maldives tourist info

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2022 & 2023, global tourism resilience award 2023, embrace the waves, foster our fehurihi, sunny side of life, explore the maldives, ensuring a safe haven, maldivian side of life, before traveling to maldives, in the maldives, experiences.

From clublike resorts to chic boutique resorts, from those which offer family fun to those that are...

If you are visiting the Maldives on business, staying at a hotel in Male’ is convenient. A range of...

Liveaboards

Liveaboards offer you the opportunity to see more of the Maldives. Liveaboards offer dedicated surf...

Guesthouses

A guesthouse stay offers a different experience. Your stay will be in a local town where you would g...

Patina Maldives In The Final Round For The Most Instagrammable Hotel In The World 2024

Patina Maldives, the only Maldivian property on The Luxury Travel  Advisor’s annual contest, has made it to the final round.  

Sun Siyam Resorts Unveils Unforgettable Eid Al Fitr Celebrations Across Five Maldivian Properties

 Sun Siyam Resorts is thrilled to announce an extraordinary lineup of events and festivities to celebrate Eid Al Fitr across its five stunning properties in the Maldives from 09th -12th of Apr...

The Cultural Treasures of Dhiffushi in the Maldives

After your trip abroad ends and you head back home, do you ever find yourself pondering the intangible yet profound souvenirs that linger in your memories? It’s not just the picturesque landscapes or

A Perfect Girls Trip to the Sunny Side of Life

Planning your dream getaway with the girls? Be it a birthday, a hen party, or just a long weekend away from the hustle and bustle of life with your beloved girlfriends, choose the Sunny Side of Life f

Wellbeing Wonders in the Sunny Side of Life

Beneath the postcard-perfect exterior of the Maldives lies a secret that attracts millions of travellers seeking something beyond just sun, sea and sand. Our idyllic archipelago isn't just a destinati

The Luxury of Slow Travel on Maldivian Waters

Picture this: You have just woken up with the sun in time to see the vibrant hues over the horizon and the shimmering lights on the vast blues. You put on your slippers and peer outside the window onl

Discover Maldives

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers. While the country cov...

While very little is known about the ancient history of the Maldives scholars and historians believe that the Maldives is an old nation populated well over 2500 years ago. The Maldivian race is the...

Although home to just over half a million people the Maldives has its own unique culture and traditions. While heavily influenced by various cultures around the rim of the Indian Ocean, the Maldivi...

The Environment

The Maldives has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet. Coral reefs are the foundation of the islands. They offer protection to the tiny islands as its natural defense system...

Explore Maldives

Whale sharks: gnaviyani atoll, whale sharks: south ari atoll, whale sharks: north male' atoll, whale sharks: baa atoll, utheemu ganduvaru (haa alif utheemu), muleeaage, the official residence of the president (malé city), hukuru miskiy & munnaaru (malé city), kuruhinna tharaagandu (kaafu kaashidhoo), old mosque (laamu isdhoo), diving in addu atoll, diving in north malé atoll, surfing in the maldives.

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Your Trip to the Maldives: The Complete Guide

Made up of nearly 1,200 coral islands strung north to south in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the most popular beach destinations on the planet. Known for world-class diving, miles of empty white-sand beaches, and resorts oozing with luxury, the Maldives isn’t always the most budget-friendly destination (though bargains can be found). But if you’re looking for mind-blowing sunsets, sugary sand, and the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen, break out your credit card and book a flight. Read on for our complete Maldives visitor’s guide, and learn the best places to stay, eat, dive, and explore in this spectacular tropical locale.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time To Visit: In true tropical island style, temperatures in the Maldives average 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) year-round, and there are only two main seasons; dry and wet. The dry season comes in fall and winter, from November through April, with temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The low, monsoon season runs from May through October, with the wettest month usually falling in June. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

Getting Around: As an island nation spread across hundreds of miles of the ocean, it’s only natural that boats are the country’s transport mainstay, so prepare your sea legs (or Dramamine). For those staying near the capital or attempting a more budget holiday, ferries are offered between some of the more populated islands in the Malé Atoll capital area. Speedboat taxis can be hired for short-distance island hopping, and private resort speedboats whisk guests away to properties in the immediate vicinity. For resorts set in distant atolls, further transport will be via seaplane or a domestic flight to one of the more far-flung airports followed by speedboat transfer to the resort.

Travel Tip: Many visitors to the Maldives must travel by seaplane to reach their final destination, so it’s important to note that seaplanes only operate during daylight hours. If your flight arrives after dark, consider staying at a nearby hotel on either Hulhulé Island or in nearby Malé city.

Things to Do

This is a country surrounded by water, water, and more water, so it's only natural that water sports have emerged as the leading activity in the Maldives. Landlubbers can bask in the sun on deserted sandbanks, or perhaps spend the day in one of the dozens of spas dotted at upmarket resorts throughout the nation.

• Diving: Some of the world's best diving can be found in the Maldives' coral atolls. Spot whale sharks and manta rays from May through November in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or dive deep with octopi and reef sharks to explore some of the area's famed shipwrecks.
• Water sports: Snorkeling, stand-up paddle, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and every other water sport imaginable are available year-round. Most resorts include access to non-motorized water sports equipment, and the larger populated islands generally have water sports rental facilities.
• Spa experiences: The Maldives is home to some of the most indulgent hotel spas in the world. These havens of tranquility offer everything from Thai massages set in overwater villas, to underwater treatment rooms, to complete detox, rejuvenation, or restoration packages. Most resorts have a spa on the property, so it's only a matter of choosing which will best suit your budget and relaxation desires.
• Nothing: Perhaps the ultimate activity of all in the Maldives is doing absolutely nothing. This definition of "nothing" means laying on a sun lounger on one of the country's best beaches , staring into the sea-green distance while sipping ice-cold coconut water and reading a novel.

What to Eat and Drink

Maldivian cuisine borrows mainly from India and Sri Lanka, which both highlight hot, spicy flavors. But in the Maldives, what you’ll eat largely depends on where you stay. High-end resorts offer a variety of a la carte local and international fare in a host of luxurious settings, including in overwater and underwater restaurants .

Budget resorts are more likely to provide buffet meals with both Western and Asian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also small local eateries and cafes on many of the inhabited islands, purveying specialties such as fish cakes, soups, and curries.

Alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives (except for tourists at licensed hotels and resorts), so don’t expect to wash down your curry with a beer in any of the local establishments. Many of the more upmarket resorts, however, have full bars, and even wine cellars with hundreds of vintages to choose from.

Where to Stay

If visitors stay in the city of Malé, it’s rarely for more than one night, as there’s not much going on in the capital other than commerce, a few restaurants, and a museum or two. Most visitors stay in one of the dozens of resorts, which are often set on private islands in one of the country’s myriad coral atolls.

Accommodations vary widely in the Maldives, from rustic local guesthouses to some of the world’s most expensive resorts. If you’re on a budget, there are a handful of guesthouses and small hotels in many of the inhabited islands, such as in the North Malé Atoll or Ari Atoll.

