Traveling To The Maldives
Planning your Maldives holiday should be exciting, not complicated. This guide covers some of the key information international travelers should know before arriving.
Travel and immigration requirements can change, so official government guidance should always take priority over general information on this page.
Arriving in the Maldives
Most international visitors arrive through Velana International Airport (MLE) near Malé.
Depending on your chosen resort, your onward transfer may be by:
- Speedboat
- Seaplane
- Domestic flight followed by speedboat
- Domestic flight
Maldives Agents will advise you of the transfer arrangement applicable to your selected property.
Passport and Immigration Requirements
International travelers should ensure that their passport and travel documents meet the Maldives' entry requirements applicable at the time of travel.
Travelers may also be required to satisfy immigration requirements concerning onward/return travel, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds.
Because immigration rules can change, guests should verify the latest requirements through official Maldives immigration sources before departure.
Traveller Declaration
Travelers may be required to complete an online traveller declaration through the Maldives immigration system within the applicable timeframe.
Please check the current official requirements before traveling.
Resort Transfers
One of the most important differences between traveling in the Maldives and many other destinations is that resorts are located across separate islands.
Your resort booking may therefore require a mandatory transfer.
Speedboat
Properties located closer to the main international airport are commonly reached by speedboat.
Seaplane
Many resorts further from Malé are reached by seaplane.
Seaplanes generally operate during daylight hours, and schedules are coordinated according to international flight arrivals, weather and operational requirements.
Domestic Flight
Some resorts are reached by a scheduled domestic flight to a regional airport followed by a speedboat transfer.
International Flight Details
Please provide Maldives Agents with your confirmed international arrival and departure flight details as early as possible where transfers are included or being arranged.
Changes to your international flights should also be communicated promptly.
Time Zone
The Maldives uses Maldives Time, UTC+5.
Some resorts may operate on their own "island time," which can be one hour or otherwise different from official Maldives time. Your resort will advise you if this applies.
Weather
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
Weather conditions can change quickly, and tropical rain showers can occur even during generally favorable travel periods.
Marine conditions may also affect speedboat, seaplane and excursion operations.
What to Pack
Useful items for a Maldives holiday may include:
- Lightweight clothing
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection
- Hat
- Sandals or comfortable footwear
- Personal medication
- Chargers and travel adapters
- Waterproof or water-resistant bags for excursions
- Appropriate clothing for visits to local islands
Individual resorts may have their own dress recommendations.
Local Islands and Culture
The Maldives is a Muslim country.
Resort islands are specifically operated for international tourism and generally have different arrangements from inhabited local islands.
When visiting inhabited islands, guests should respect local customs and dress appropriately.
Alcohol is generally not permitted on inhabited local islands outside authorized tourist facilities. Resorts serving international tourists operate under separate tourism arrangements.
Alcohol
Alcohol availability is generally restricted to licensed tourist resorts and other specifically authorized tourism operations.
Travelers should not attempt to bring alcohol into the Maldives.
Medication
Travelers carrying prescription medication should consider bringing appropriate supporting documentation, particularly for controlled medicines.
Requirements can vary depending on the medication, so travelers should verify relevant rules before departure.
Internet and Mobile Connectivity
Most resorts provide Wi-Fi, although speed and coverage vary by property and location.
Travelers may also purchase local SIM/eSIM services where available.
Electricity
Most Maldives resorts use approximately 230V / 50Hz electricity.
Plug types and available universal sockets vary by property, so carrying a suitable travel adapter can be useful.
Currency
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
However, international tourist resorts commonly price services in USD, and major payment cards are widely accepted at many resorts.
Payment options vary between properties.
Traveling With Children
The Maldives is popular with families, but individual resorts have different rules concerning children.
Certain overwater villas, pools, activities or facilities may have age restrictions or require parental supervision.
Always review the conditions applicable to your chosen resort.
Pregnancy and Medical Considerations
Travelers who are pregnant or have medical requirements should consider whether long flights, speedboats, seaplanes, diving or other activities are appropriate for them and seek professional medical advice where necessary.
Some remote resorts are located a considerable distance from major medical facilities.
Diving and Watersports
The Maldives offers exceptional diving, snorkeling, surfing and watersports.
Activities are subject to weather, sea conditions, operator requirements and individual ability.
Guests should follow the safety instructions of qualified operators.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that international travelers obtain comprehensive travel insurance suitable for their trip.
Consider coverage for:
- Medical emergencies
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Travel delays
- Missed connections
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Watersports or diving where applicable
Review the terms and exclusions of your policy carefully.
Before You Travel
Before departing for the Maldives, we recommend checking that you have:
- ✓ Valid travel documents
- ✓ Confirmed international flights
- ✓ Accommodation confirmation
- ✓ Resort transfer arrangements
- ✓ Required immigration/traveller declarations
- ✓ Appropriate travel insurance
- ✓ Necessary medication
- ✓ Copies of important booking documents
Need Help?
Maldives Agents is here to help make your journey as smooth as possible.
If you are unsure about your resort transfer, booking arrangements or other elements of your Maldives holiday, contact our team before traveling.
We will be happy to assist with the information relevant to your reservation.
Welcome to the Maldives.