Maldives
Travel Guide 2026
Everything you need to know before visiting the Maldives — from choosing the right atoll to arrival logistics, visa requirements, cultural etiquette, and insider tips from specialists who have been booking this destination for over 10 years.
The Maldives in brief: An archipelago of 26 natural atolls and 1,200+ coral islands in the Indian Ocean. 150+ resort islands. Free visa on arrival. USD accepted everywhere. Best visited November to April. The world top honeymoon and luxury beach destination.
Essential
Travel Information
Visa
Free 30-day tourist visa on arrival for most nationalities. No advance application required. Bring your passport, confirmed accommodation booking, onward flight details, and proof of funds. Extensions of up to 90 days are available through the Department of Immigration.
Currency
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency but USD is accepted everywhere on resort islands. All resort bills are settled in USD. Credit cards are widely accepted at resorts. Bring some USD cash for tips.
Language
The official language is Dhivehi. English is widely spoken at all resorts and in Male. The word "atoll" itself comes from the Dhivehi word "atholhu" — a small piece of Maldivian heritage that has entered the global language.
Religion
The Maldives is a Muslim country. On resort islands, the rules are relaxed — alcohol is served, swimwear is appropriate on the beach and pool. On local inhabited islands, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and respect local customs.
Alcohol
Alcohol is freely available on all resort islands. It is prohibited on local inhabited islands. All resorts have bars and most have extensive wine lists. Some ultra-luxury resorts have extraordinary cellar collections.
Electricity
The Maldives uses 220-240V electricity with UK-style three-pin plugs. Most resorts provide universal adapters on request. Bring a multi-plug adapter to be safe.
Time Zone
The Maldives is in the UTC+5 time zone (MVT — Maldives Time). There is no daylight saving time. The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of GMT, 4.5 hours behind India, and the same time as Pakistan.
Health
No vaccinations are required for the Maldives. Bring sunscreen, seasickness tablets for longer transfers, and any prescription medications. All resorts have basic medical facilities and can arrange evacuation if needed.
Getting to
the Maldives
International Flights
The Maldives is served by Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male, with direct connections from Dubai (Emirates, flydubai), Doha (Qatar Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), London (British Airways), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), and numerous Asian cities.
The Maldives also has Maafaru International Airport in the north — some ultra-remote northern resorts use this as an alternative arrival point, with a short seaplane connection to the resort.
Resort Transfers
From Velana International Airport, guests transfer to their resort by seaplane or speedboat. Seaplanes serve resorts across all atolls and operate during daylight hours only. Speedboats serve resorts in North and South Male Atoll day and night.
For resorts in distant atolls, a domestic flight connection followed by a speedboat may also be used. Your resort and our specialists will advise on the exact transfer for your property.
Full seaplane vs speedboat guide →Ready to plan?
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your Maldives holiday
From choosing the right atoll to selecting the perfect villa — our Maldives specialists handle every detail so you can simply arrive and enjoy.