There are also a variety of all-inclusive resorts, which range widely in quality. Check out Adaaran Prestige Vadoo , which is only 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and has overwater villas with private pools, or the chic design and five restaurants at LUX* South Ari Atoll .

The Maldives’ lineup of five-star resorts are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Postcard-perfect beaches, overwater villas, serene spas, and private butlers are only a taste of what to expect should you choose to splurge. Some of the most popular (and expensive) options include chains such as the Four Seasons , St. Regis , and the Six Senses , plus properties like Soneva Jani , which features massive overwater villas with private pools and waterslides, or Huvafen Fushi Maldives which has the world’s first and only underwater spa.

Getting There

The gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), formerly Malé International Airport, which is set on an island adjacent to the capital city of Malé. Upon arrival, the best transport mode depends on where you’re staying. A bridge connects the airport (on Hulhulé Island) to adjacent Malé city, or there are taxis, speedboat taxis, and regularly scheduled (though not always on time) ferries.

The Maldives’ seafaring past and Indian Ocean location means the remote country has been heavily influenced by its closest neighbors, India and Sri Lanka, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. Many visitors will only see the surroundings of their chosen resort, but the Maldives possesses cultural treasures on the local islands and in Malé that are also worth exploring.

• One of the oldest mosques in the Maldives is the Malé Hukuru Miskiy, or Old Friday Mosque, which was built from ornately carved coral in 1658. The mosque is set on Hulhulé Island, an easy taxi ride from the airport.
• The Maldives National Museum in Malé is a compact yet illuminating repository for the country’s prized artifacts. Displays range from ancient to modern times and contain everything from religious carvings to whale skeletons to lacquered wood boxes handmade by Maldivian craftspeople.
• Across Sultan Park from The Maldives National Museum is The National Art Gallery. Established in 1999, this relatively new museum houses collections of Maldivian art from both past and present.

Money-Saving Tips

• May through October is monsoon season in much of Southeast Asia, and the Maldives is no exception. Although summer can sometimes bring heavy rainfall and severe storms, most often there are only afternoon showers, and risking a visit during these monsoon months (particularly June, considered the wettest month) means deep discounts compared to visiting the country during the peak season.
• Since alcohol is heavily taxed and marked-up in the Maldives, a drinks bill at the end of your trip can pose a hefty surprise. To keep the holiday stress-free and the umbrella drinks coming, consider choosing an all-inclusive package if you plan to indulge in adult libations during your stay.

The Top 11 Things to Do in the Maldives

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The Best Time to Visit the Maldives

The Top 7 Romantic Resorts in the Maldives

Guide to Velana International Airport

How to Visit The Maldives on a Budget

The 10 Best Beaches in the Maldives

Weather in the Maldives: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Top 10 Sustainable Resorts in the Maldives

18 Most Beautiful Islands in the World

The 10 Most Adventurous Things to Do in the Maldives

The 10 Best Spas in the Maldives

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Travel advice, essential maldives.

Where to stay

Where to eat

How to do the Maldives in 7 days

Kid-friendly Maldives

Browse collections

Beaches, of course.

Get out on the water

Island-hopping awaits

Maldives on a dime

Catch some waves

Make it a spa day

Dreamy infinity pools

Learn the local culture

More Southeast Asian escapes

Maldives Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing maldives.

Snorkeling! Personally, I would never go to a resort without a house reef as I would be missing out on what is the best thing about the Maldives — the underwater world! The amount and variety of fish are incredible, and for first-timers being able to swim with sharks and turtles is such an amazing experience (in fact it never gets less amazing!).

darrylpaula

Our biggest priority when choosing an island is the accessibility and quality of the house reef/snorkeling. Another must-do is watching the sunrise and sunset.

Placitasgirl

The underwater world is, of course, my number one, but watching dolphins play at sunrise is probably my number two.

For us, the Maldives is all about snorkeling. Yes, it's stunningly beautiful and totally idyllic, but what makes it utterly unique is the underwater world that is SO accessible and varied.

Swimming with the fishes (sorry, couldn't resist) in the Maldives is a life-changing experience, so far removed from most people's day-to-day life that it has the power to change your whole perspective. For many of us, there is no going back — a holiday that isn't shared with a shark or ten is just not worth the bother.

Have to say it's the diving for me, amazing corals and fish, and if you time, the months you travel and location the opportunity to dive with Manta, whale sharks or 200+ sharks at the mouth of a channel is amazing. With Fuvahmulah, the addition of tiger sharks, oceanic manta, hammerheads, and threshers makes this a one-of-a-kind location for diving. Throw in the remoteness, and on a clear night, unbelievable skies, it's a paradise hard to replicate.

What is the best way to get there?

Velana International Airport (VIA) is the only international airport in the Maldives. It offers several flights to/from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. From its location on Hulhule Island near the capital island of Male, you can grab your (usually pre-arranged) speedboat, seaplane or ferry to your destination island.

For more info, visit the  Male Airport Guide  or  Trans Maldivian Airways .

Do I need a visa?

Though a 30-day tourist visa is given to all travelers upon arrival, there are certain entry requirements, such as a passport that’ll be valid for at least six months.

For more visa info,  see here .

When is the best time to visit?

It doesn’t get much more tropical than the Maldives! And the best time to visit the Maldives is January through March, though prices may be higher this time of year. Prices are typically cheaper May through November during the rainy season. The average daily temperatures most times of the year are highs of 32 C (89 F) and lows of 26 C (78 F).

These high-speed boats are a common way to get around the islands, especially to/from the hotels and airports, but they can be expensive.

These get you to the more far-flung islands in the Maldives if you want to island-hop, but these, too, can be expensive.

Public ferries run between the inhabited islands, but schedules are often unreliable and can vary depending on the time of year. Visit here for more info.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Maldives Time.

What are the voltage/plug types?

230 V and 50 Hz with type D and G plugs.

What is the currency?

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Only in certain areas.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Is it easy to find a bank, how much do i tip.

$1-$2 per bag and a few dollars per day of your stay for the housekeeping staff.

Restaurants

Because of the service charge, just rounding up your bill is sufficient, but if the service was excellent, extra cash is always appreciated.

Spa Service

$5 per service.

Tour Guides

Tours in the Maldives can be expensive, so tips are not usually expected by guides. But, if one went above and beyond, at least $10 will suffice.

Are there local customs I should know?

The legal drinking age in the Maldives is 18.

Most residents speak English, but learning a few words of the national language Dhivehi is appreciated: “Assalaamu Alaikum” (hello); Ran’galhu, shukuriyaa (fine, thank you); Shukuriyaa (thank you).

Additional entry requirements in the Maldives include proof of pre-paid accommodations and that you have enough funds for your stay as well as confirmed onward/return tickets home. For more info, visit  here .

Environment

Coral reefs are the foundation of the Maldives, so it is very important to not disturb, touch, remove, or stand on its coral reefs when diving or snorkeling. And never leave garbage behind.

Always greet people

A courteous, formal greeting in French, “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame,” is always appreciated — this includes shop attendants, wait staff, hotel staff, drivers.

Don’t talk loudly in public

It is considered rude and ugly.

