Maldives Travel Preparation

Here's a short list of essentials to consider before you leave on your trip:

Maldives Visas

A standard 30-day no-cost visa will be issued upon your arrival. To be eligible for a visa, you'll need the following:

a valid passport
an onward or return ticket
sufficient funds for the length of your stay

You can request an extension of up to 90 days as long as you have sufficient funds and you're staying in a resort or hotel. Or you can present a letter from a local sponsor. If you stay over 60 days without a visa extension, you can face heavy fines and deportation.

Check with your travel agent prior to booking to make sure the rules and regulations for visas haven't changed recently.

There is an airport departure tax payable on departure.

Maldives Vaccinations

You generally won't need vaccinations to visit the Maldives but you can read about some precautions on our Maldives Health And Safety page.

Maldives Customs

There are a number of items that you are prohibited to bring into the Maldives:

alcohol
pork
dogs
firearms
religious idols*
pornography

* You can bring a bible or other material for personal religious observances, but you can only do this in the privacy of your living quarters.

Please note that alcohol and pork are both available for purchase within the country.

Arrival by Boat

If you are arriving by private yacht or boat, the same visa requirements apply. Maldivian customs and/or immigration officials will meet your boat, regardless of where you anchor. If you are anchoring in atolls other than Malé, you must apply for clearance in Malé first.

If you have a dog on board, the dog will not be allowed off the vessel. Any firearms or ammunition on board will be held for bond until the boat's departure.

Maldives Currency

While your resort accommodation package is prepaid, any additional expenses you incur - such as drinks and excursion fees - will be charged just prior to departure. Resorts generally accept standard credit cards or traveler's checks.

In Malé, you can use foreign currency or major credit cards for most purchases, although you may be able to exchange your money for rufiyaas, the local currency, at your resort. A rufiyaa is worth approximately 8 US cents.

You can obtain additional cash from the banks and ATMs in Malé, or from branches on some of the larger islands.

What To Pack

Clothing

Most resorts have very casual dress codes, so light summer clothing should be adequate:

casual wear (shorts, t-shirts, etc.)
beach wear
evening wear
thin rain jacket
casual footwear
dress up footware

Public Attire (Outside Resorts)
shirt or light jacket to cover arms and torso
wraparound skirts (women)

Additional Necessities

Sun cream
Mosquito repellent
Sunglasses
Cap or sun hat
First aid kit (optional)
Books or magazines
Diving certificates if you plan to dive
Money belt for excursions
Rucksack for day trips
Torch for night trips
Camera, camcorder and photographic equipment
Electricity adaptor

Once you've completed your packing, take a look at our Pre-Flight Checklist to see if you've forgotten anything.

If you spend a little time preparing for your Maldives holiday, you can let go once you arrive and give yourself over to a totally relaxing experience.

Dine Underwater
hilton underwater restaurant

The Hilton Maldives offers a range of exotic locales, including an underwater restaurant.

Pamper Yourself
maldives massage

Take advantage of the world class spa services available at many of the Maldives' best resorts.

Plan A Romantic Getaway
maldives honeymoon

This island paradise is the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding or a romantic interlude.

maldives in asia

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