Maldives travel FAQ: 25 common questions answered

Most nationalities get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Carry a passport valid six months, a confirmed onward ticket and a booking for your stay. Nothing is paid at the counter. Extensions are arranged at immigration in Malé before day 30.

December to April is the dry season with calm seas and the highest prices. May to November is wetter and cheaper, and it is the manta and whale shark season in Baa Atoll. Temperatures stay around 28–31 °C all year.

Guesthouse islands can run on a modest daily budget for a room, meals and ferries, while resorts cost far more and often sell half board or all inclusive. Resorts bill in US dollars; local islands use rufiyaa. A 10% service charge is added to most bills.

Crime is rare. The real risks are strong currents, sun and dehydration. Swim near lifeguards or with a buddy and follow boat crew advice. Emergency numbers are 119 police, 102 ambulance and 191 coast guard.

Alcohol is served at resorts and on licensed liveaboard boats. It is banned on inhabited local islands, including Maafushi and Ukulhas. Bringing alcohol into the country is restricted, so check the customs rules before you pack.

Swimwear is fine on resort beaches and designated tourist beaches on local islands. Away from those areas, cover shoulders and knees. Local islands are conservative, and Friday prayers close shops at midday.

Speedboats cover nearby atolls in 20–90 minutes. Seaplanes reach further resorts but fly in daylight only. Domestic flights link Malé with the south. Public ferries are cheapest, slower and stop for Friday prayers.

Yes, and it should cover diving and medical evacuation. Resort islands have limited clinics, and serious cases are flown to Malé or abroad. Check that your policy covers the activities you plan, including liveaboard diving.

The rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency, but resorts price in US dollars. Cards work almost everywhere at resorts. On local islands, carry rufiyaa for ferries, cafés and small shops, and keep some cash for tips.

No. Drink bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. Ice in resorts is made from treated water. On local islands, ask for sealed bottles and use them for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

Alcohol, pork products, e-cigarettes, drones and some medicines are restricted or banned. Declare what you carry and check the current list before flying. Penalties are enforced at Velana International Airport.

Mantas gather in Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll from roughly May to November. Whale sharks are seen year round around Ari Atoll, with South Ari a reliable spot. Visibility and sea conditions vary with the monsoon.

Yes. Guesthouses on inhabited islands such as Maafushi, Ukulhas, Dhigurah and Thoddoo cost far less than resorts, and public ferries are cheap. Expect no alcohol, modest dress rules and simpler transfers.

Four to seven nights is the usual minimum worth the transfer for a resort or a distant atoll. Three to four nights works for a guesthouse island. One night in Malé is common before or after a seaplane connection.

Only if you arrive from a country with yellow fever transmission, in which case proof of vaccination is required. Otherwise no vaccinations are required for entry. Keep routine jabs up to date and pack repellent for dengue.

Maldives is UTC+5 all year. Some resorts set their own island time one hour ahead, which can change your transfer and flight timings. Confirm which clock the property uses before booking a seaplane.

ATMs are available in Malé and on some inhabited islands, but not on every resort island. Carry a card plus some US dollars or rufiyaa in cash. Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked.

Type G (UK) sockets are standard, with some Type D and universal sockets, at 230 V and 50 Hz. Bring a UK adapter if you are travelling from the US, Canada or mainland Europe.

Not on a tourist visa. Remote work needs the correct permit, and immigration can refuse entry to travellers who say they will work. If you plan a long stay, arrange the right visa before you fly.

Overstaying is a serious matter and carries fines and possible detention or deportation. Apply for an extension at immigration in Malé before day 30. Keep a copy of your entry stamp and your onward ticket.

Yes. Resorts have kids' clubs, shallow lagoons and calm house reefs. Local islands are quieter and cheaper but have alcohol bans and dress rules. Check transfer times, since long seaplane rides are hard on small children.

Maldivian food centres on tuna, rice, coconut and roshi flatbread, with short eats such as mas huni and hedhikaa. Resorts serve international buffets. Vegetarian, halal and allergy-friendly meals are usually available if you ask ahead.

Drones are restricted and generally need approval before arrival. Flying near airports, resorts or inhabited islands without permission can lead to confiscation and fines. Check the current rules and ask your resort in advance.

Reef-safe sunscreen, repellent, a rash guard, flip-flops, modest clothing for local islands and a UK adapter. Bring any prescription medicine in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Leave drones and restricted items at home.

Decide resort or local island first, because that sets your transfer, budget and rules. Then pick the atoll, book flights into Velana, arrange the transfer and buy insurance. Our planning guide walks through the order.