Don’t expect fast service

Sales assistants in shops or wait staff in restaurants won’t approach you straight away — giving people time and space is an important part of French culture. Also, don’t expect wait staff to give you the bill when your meal is finished, you will have to ask for it.

7 of the best places to visit in the Maldives

Feb 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Experience the best of the Maldives with these unmissable places to visit © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

The fabulous diversity of the Maldives means there’s an island for every type of tourist, from budget travelers to adrenaline junkies who dream of exploring beneath the waves.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor  on honeymoon or coming back again to gain a deeper insight into the region, here are our picks of the must-visit destinations in the Maldives.

1. Raa Atoll

Best for the diverse marine life 

The Raa Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane journey from Male ’s Velana International Airport, comprises 88 islands. Its diverse marine life, combined with its proximity to the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve , makes it a great destination for divers, many of whom come to see the manta rays that head to this part of the Indian Ocean to raise their young.

Raa Atoll resorts worthy of a spot on your bucket list include Heritance Aarah , which has fantastic sustainability credentials as the Maldives’ first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold resort. It’s also got a brilliant on-site museum, where various artifacts and a replica of a traditional Maldivian village provide a wonderful insight into the region’s history.

Additionally, the Cora Cora Maldives resort has a dive school that offers a huge range of qualifications, including Bubblemaker courses for children who fancy heading beneath the waves for the first time.

2. The Fari Islands

Best for luxury

A new concept for the Maldives, the North Male Atoll’s Fari Islands development currently comprises two resorts. The Patina Maldives  attracts a young stylish crowd with its minimalist over-water villas designed by Studio MK27 and a boutique filled with clothing curated by fashion magazine  The Rake . There's also a huge focus on art, the highlight of which is American artist James Turrell’s Skyspace , a hollow wooden structure that affords unique views of starry night skies.

At the  Ritz-Carlton Maldives , butler service comes as standard, and youngsters are kept occupied by the enormous video console-filled kids club. In 2025, a third resort, the  Capella Maldives , will be added.

3. Crossroads

Best for the range of accommodation 

Crossroads is another multi-resort complex, and it was one of the first in the Maldives. It’s also a destination in its own right – in addition to the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives , Saii Lagoon Maldives and SO/ Hotel Maldives , there’s a beach club and marina. Its proximity to Male’s Velana International Airport – it’s just a 15-minute speedboat ride away – means visitors whose seaplane flights are delayed (a regular occurance, given seaplanes are unable to fly at night) no longer have to stay in the notoriously basic hotels in the center of Male, but can head to one of Crossroads’ three resorts, instead.

Planning tip:  Got a painfully early flight home after your holiday? Rather than spending your final night in Male, where there are limited hotels, book a night at one of Crossroads’ hotels instead.

4. Baa Atoll

Best for wildlife-spotting excursions 

Baa Atoll is another popular destination for divers, snorkelers and anyone keen to check out the region’s marine life. This is where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, home to one of the Maldives’ largest coral reefs and a magnet for a wide range of species. Many visitors come to this atoll to spot manta rays – it’s home to Hanifaru Bay, where thousands of the creatures regularly gather to feast on plankton carried here by the Indian Ocean’s currents. We recommend booking a stay at Vakkaru Maldives , which offers big five diving safaris designed for guests hoping to see manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and blacktip sharks, all of which thrive here. 

Planning tip: If spotting mantas is a priority, aim to visit the Baa Atoll between June and November .

5. Laamu Atoll

Best for remoteness

One of the least developed atolls, Laamu in the southern Maldives is known for its lush vegetation, palm-fringed beaches and fabulously clear night skies (several resorts here have in-house astronomers). There’s just one resort on this atoll – the Six Senses Laamu , which is one of the best Maldives resorts for marine life due to its collaborations with the Manta Trust , Blue Marine Foundation and Olive Ridley Project , founded to protect endangered turtle species. A large number of liveaboards (boats with onboard accommodation for divers keen to visit multiple atolls) operate here.

6. Local islands 

Best for culture vultures 

There are hundreds of so-called "local islands" in the Maldives – islands which aren’t home to resorts, but local communities of Maldivians, many of whom work as fishers. While certain resorts offer day trips to local islands, it’s also possible to stay on one, in homestay-style accommodation owned by locals. These include Maafushi , which is connected to Male via a regular ferry service; Fulhadhoo, which is a two-hour speedboat ride from Male and located on the wildlife-rich Baa Atoll; and the Ari Atoll’s Hangnaameedhoo, surrounded by a beautiful coral reef.

A stay on one of these islands doesn’t just offer brilliant value for money (expect to pay between US$30 and US$60 for a night in a guesthouse) but a fantastic insight into the Maldivian way of life, and many guesthouse owners will happily arrange visits to island schools or excursions with local fishers.

7. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Best for sustainability 

The Green Globe-certified Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fush i is one of numerous Maldives resorts going all out when it comes to sustainability, but we’re flagging this particular property because it’s the one many resorts look to as inspiration. In the on-site sustainability lab, various pieces of hi-tech kit – including an extruder, which turns pellets made from marine waste into a range of products including furniture – allow staff to recycle more plastic than any other resort. It’s not just employees turning trash into treasure, either – during regular workshops, guests can make items such as earrings and toys from waste plastic. The resort also has a turtle ranger project, the Coralarium, which acts as an artificial coral reef, and an osmosis facility that allows the resort to generate its own water supply, eliminating the need for plastic bottles. 

This article was first published November 2021 and updated February 2024

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Economy
• 4.3 Culture
• 4.4 Climate
• 4.6 Visitor information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2 By boat
• 9.1 Diving and snorkelling
• 9.2 Surfing
• 10.2 Tipping
• 11.1 Maldivian cuisine
• 13.1 Resorts
• 13.2 Guesthouses
• 13.3 Village homestays
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 19.1 Emergency services

The Maldives ( Dhivehi : ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ Dhivehi Raajje ) are an archipelago in the Indian Ocean with picture-perfect beaches, strikingly blue water, and luxury resorts. There are 200 inhabited islands and 154 islands with tourist resorts. Just under the surface of the beautiful blue ocean, there's a wealth of wildlife to see: over 2000 species of fish in all colours of the rainbow roam the clear waters around the islands.

Regions [ edit ]

The Maldives are an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands formed of 26 atolls, or atholhu in Dhivehi — the source of the English word. These are not single islands, but giant ringlike coral formations hundreds of kilometres wide that have fragmented into countless islands.

Atoll naming is complex, as the atolls have both lengthy traditional Dhivehi names like Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi , and snappy code names like Baa that refers to administrative regions and may consist of more than one geographical atoll. The code names are the letters of Dhivehi alphabet, but being easier for non-Maldivians to remember and pronounce, the code names are popular in the travel industry and are hence also used here. Of the 21 administrative atoll groups, only (parts of) 10 are open to tourism, and from north to south these are:

The other atolls are Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Noonu, Haa Dhaalu, Laamu, Njyavinani, Shaviyani and Thaa.

