No. Tourists are issued a free 30 days visa on arrival if they meet entry requirements (valid passport, confirmed accommodation, onward/return ticket). Check Maldives Immigration for official details.
Yes. All travellers must submit the official Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) within 96 hours (4 days) before your flight time to Maldives. Complete it at the official portal: IMUGA.
Yes. Airlines and immigration check IMUGA status. Failure to present a valid, current IMUGA declaration can delay boarding or entry. Complete IMUGA before check in.
Maldives issues a free visitor visa on arrival for 30 days (most nationalities). Extensions may be possible through Maldives Immigration under set conditions.
Airlines and authorities generally require at least 6 months’ passport validity from your travel date. Confirm with your airline as policies vary.
Passport, proof of onward/return travel, confirmed accommodation (booking), and sometimes proof of sufficient funds. Filled traveller declaration
No. Importing alcohol is prohibited for general public use. Alcohol may only be purchased/consumed on licensed resort islands. Do not bring alcohol into local islands or Malé.
Amounts of USD 10,000 (or equivalent) or more must be declared to Maldives Customs. Use the Customs cash declaration form on arrival/departure.
seaplane operators and resorts list 20 kg checked + 5 kg hand baggage per person as standard; seaplane transfers typically operate in daylight (approx. 06:00–18:00) and may not serve late international arrivals. Confirm with your resort/operator
If you miss the last seaplane window, the resort/transfer operator will arrange the next available transfer. This can include overnighting in Malé/Hulhumalé and additional charges. Always plan a backup and check transfer cut-off times before booking.
You may bring personal prescription medicine; carry the original prescription and a doctor’s note. Controlled substances may need prior approval. Check Maldives Customs if in doubt
Drone use is restricted and requires prior approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). Many resorts also ban drones for guest privacy. Always check with your accommodation and apply for permits before flying.
No. Alcohol sale/consumption is restricted to licensed resort islands and resort premises. Importing alcohol for use on inhabited islands or Malé is prohibited.
Resorts provide first aid; for serious cases they coordinate evacuation to Malé hospitals or overseas medevac. Travel insurance with medevac coverage is strongly recommended.
Yes. Do not touch coral, do not feed wildlife, use reef safe sunscreen, follow guides’ instructions and avoid standing on reefs. Many marine protected areas have stricter rules and fines
For Nov–Apr (peak season) book 3–6 months ahead for best room types and transfer slots; in peak weeks book earlier. Off peak you can often book later but transfers may still have limited windows.
Seaplane operators charge an excess fee (examples: ~US$5–10 per kg) for luggage over the 20 kg allowance; fees vary. Confirm exact excess rates with your transfer operator. Keep fragile items in hand luggage where possible.
Apply to Maldives Immigration for an extension or another visa type before expiry; extensions are discretionary and subject to requirements (funds, accommodation). Overstaying can lead to fines and deportation
There are no special restrictions for solo female travellers in the Maldives. The country is considered one of the safest destinations for women, including those travelling alone. Resorts and guesthouses provide secure environments, and local people are generally respectful and welcoming.
As with any international trip, it’s wise to follow standard travel precautions, such as respecting local customs, dressing modestly when visiting inhabited islands, and being mindful of personal belongings within resorts and tourist areas, you can feel completely at ease enjoying your holiday.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on most resort islands, though it may be limited to certain areas like the lobby or restaurants.
As of today, travellers to the Maldives should expect these compulsory taxes and fees:
Tourism Goods & Services Tax (TGST): 17% on tourism-related services (resorts, excursions, food, transfers).
Green Tax: USD 12 per person per night for resorts / tourist hotels / larger properties; USD 6 per night for guesthouses with 50 rooms or fewer. Children under 2 are exempt.
Departure / Airport Taxes & Fees: These are usually included in your ticket price for scheduled flights; airlines collect them on behalf of MIRA (i.e. you should not pay again at the airport).
No, you do not have to pay extra at the airport. The Departure Tax (DPT) and Airport Development Fee (ADF) are now collected by airlines and included in your ticket price for flights departing Maldives. Scheduled airlines are legally responsible to collect these taxes ahead of time.
Exceptions exist (e.g., charter or non scheduled flights) where the airport operator may collect them directly. But for standard international flights, your ticket should cover it.
