and a few other larger islands, and no toll systems exist.

Transportation Tips in the Maldives:

• Ferries and Speedboats: The most common form of transportation between islands is by ferry or speedboat.
• Seaplanes: For quicker access to resort islands, many visitors use seaplanes, which are operated by private companies.
• Local Taxis: On islands like Malé, local taxis are available for short distances.

Weather in Maldives

The Maldives has a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round and two distinct monsoon seasons: the dry northeast monsoon and the wet southwest monsoon.

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season is the best time to visit the Maldives, with clear skies, sunny weather, and calm seas. Temperatures range from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C).

Wet Season (May to October)

The wet season brings heavy rainfall and occasional storms, particularly in the southern atolls. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, between 77°F and 88°F (25°C to 31°C).

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to April) is ideal for visiting, particularly for beach activities, snorkeling, and diving.
• Pack for Rain: If traveling during the wet season, be prepared for tropical rainstorms and consider bringing waterproof clothing.

Currency in Maldives

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), symbolized as Rf or MVR. However, the US dollar is widely accepted, especially at resorts and in tourist areas.

Banknotes and Coins

Maldivian Rufiyaa banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000. Coins are available in smaller denominations, such as 1, 2, and 5 Rufiyaa, and various smaller subunits called laari.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and some resorts. ATMs are available in Malé and larger inhabited islands, allowing withdrawals in MVR.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in resorts, hotels, and larger businesses. However, it is recommended to carry some cash when visiting smaller local islands.

Travel Tips

• Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions in the Maldives.
• US Dollars: Carry some US dollars as they are often preferred for payments at resorts and tourist areas.
• Small Change: It is useful to carry small denominations of MVR or USD for tips and small purchases.