Cities [ edit ]

• 4.175 73.508333 1 Malé — the capital and by far the largest city, crammed onto a small island and by some measures the world's densest city

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 5.333889 73.463889 1 Kuredu — one of the inhabited islands of Lhaviyani Atoll
• 4.190278 72.747222 2 Mathiveri — island belonging to North Ari Atoll
• 4.262778 72.991389 3 Rasdhoo — smallish inhabited island and the capital of the North Ari Atoll
• 4.436192 72.956261 4 Thoddoo — an isolated inhabited island that administratively belongs to North Ari Atoll . It's also the largest producer of watermelon in Maldives.
• 4.21389 72.8644 5 Ukulhas — smallish 1 km long island of Alif Alif Atoll

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

The heritage of the Maldives is told in legends, in records of old copperplates, coral-carved ancient scripts and echoes of traditional culture. The story tallies in known South Asian history with mentions of the great Mauryan ruler Emperor Ashoka.

After being a Sultanate under Dutch and British protection, the Maldives gained independence from the British in 1965 and became a republic in 1968. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ruled over the country with an iron fist and did not hesitate to jail dissidents. He was re-elected five times in more or less rigged elections. Resistance to his rule culminated in violent rioting in 2003 and 2004. Much to everybody's surprise, free and fair elections were held in 2008, and Maumoon conceded defeat to opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed, "Anni". By December 2011, though, the tables had turned. Most of Nasheed's allies had left his government and there were increasingly large anti-government protests. Nasheed resigned in 2012 under murky circumstances and then lost a controversial 2013 election to Maumoon's half-brother Abdulla Yameen, whose administration has cracked down on political freedom and imprisoned opposition figures. During his rule, Yameen withdrew the Maldives from the Commonwealth, and pivoted his foreign policy away from Maldives' traditional ally, India, to align more closely with China in exchange for Chinese investments.

In the 2018 election, Yameen was defeated by opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Despite fears that he would refuse to step down, Yameen publicly conceded the election shortly after, and handed power peacefully to his successor on 17th November 2018. Under Solih, the Maldives re-joined the Commonwealth in 2020, and has largely pivoted Maldives' policy back to India, though it has continued to maintain cordial ties with China.

The tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused extensive damage to the Maldives - of a population of only 290,000, over a third was directly affected by the tsunami and more than 15,000 people were left homeless. The economic damage alone was over 62% of the GDP or US$470 million. The immediate response from international donors and agencies mobilized more than US$400 million in aid after the disaster, much of which was used to help misplaced persons rebuild their homes and infrastructure damaged by the waves.

Economy [ edit ]

Tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Over 1.7 million tourists visited the islands in 2019. Fishing is the second leading sector. The Maldivian government began an economic reform program in 1989 by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labour. Most staple foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of shipping, boat building and handicrafts, accounts for about 18% of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is one metre or less above sea level.

Culture [ edit ]

Maldivians are entirely Sunni Muslim, and the local culture is a mixture of Sinhalese, South Indian and Arab influences. While alcohol, pork, dogs and public observance of non-Muslim religions are banned on the inhabited islands, the resorts are allowed to exist in a bubble where almost anything goes.

Note that the weekend in the Maldives runs from Friday to Saturday, during which banks, government offices and many shops are closed. You won't notice this at the resorts though, except that lunch hours may be shifted for Friday prayers.

Climate [ edit ]

The Maldives are tropical, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 26.4°C (79.52°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) throughout the year. However, rainfall increases considerably during the April-October southwest monsoon, particularly from June to November.

Read [ edit ]

• The Maldives: Islamic Republic, Tropical Autocracy by J. J. Robinson, a journalist who lived in the Maldives through some of its 21st-century political turmoil. In addition to an interesting look at what life is like for foreigners in Malé and for staff behind the scenes at the resorts, the book gives a detailed and surprisingly readable account of the complex political crises that the country experienced between 2008 and 2015.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Maldives website

Talk [ edit ]

Maldivian ( Dhivehi ), a close relative of Sinhala (spoken in Sri Lanka) but with borrowings from Urdu, Hindi, Arabic and many other languages, is the official and national language. It is written in a remarkable hybrid script called Thaana , which uses Arabic and Indic numbers as the base of the alphabet, written from right to left with Arabic vowel signs. The script is thought to have originated as a secret code for writing magical formulas so that outsiders can't read them, which would also explain why the ordering of the alphabet is, as far as linguists can tell, random.

English is widely spoken, particularly by government officials and those working in the tourism industry. English is also the language of instruction in schools. "House reef" describes a coral reef accessible from the beach or jetty, thus you may hear discussions about whether an island has a good house reef or not.

Since the Maldives are a popular destination for German and Italian holidaymakers, a sizeable number of local resort workers speak German and Italian. This may vary depending between resorts.

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ].

The Maldives have a remarkably easy visa policy: Everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided that they have a passport valid for a minimum period of 1 month from the date of entry, a return journey confirmed ticket and entry requirements to the onward destinations, a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel or proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives (US$100 + $50 per day). See the Maldives Immigration website for details.

Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours to the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA [dead link] .

Importing explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, materials deemed contrary to Islam including ‘idols for worship’ and bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol into the Maldives is forbidden and all luggage is X-rayed on arrival. Exporting sand, seashells or coral is forbidden. All dogs are banned from the Maldives. See the Maldives Customs Service website [dead link] for details.

By plane [ edit ]

Practically all visitors arrive at Velana International Airport [dead link] ( MLE  IATA ), on Hulhulé Island next to the capital city Malé . The airport is served by a wide array of flights from China , India , Sri Lanka , Dubai , major airports in South-East Asia , and charters from Europe. Many flights stop in Colombo (Sri Lanka) on the way.

If you want to get an amazing aerial view of the islands, try to get a seat on the left side of the flight.

British Airways flies directly from London Gatwick to Malé during the winter (October to March). No direct flights operate from London Heathrow, however, it is possible to get an indirect flight via India or the UAE for example. Singapore Airlines flies daily direct from Singapore to Malé, with late night timings.

Gan Airport ( GAN  IATA ), on the southern atoll of Addu , serves a few international flights.

Departure taxes are included in your ticket.

By boat [ edit ]

There are no regular passenger boats to the Maldives. Even yachts usually steer clear, as navigating around the reefs is hazardous and permits are expensive. Dogs are banned from the Maldives. Even if they remain on your boat the authorities can be extremely sketchy about this compromise, and this can put the life of your dog at risk, should the officials you are dealing with not be sympathetic to your situation. Be sensible and do not bring them into any Maldivian port.

Get around [ edit ]

There are four main ways of getting around in the Maldives: domestic flight , boat , seaplane and private yacht (liveaboard). The boats are the Maldivian equivalent of a car, while seaplanes and private yachts (liveaboards) are mainly reserved for tourists.

Seaplanes prefer not to operate at night, so if you arrive at the airport after dark and are going to a distant resort, you may have to spend the night in Malé , Hulhumalé or at the airport hotel in Hulhulé . Private transfers, though expensive can be opted for resort transfers, instead of spending the whole night at Malé City. Private transfers could cost US$500-800. On the way back, there may also be a significant gap between the time your transfer arrives and your flight departure. Check with your resort or travel agent.

