Maldives

The Land of Atolls
and Azure

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The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and rich marine life. Home to pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives offers a paradise-like setting for visitors. The country consists of 26 atolls with over 1,000 coral islands, many of which host world-class resorts featuring overwater bungalows.

Maldivian culture blends influences from South Asia, Arabia, and Africa, reflected in its cuisine, music, and traditional crafts. Local dishes often feature fresh seafood, coconut, and spices. Known for its warm hospitality, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, and commitment to sustainable tourism, the Maldives presents a captivating destination for those seeking tropical relaxation, underwater adventures, and a unique island experience.

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Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into the Maldives.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the Maldives, though a minimum of 1 month validity is accepted upon arrival if traveling directly from your country of origin.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: All nationalities can enter the Maldives with a valid passport and receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, extendable up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they have a confirmed hotel booking, return ticket, and sufficient funds (minimum USD 150 per day).
  • Visa-required countries: No nationalities require a pre-arrival visa for tourism purposes; the visa-on-arrival policy applies universally for tourists.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not need to present these for visa-free entry; the Maldives offers a visa on arrival to all nationalities.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not need to present these for visa-free entry; the visa-on-arrival policy applies.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not need to present these for visa-free entry; the visa-on-arrival policy applies.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter the Maldives using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (tourist visa, issued on arrival). Can be extended for an additional 60 days (total 90 days) with a fee, valid within a 180-day period.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, study, or family visa). Valid for one year, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from the Maldives Immigration Authority; typically requires sponsorship.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays (on arrival) are limited to 30 days, extendable to 90 days with a fee (approximately USD 50 for extensions).
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship from a Maldivian employer or entity. Entry to local islands (non-resort islands) may require permission if staying with locals.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as the Maldives may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Driving Menu

Driving in Maldives

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, the Maldives does not have toll roads. The country consists of islands with limited road networks, primarily on larger islands like Malé and Hulhumalé. The Sinamale Bridge (Malé-Hulhumalé Bridge) connects Malé to Hulhumalé and Velana International Airport but does not currently charge a toll for passenger vehicles.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; there are no toll roads in the Maldives. Travel between islands is typically by boat, seaplane, or domestic flight, not by road.

Driving in the Maldives

  • Drive on the left side of the road (applicable only on islands with road networks, like Malé and Hulhumalé).
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is limited due to the small road network.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 30 km/h (e.g., in Malé)
    • Rural roads: 40 km/h (e.g., in Hulhumalé)
    • Highways: Not applicable; there are no major highways in the Maldives.
  • Road conditions are generally good on main islands like Malé and Hulhumalé, but roads are narrow, congested, and dominated by motorbikes and pedestrians. Most tourists do not drive, as resorts are on private islands accessible only by boat or seaplane.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year, if you plan to drive in Malé or Hulhumalé. A Maldivian license is required for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: The Maldives does not use a vignette system; there are no toll roads or vignette requirements.
  • Road Safety: Driving is limited to a few islands and can be chaotic in Malé due to heavy traffic, motorbikes, and pedestrians. Most tourists rely on resort transfers, taxis, or ferries for transportation.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas like Malé (e.g., Google Maps), but not necessary for most travelers, as inter-island travel is by boat or plane. Keep an updated physical map as a backup for navigation on larger islands.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 119 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).

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Currency Menu

Maldives Currency

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

  • Note: US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and resorts, often preferred for larger transactions.

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 MVR
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5 MVR; 10, 25, 50 laari
  • Symbol: Rf (often written as MVR)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., Velana International Airport in Malé), and resorts.
  • ATMs are available in Malé and Hulhumalé for direct MVR withdrawals, but scarce on resort islands; most accept international cards, though USD is more practical for tourists as it’s widely accepted.

Payment Methods

  • Cash in USD is widely accepted in resorts, tourist areas, and local islands; change is often given in MVR. MVR is used for smaller transactions on local islands.
  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in resorts, hotels, and larger establishments in Malé; smaller guesthouses or local shops may be cash-only.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry USD for convenience in resorts and tourist areas; bring small denominations for tipping or local purchases. MVR is useful for local islands or markets in Malé.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the MVR is pegged to the USD (1 USD ≈ 15.42 MVR as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Maldives Monetary Authority website: https://www.mma.gov.mv/
Laws Menu

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Maldives

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in the Maldives, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including life imprisonment. Even small quantities can lead to severe charges; drug-related offenses are taken very seriously.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol is only permitted in resorts, on liveaboards, and at licensed venues in Malé; it is illegal on local islands, and importing alcohol is prohibited (confiscated at customs).
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport; some local islands may have additional restrictions.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic customs; dress modestly on local islands (e.g., cover shoulders and knees, especially for women). Bikinis are acceptable on resort islands but not on local islands. Avoid discussing religion or politics (e.g., government criticism).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties including imprisonment or lashings under Sharia law. Public displays of affection may attract legal consequences or social disapproval, even in resorts.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, and some mosques (e.g., Islamic Centre in Malé). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially on local islands or during religious events.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: None permitted (illegal to import; available only in resorts).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 30,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, alcohol, pork products, pornography, and religious materials (e.g., non-Islamic texts, Buddha statues).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Velana International Airport in Malé).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Maldives Tourism Ministry or the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).

Beach Access

  • Public beaches on local islands (e.g., Bikini Beach in Maafushi) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline; resort beaches are private. Wheelchair access is mandated at major public beaches but not always implemented.

Key Resources

Safety Menu

Maldives Travel Safety

The Maldives is generally very safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, though risks related to water activities and remote locations should be considered. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in the Maldives.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare, even in crowded areas like Malé’s markets (e.g., Malé Fish Market). Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon, especially in resorts.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: The Maldives is considered very safe, particularly in resorts. Female travelers should dress modestly on local islands (e.g., Maafushi) and avoid isolated areas at night in Malé, though risks are minimal.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is limited to a few islands like Malé and Hulhumalé; traffic in Malé can be congested with motorbikes and pedestrians.
    • Most travel is by boat or seaplane, so road safety concerns are minimal for tourists.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes in Malé) are mandatory but enforcement is lax.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is not potable; drink bottled water (provided in resorts).
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; resort food is generally safe, but be cautious with street food in Malé.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for extended stays).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against dengue and Zika, especially in Malé or local islands during the rainy season (May-November).
  • Altitude Sickness: Not a concern; the Maldives is a low-lying atoll nation with no elevation above 2.4 meters.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Basic care is available in Malé (e.g., Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital); resorts often have on-site clinics. Serious cases may require evacuation to Malé or abroad (e.g., Sri Lanka or India).
  • Pharmacies: Available in Malé; resorts have limited medical supplies, so carry essential medications.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as healthcare on remote islands is limited.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 119 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 102 | Fire: 118 | Police: 119.
  • Tourist Police (Malé): +960 332 2111.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Driving is not common for tourists; use resort transfers (boats, seaplanes) or taxis in Malé. Check insurance coverage if renting a scooter in Malé or Hulhumalé.
  • Water Activities: Use reputable operators for diving, snorkeling, or boat trips; strong currents and marine hazards (e.g., jellyfish) can pose risks. Always check weather conditions during the rainy season.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Islamic customs on local islands; avoid public displays of affection outside resorts. Remove shoes when entering mosques or local homes.
  • Weather Risks: Tropical storms can occur during the rainy season (May-November); monitor weather updates via the Maldives Meteorological Service.

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Flying to Maldives