Yes. Many resorts offer family villas, kids’ clubs and child friendly activities. Ask resorts about child age limits for excursions.
Generally no. Use bottled water in rooms (most resorts provide), and check with your resort for water safety for day trips.
You will generally be re booked on the next available transfer but may need to pay for alternate accommodation or wait in Malé; confirm contingency policies with your resort and transfer operator before travel.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Include cover for medical evacuation, diving/snorkelling, cancelled transfers and lost baggage. Resorts coordinate medevac but insurance speeds resolution.
Malé has hospitals and more advanced care; resorts provide first aid and med-evac plans. Serious treatment may require transfer to Malé or overseas. Check your insurance for evacuation coverage.
Symbolic (resort) ceremonies are widely offered; legal marriage has specific procedures and must be arranged through Maldives authorities. Confirm documentation and timescales well in advance.
Yes. Drug possession/trafficking carry severe penalties including long prison sentences. Do not bring illegal drugs into the country.
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency; USD is widely accepted at resorts. ATMs available in Malé; remote islands/resorts do not have ATMs. Bring some cash or card widely accepted.
Remote work stays are possible and the Maldives has introduced longer stay/investor schemes; check current visa categories and entry rules (investor/long stay programs change and require separate application).
Ask for a written cost breakdown before booking (transfers, seaplane/domestic flight fees, resort taxes, environmental levy). Legit operators will provide a full quote; if unclear, request itemised costs.
Snorkelling is open to everyone; diving typically requires certification for independent dives. Try an introductory course (Discover Scuba) supervised by a PADI/SSI instructor.
Yes if you follow guides’ rules: keep distance, don’t touch animals, follow boat and guide instructions.
On local islands and in Malé, modest dress is expected. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. Swimwear should be reserved for resort beaches or designated bikini beaches on local islands.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Many resorts include service charge; check bills and resort guidance.
Yes. Most resorts accept major credit cards. Small local shops may be cash only.
Maldives Standard Time: UTC +5.
Type G sockets (UK style) and sometimes Type D. Carry a universal adapter.
If you’re prone to seasickness, take meds before travel and carry them for speedboats/seaplane transfers; choose mid day transfers when seas are calmer if possible.
Some resorts and transfers are accessible, but many islands have steps and limited wheelchair access. Confirm accessibility before booking.
No. Public nudity is illegal. Resort private villas may be more relaxed but public nude sunbathing is prohibited.
Greet with a smile or “Assalaamu Alaikum.” Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) are discouraged outside resorts. Same sex handholding among friends is common but romantic displays are avoided. Respect prayer times and local customs.
The official language is Dhivehi. English is widely spoken at resorts, airports, and most guesthouses. On remote islands, English may be limited, but basic communication is usually possible.
Some local islands have community rules, such as quiet hours in the evening, especially during prayer times. Alcohol is prohibited on local islands, except on licensed resort or safari boats.
Many resorts have banned single use plastics and follow recycling or waste management programs. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bottles, bags, and avoid disposable plastics.
Yes. Island hopping is popular. When visiting inhabited islands, dress modestly, ask permission before taking photos of locals, and respect cultural norms. Resorts and guesthouses often organize guided visits.
Yes, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage, as some resorts are several hours away from emergency treatment centres.
During Ramadan, locals fast from sunrise to sunset. On inhabited islands, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight is discouraged. Resorts operate normally
Friday is the holy day; many shops and offices close during midday prayers. National holidays such as Independence Day (26 July) or Republic Day (11 November) may affect local schedules, but resorts remain unaffected.
Some NGOs and guesthouses offer eco volunteering (reef cleanups, marine monitoring). However, formal volunteering requires permits. Always join registered programs to ensure activities are responsible and legal.
Yes, the Maldives is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions. Public displays of affection are discouraged, and it's important to ask for permission before taking photographs of people, especially women.
Visitors can use their mobile phones in the Maldives by purchasing a local SIM card or using international roaming services. It's advisable to check with your home carrier for roaming charges
The dry season, from December to April, is considered the best time to visit, offering sunny weather and calm seas. The wet season, from May to October, may have higher humidity and occasional rain showers.
Yes, many resorts can accommodate special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. It's advisable to inform the resort in advance.