No point in the Maldives is more than 90 minutes away by plane from Malé , and visitors to the more far-flung resorts use air taxi services. There are four main operators: Manta Air , Flyme operates scheduled flights from Malé to Maamigili, Dharavandhoo and Hanimaadhoo, Trans Maldivian Airways which flies DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes that take around 15 passengers. The company schedules most planes at 6PM the previous day. Delays are frequent, it is not rare to wait for 5 hours in the TMA lounge. Seaplane scheduled in the evening has a high risk of being cancelled as delays add up and the sky becomes darker, in such cases TMA will make you take a combination of domestic flight and boat, potentially making you reach your destination well after dinner time.

Scheduled inter-island services are provided by Maldivian , which flies from Malé to Gan , Maafaru, Thimarafushi, Dharavandhoo, Funadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Hanimaadhoo, Ifuru, Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, kooddoo, Kudahuvadhoo, Maavarulu, Faresmathoda, Hoarafushi, Madivaru and Kulhudhuffushi. Travel permits are no longer required.

The taxi boats generally take tourists to and from the islands in the North and South Malé atolls. They come in all different shapes and sizes depending on the quality of the resort you stay, and the Four Seasons has a large enclosed motor cruiser with drinks and food, while the lesser resorts have open-sided dhoni fishing boats.

Public dhoni ferries and cargo boats are available for more the independent-minded and budget-conscious. The main operator is MTCC , who list schedules and fares on their website.

The previous system of requiring written invitations and Inter Atoll Travelling Permits (IATP) for those wishing to visit other islands has been abolished; you're now free to travel wherever you wish. IATPs are still required if you wish to dock your own yacht, see Customs for details.

By bus [ edit ]

There are a number of bus routes around the capital including those which connects with the airport. They are run by RTL .

See [ edit ]

Most visitors come to enjoy the countless plush resorts, excellent beaches and stunningly colourful underwater life . Due to the isolated position of the island, the number of animals on land is limited, but the ocean has a wealth of wildlife. You will likely see plenty of anemones, different kinds of rays, octopus, squid and even giant clams. Whales, dolphins and turtles are spotted often. The Baa Atoll , named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011 and one of the richest coral reefs in the world is becoming the main tourist draw while also becoming an example of sustainable tourism in a protected area. In short; snorkelling or diving is an absolute must, see the Do-section below for more information.

The gorgeous and ubiquitous white sand beaches are a sight by themselves, especially with the tropical island setting they are in. A flight to one of the many resort islands gives spectacular aerial views of these picture-perfect islets, defined by rims of white sand and wide strokes of cobalt blue water.

Yet, if you can pull yourself away from your luxury holiday spot, the capital city Malé might be an interesting diversion. The bustling financial and political centre of the country has a few sights. Try the National Museum for a touch of history. While the building may not look too promising, the museum's fine collection includes beautiful Arabic and Thaana engraved woodworks, religious pieces, weaponry and other historic artefacts. The town also has a number of worthwhile mosques. The 17th-century Old Friday Mosque is the oldest one in the country, and officials are often willing to let polite and properly dressed visitors in. The Grand Friday Mosque & Islamic Centre is its 1984 modern counterpart, and dominates the city's skyline. While simple in design, the large, white marble structure and the shining gold dome is an attractive sight.

Do [ edit ]

Diving and snorkelling [ edit ]

Aside from making the water bungalow rock on your honeymoon, the primary activity on the Maldives is scuba diving . The atolls are all coral reefs hundreds of kilometres away from any major landmass, meaning that water clarity is excellent and underwater life is abundant. Manta rays, sharks, even a few wrecks, you name it, you can find it in the Maldives.

While diving is very good by world standards even in the immediate vicinity of Malé, visibility and the chance of encountering large pelagic fish increases as you head to the outer atolls. Many divers opt for live-aboards, which can work out much cheaper than paying high resort fees. Currents vary considerably, with generally little inside the atolls but some powerful streams to be found on the sides facing the open sea. Water in the Maldives is warm throughout the year and a 3 mm shorty or Lycra dive skin is sufficient. Diving is possible throughout the year, but rain, wind and waves are most common during the season of the southwest monsoon (June-November). The best time for scuba diving is from January to April when the sea is calm, the sun is shining and the visibility can reach 30 m. There are decompression chambers on Bandos in Kaafu (15 min from Malé), Kuredu in Lhaviyani Atoll and at Kuramathi on Alifu .

The one downside to diving in the Maldives is that it's quite expensive by Asian standards. Prices vary considerably from resort to resort, with specialist dive resorts offering better prices. In general, a single boat dive with your own gear cost around US$50, and US$75 without. Beware of surcharges: you may be charged extra for boat use, guided dives, larger tanks, etc. On the upside, safety standards are usually very high, with well-maintained gear and strict adherence to protocol (check dives, maximum depth, computer use, etc.) being the rule rather than the exception.

Hanifaru Bay is a protected biosphere by UNESCO and is famous for some of the largest congregations of manta rays on the planet.

Surfing [ edit ]

The Maldives is becoming an increasingly popular surfing destination. Turquoise water and perfect waves make it an ideal and uncrowded destination for surfers looking for smooth surfing conditions.

The best period for surfing in the Maldives is between March and October; the biggest waves occurring in June, July and August. This paradise is exposed to the same swells as Indonesia is, except that its higher latitude and its South-East exposure offers cooler and less hardcore surfing.

The O’Neil Deep Blue Contests held in the Maldives have placed Maldives firmly on the world’s surf map. While most of the recognized surf breaks are in Malé Atoll, there is certainly more to be discovered.

Specialized companies organize tailored multi-day boat trips in the region, allowing surfers to move easily from one point to another and maximizing the surfing time.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa , denoted by the symbol " Rf " or "MFR" (ISO code: MVR ). It is divided into 100 laari. However by law, resorts price services in US dollars and require payment in hard currency (or credit card), so there's no need to change money if you're going to spend all your time at the resorts. Most hotels have a shop but this is limited to diving and holiday essentials (sun cream, sarongs, disposable cameras, etc.) Some excursions from resorts will take you to local islands where there are handicraft type things to buy, but they are typically made outside the Maldives and sold at significant markups.

Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 laari, 1 and 2 rufiyaa. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rufiyaa. The current series of rufiyaa banknotes is printed entirely on polymer.

If you are heading to Malé City or the other inhabited atolls, exchanging some rufiyaa will come in handy. The coins, in particular, are quite attractive and make an interesting souvenir in themselves, but the smaller denominations are rarely used or seen. The rufiyaa is tied to the US dollar within a 20% band but is practically 15:1. US dollars are near-universally accepted: shops usually exchange them at 15:1 or 10:1.

Maldivian rufiyaa can be changed at Bank of Maldives in the arrival area of airport. If you want to change rufiyaa back to your currency before departure, you need to keep the receipt. After check in, at Bank of Maldives in the departure area of airport, you can change rufiyaa back to the currency you previously changed to rufiyaa, not exceeding the amount listed on the receipt. The Bank of Maldives may not have small notes of your original currency though.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tipping is not compulsory in the Maldives as a 10% service charge is added to everything, although it is not certain that the money is passed on to the staff.

Over the years the tipping culture has changed in the Maldives, mainly due to overseas visitors giving varying amounts of cash as tips.

Costs [ edit ]

Maldives is expensive for those who have comfort and service-oriented tourism in mind. Resorts have a monopoly on services for their guests and charge accordingly: for mid-range resorts, US$1000 per week per couple is a conservative budget for meals, drinks and excursions, in addition to the cost of flights and accommodation. Practically anything, including hotel rooms if booked locally, has a 10% "service charge" added, but tips are expected on top.

For an adventurous traveller who has time, Maldives can be a very affordable and rewarding experience, with prices comparable to Malaysia. A number of inhabited islands have guesthouses with typical prices €25-40 per room. On more remote islands, renting rooms in villages is possible at even less. Food is inexpensive, and fish curries are delicious. Public ferries will transfer you between different islands of the same atoll for a few US dollars (though for less obvious locations, there will typically be 1 ferry per day and no ferries on Fridays). For transfers to remote atolls, one can negotiate with cargo boats, which would often take people for €14-38, depending on the destination. Cargo boats do not have schedules and depart when loaded. One may expect 1 boat in 1-3 days for each atoll.

It is important to have in mind that staying on inhabited islands implies respecting the strict Muslim norms including no alcohol, modest dress, reserved behaviour. However, the locals are very welcoming and the experience may be much deeper and more rewarding than staying in resorts.

Eat [ edit ]

All the resorts are self-contained so they have at least one restaurant, which generally serves the type of cuisine expected by their guests (i.e. modern European or generic Asian). Breakfast is almost always included, and most resorts offer the option of half-board , which means you get a dinner buffet, and full board , which means you get a lunch and dinner buffet. These can limit the damage compared to ordering a la carte, but your options are typically very limited and drinks are often not covered, not necessarily even water. If you're planning on drinking a lot, it may be worthwhile to go all inclusive , but even this typically restricts you to house drinks.

The only other place to find food is Malé City . This comes in two forms. Either small restaurants aimed at the tourists (of which there are a couple of nice Thai restaurants), which are often expensive, or small cafes called hotaa , selling local Maldivian food at prices as low as Rf20 (US$6) for a complete meal.

Maldivian cuisine [ edit ]

Maldivian food revolves largely around fish ( mas ), in particular tuna ( kandu mas ), and draws heavily from South Indian tradition, especially Kerala . Dishes are often hot, spicy and flavoured with coconut, but use very few vegetables. A traditional meal consists of rice, a clear fish broth called garudhiya and side dishes of lime, chilli and onions. Curries known as riha are also popular and the rice is often supplemented with roshi , unleavened bread akin to Indian roti , and paaparu , the Maldivian version of crispy Indian poppadums. Some other common dishes include:

• mas huni — shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions, the most common Maldivian breakfast (eat it as is or wrap it in roshi )
• fihunu mas — barbequed fish basted with chili
• bambukeylu hiti — breadfruit curry

Snacks called hedhikaa , almost invariably fish-based and deep-fried, can be found in any Maldivian restaurant.

• bajiya — pastry stuffed with fish, coconut and onions
• gulha — pastry balls stuffed with smoked fish
• keemia — deep-fried fish rolls
• kulhi borkibaa — spicy fish cake
• masroshi — mas huni wrapped in roshi bread and baked
• theluli mas — fried fish with chilli and garlic

Drink [ edit ]

As the Maldives are Muslim, alcohol is banned from the local population. However, nearly all resorts, live-aboard boats and the Hulhulé Island Hotel (on the same island as the airport) are licensed to serve it, usually with a steep markup.

Tap water in resorts may or may not be drinkable: check with the management. Bottled water is extortionately priced, with US$5/bottle being typical.

Sleep [ edit ]

The Maldives had a longstanding policy of keeping tourists on dedicated islands, which meant they could only stay in full-service resorts where the cost of a night's accommodation started around US$200 and went up into the stratosphere, and the vast majority of visitors continue to opt for these. However, from 2008 all the islands were opened to tourism, and backpacker-friendly guesthouses starting from US$30 a night opened on inhabited islands across the archipelago.

Resorts [ edit ]

Most resorts take up their own island (1500 x 1500m to 250 x 250m), meaning that the ratio of beach to guests must be one of the best in the world and it is hard to imagine that you would ever have to struggle to find your own private piece of beach to relax on. Many have a "no shoes" policy and with such soft sands, it is easy to love this idea.

The range and themes or the resorts are impressive, and most people will find one they like. They can be grouped into three types:

• Dive resorts , designed primarily for divers. Geared expressly for people who want to spend most of their time underwater, facilities on land are limited, but the house reef is usually excellent. Often found in the more far-flung parts of the archipelago.
• Holiday resorts , designed primarily for families. These are large and have a full complement of facilities (several restaurants, day-care centres, etc.), but don't have the over-the-top luxury and have less privacy. Most of these are located on Kaafu , with easy access from Malé City.
• Luxury resorts , designed primarily for honeymooners and the jet set. The place to be if you want designer furniture, gourmet food and a plasma TV in an overwater villa reachable only by rowboat, and are willing to pay high prices for the privilege.

A Maldivian classic is the overwater bungalow , built on stilts directly above a lagoon. While these look fabulous and sound appealing, they have their downsides:

• They're usually packed tightly together, often sharing a wall, meaning little privacy.
• Especially at low tide, the water level may be too low to allow swimming or snorkelling.
• Resort facilities may be a fair distance from the bungalows.
• The lapping of waves is romantic enough on a calm day but can make it next to impossible to sleep if a storm blows through.

These factors vary from resort to resort, so research carefully. A good one is definitely worth trying at least once, but many Maldives repeaters prefer a bungalow with a private beach .

When considering where to go, factor in transport time and costs from the airport: the more far-flung resorts generally require an expensive seaplane transfer and you may have to stay overnight at the airport on the way. On the upside, the further away you are from Malé, the more peaceful the islands and the better the diving.

Many resorts, especially the smaller dive-oriented ones, cater largely to a single nationality, leading to "Italian" resorts, "Dutch" resorts, "German" resorts, etc. While almost all welcome any nationality and have some English-speaking staff on hand, you may be cut off from any evening entertainment and have problems e.g. diving if you don't speak the local lingo.

Guesthouses [ edit ]

There are guesthouses on inhabited islands, and Maafushi island is popular with looking for hassle-free accommodation of this type. Low-end prices are €25-35 per night.

Examples include: Equator Village on Addu Atoll, a former British Royal Air Force base converted to a 78-room hotel. The cost is around US$100-150 per person per day all-inclusive (including some alcohol). Another unique location is Keyodhoo Guest House, this guest house is on top of a recreation centre built by an Australian after the tsunami (US$20 pp/per night). Most visitors are scuba divers or adventure travellers. Other Inns/B&B can also be found on Vaavu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, North/South Malé Atoll and Ari Atoll Hangnaameedhoo. Only a few of these inns and B&Bs have their own pool. Confirm if bikinis are allowed on the beach. The distance between the inns and beaches are usually short, but visitors should still dress appropriately to Maldive customs.

Village homestays [ edit ]

More independent-minded travellers and those looking for cultural experience may consider renting rooms in villages. This will require either walking through the village and asking around if you're particularly confident of your social skills or inquiring in Malé City whether someone can put you in contact with their friends or relatives on a remote island for such an informal homestay. Prices can be as low as €15 per night for a clean functional room.

Learn [ edit ]

The first university in Maldives (Maldives National University) was inaugurated on 15 February 2011. Operated under the aegis of the Department of Higher Education and Training, MCHE and the Islamic University of Maldives are the only free public degree-granting institutions on the island. The college offers a range of degrees, diplomas, and certificates, with particular emphasis on engineering, health science, education, tourism, and management. The average enrolment at MCHE is around 4,000 students in long-term (that is, more than one academic year) programs and around 2,000 in short-term (shorter than one academic year) courses. State-owned institutions such as Maldives Polytechnic and TVET Maldives offers free technical and vocational training to help develop skills for employment. Several private institutions offer internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Work [ edit ]

Getting a job in the Maldives can be tricky. It is not the kind of place where you can just turn up and start job hunting. Generally, the resorts take on a mix of local and international staff so you need to approach the resort Human Resources departments. There is a good mix of jobs but a lot of the roles are diving based (divemasters, instructors, photographers, etc.)

Most resorts are predominately one or two nationalities so finding the resorts that match your language skills helps. After that experience always helps (especially for diving instructors as the Maldives are well known for their strong currents and half of the time the currents will take you straight out into the Indian Ocean).

Generally, if you get a job with a resort then they will get you a work permit and pay for your flight, food and accommodation. They don't really have much choice, it's hardly as if you can pop out to the supermarket and pick up a pizza for dinner.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Dial toll-free number 1478 or (+960) 9790070 to contact the tourist police at anytime for information or assistance.

Most visitors to the Maldives stay in “resort hotels” where crime levels are relatively low. Nevertheless petty crime, including the theft of goods left unattended on the beach or in hotel rooms, does occur. You should take care of your valuables and other personal possessions, especially when travelling in Malé City. Use safe deposit boxes on island resorts.

The sea around the Maldives can have strong tidal currents and a number of tourists drown every year. You should always take local advice before entering the sea.

You should be sensitive to local dress standards when on local islands or if staying on an island where the resort is not the exclusive property on the island – cover your shoulders and avoid short or tight-fitting shorts (men and women). Bikinis are only allowed in a designated area on some local islands. Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.

Maldives has very strong anti-drugs laws. Importing or possessing drugs can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Locals and police are likely to treat seriously the possession and consumption of alcohol, and being intoxicated, outside resorts and liveaboards.

Same-sex relations are illegal and convicted offenders could face lengthy prison sentences and fines.

Cases of sexual harassment are not rare in Maldives. Solo female travellers should be vigilant.

Blasphemy, criticism of Islam and proselytizing by non-Muslims in Maldives, including the public possession and distribution of non-Muslim religious materials (such as the Bible), is illegal.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Health facilities are established in each inhabited island with island level primary health centres, followed by a higher level of health facilities and speciality care hospitals at the atoll level, and tertiary care facilities at the urban/city level. If you fall seriously ill during your stay, you may be transported to another country for adequate medical care.

There are no serious problems with diseases in the Maldives. Beware that tap water may not be drinkable at all resorts: enquire locally. The Maldives are malaria-free, but some islands do have mosquitoes and catching dengue fever from them is possible, albeit highly unlikely. For those coming from regions infected by yellow fever, an international certificate of inoculation is required.

Most of the problems come from diving or sun-related injuries. Heatstroke always causes problems in the tropics but couple that with divers spending hours at a time on a boat wearing a wetsuit and overheating of one form or another is a real issue. Keeping this in mind, such injuries will be easily avoidable as long as you drink lots of water and get into the shade as much as possible.

Lots of the resorts have their own doctor or nurse and most are within easy reach of the decompression chambers. Malé City has efficient and fairly modern hospitals but bear in mind that it is a long way to get medically evacuated home from.

Respect [ edit ]

Much of what is considered good manners in South Asia is applicable to the Maldives.

Maldives is a highly religious country and local laws reflect the fact that the country is an Islamic country. You can very easily elicit strong responses by speaking negatively about religion, especially from an agnostic point of view.

Connect [ edit ]

There are two mobile operators: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo . Both of them sell local prepaid SIM card or eSIM with the internet connection at competitive rates. The first-mentioned of them is the leading local telecom company which has wider coverage while prices are about the same with its competitor. They both have shops right next to the airport arrivals area upon exiting. Also, both offer 4G/5G data connections. Also if you plan to sail maybe you can be interested in satellite service offered by Ooredoo.

Most hotels and cafés offer public Wi-Fi but connections are usually slow. A local mobile number is needed to purchase time at many Wi-Fi hotspots around the country.

Emergency services [ edit ]

Dial 119 or (+960) 3322111 for police, (+960) 3322211 for flight information, 118 for fire and rescue, and 191 for coast guard.

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Maldives travel guide

The Maldives is a by-word for luxury, romance and tropical bliss. A beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, they're also a paradise for diving enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike.

The country's 26 natural atolls and over 1,000 islands boast uniformly perfect coasts dropped like pearls in the warm waters of turquoise blue lagoons. With bright white powdery sand fringing most of the islands, it’s not surprising that over a million visitors come here each year.

The tourism industry began to blossom in the 1970s and now is the Maldives’ most lucrative industry. The luxury market is its unique selling point, and it is home to some of the world’s best hotels. Pretty much every resort has its own private island, complete with personal butlers and in-room massages. Such opulence has made it a firm favourite with honeymooners, who revel in the possibility of escaping to a romantic haven. The islands also offer slightly less pricey options, and some resorts are aimed at families and divers.

The Maldives are extremely low lying (80% of the territory is less than 1m/3.3ft above sea level). As such, the islands have worked hard to become one of the most environmentally friendly countries on earth and continue to so. Luxury and tourism have often been essential in providing economic benefits to local inhabitants who struggle to utilise local resources.

Recently, it has become more feasible on the Maldives for independent travellers and backpackers to avoid the luxury hotels and stay among the local people. The growing number of private guesthouses may well give the Maldives a new lease of life away from big-money tourism. What luxury means, after all, is in the eye of the beholder.

298 sq km (115 sq miles).

515, 596 (World Bank estimate, 2018).

1,102.5 per sq km (2,855.5 per sq miles).

Malé.

President Mohamed Muizzu since 2023.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Maldives set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Maldivian High Commission in the UK .

All travellers to Maldives must complete a Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA) within 96 hours of arrival and departure.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Maldives.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in Maldives. Make sure your passport is not damaged or you may be stopped by immigration. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist.

If you intend to work in Maldives, you must get a work visa before you travel .

For further information on entry requirements and visas, contact the Maldives immigration department .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Maldives guide.    

Depending on your circumstances, these may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Maldives . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

It is illegal to bring in anything deemed contrary to Islam, including ‘idols for worship’, bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Maldives  

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Maldives.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

The Maldivian authorities have disrupted a number of terrorist attack plans since 2017, and have made several arrests relating to attack planning, recruitment of terrorist fighters and spreading extremist ideology. There have been anti-Western protests by extremists on some islands, including expressions of support for Daesh.

Examples of recent significant attacks include:

• in 2021, a high-profile politician and a number of bystanders were injured by the detonation of an improvised explosive device ( IED ) in central Malé
• in 2020 there was an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan
• in 2020, knife attacks that injured 3 foreigners in Hulhumalé were claimed by Daesh supporters

Political situation

Political protests take place occasionally in Malé. Avoid any protests or rallies to ensure your safety and security.  

Crime levels are low in the exclusive resort islands, but petty crime does happen. Do not leave items unattended on the beach or in unlocked hotel rooms.

Outside the resorts, there are incidents of gang-related violence including knife crime, mainly in Malé and in Hulhumalé. Avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark.

Laws and cultural differences

Maldives is an Islamic country. It is illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam. Make sure that your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques. Violations of local laws may lead to a prison sentence.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In 2024 Ramadan is expected to take place between 11 March and 10 April in Maldives. During this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public in the daytime, outside of holiday resorts. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

Alcohol laws and bans

Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol out of your resort. You can be arrested and deported for possessing and drinking alcohol, or being intoxicated outside resorts and on inhabited islands.    

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Maldives has strong anti-drugs laws. Importing or possessing drugs carries severe penalties, up to and including life imprisonment.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to take tortoiseshell jewellery or ornaments, or pieces of coral out of Maldives. 

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relations are illegal and if you are convicted, you could get a fine or a lengthy prison sentence.    

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Local dress standards

You should be sensitive to local dress standards when outside holiday resorts, including on beaches used by locals. Men and women should:

• have shoulders covered
• avoid short or tight-fitting shorts
• have arms and upper legs covered when bathing

Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety.

The sea around Maldives can have strong tidal currents and a number of tourists drown every year. Always take local advice before going into the sea.

Scuba diving

Many resort islands are more than an hour away from the nearest decompression chamber. Make sure you understand how your dive operator would get you to one of the 3 hyperbaric chambers in the islands. 

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive a car in Maldives, see information on driving abroad .

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. 

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and minimum age 20 or 21.

There is a high risk of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

There have been attacks on local fishing sailing vessels (dhows) in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. The international Naval Counter Piracy Forces advise all sailing yachts to stay out of the designated High Risk Area because of the risk of hijack or hostage-taking for ransom by criminal groups.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Flash flooding can affect low-lying islands during periods of heavy rain. Follow the advice of the local authorities.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 102 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on recommended vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Maldives guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Maldives

Medical facilities are limited – the only fully equipped hospitals are in Malé and Hulhumalé. Most resort islands are within reach of a doctor or have their own medical facilities, but many are several hours’ travel away from emergency treatment.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Maldives.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Maldives.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Maldives

Ambulance: 102

Police: 119

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding  lawyers
• dealing with a  death in Maldives
• being arrested or imprisoned in Maldives
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Maldives and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission Colombo who provide consular assistance for Maldives.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

Maldives - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.   

If you decide to travel to Maldives:

• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Maldives.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist  plan for emergency situations.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid Must be valid for six months from expected date of departure from Maldives.

One page required for entry stamp

Visitor visa available at the airport for stays up to 30 days

Required for entry if arriving from or transmitting through a yellow fever endemic country (see below)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy colombo.

210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500 Fax: +(94) (11) 202-8590 [email protected] U.S. Embassy Maldives

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Maldives for information on U.S.-Maldives relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid passport, along with an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds, is required for entry. A no-cost visitor visa valid for 30 days is issued upon arrival. A Traveler Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically .

The  Department of Immigration and Emigration  routinely approves requests for extension of stays up to 90 days for travelers who present evidence of sufficient funds and who stay in a resort/hotel or present a letter from a local sponsor. Anyone staying more than 60 days without proper authorization faces heavy fines and deportation.

Yellow fever vaccine is required for individuals above nine months of age who are traveling to Sri Lanka from a country designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transit wait time of more than 12 hours in an airport located in such a country. For more information, please refer to WHO .

Visit the Republic of Maldives, Department of Immigration and Emigration for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Maldives.

Find Information on  dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and  customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Maldives has a low crime rate and crime on resort islands is rare. Valuables may be stolen when left unattended on beaches or in hotels. The penalty for drug use or possession is severe.

Demonstrations  may take place in response to political or economic issues, but primarily take place in Malé or other larger cities and are unlikely to be noticed by tourists.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

  International Financial Scams:  See the Department of State and FBI pages for information.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobiles devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated, and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 119 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo at +94-11-202-8500. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care ;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion;
• Provide a list of local attorneys;
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home; and
• Replace a stolen or lost passport .

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur at all tourist facilities. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

When transiting Maldives, travelers should ensure their luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, which include weapons, ammunition, alcohol, pornography, and religious material offensive to Islam, among other items. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

Religious Laws : Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. Religious gatherings such as Bible study groups are prohibited; however, a family unit may practice its religion, including Bible readings, within its residence. It is against the law to invite or encourage Maldivian citizens to attend these gatherings. Offenders may face jail sentences, expulsion, and/or fines. Although Maldivian law prohibits importing “idols for religious worship,” tourists traveling to the resort islands are generally allowed to bring in items and texts used for personal religious observances.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:   The law prohibits same-sex sexual conduct. Under the penal code, the punishment for conviction includes up to eight years’ imprisonment and 100 lashes. None of the legal provisions prohibiting discrimination covers discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and the law does not recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, and their families. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: While in Maldives, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The Maldivian constitution provides for the rights and freedom from discrimination of persons with disabilities, and parliament passed a Disability Act in 2010. The new law requires public places such as supermarkets and parks to have facilities that will enable access for people with disabilities. Despite the law, most public places do not yet have access for the disabled, and implementation of the law may take some time.

Travelers: If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the U.S. Embassy in Colombo (+94-11-202-8500). We can sometimes connect you with a non-governmental organization in the Maldives that may be able to provide assistance. 

If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women .

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime committed in the Maldives.

See our tips for  Women Travelers . 

For Ambulance services in the Maldives, dial 102.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Malé/Hulhumalé. Available ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Some inter-island sea ambulance service is available via the Maldivian Navy but does not serve the entire country.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Maldives.

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• and General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medical Facilities: There are three large hospitals in the Malé area: ADK Hospital, Tree Top Hospital, and the government-run IGMH. Medical facilities outside Malé are limited. Hospitals and doctors typically require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. The availability of medical supplies is uneven and many common medications used in the United States are not available in Maldives; therefore, travelers should always carry any prescription medications with them.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recommended vaccines that are specific to this region include Japanese encephalitis and typhoid (and rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis only if exposure to bats is anticipated).

Pharmaceuticals : Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Please visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Maldives Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Maldives.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassy and Consulates.

Water Quality : You should use ONLY boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, and for beverages.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Traffic Safety, Road and Aviation Conditions: While in Maldives, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Maldives is provided for general reference only and may vary by location or circumstance. 

Only a few of the islands are large enough to support automobiles. Maldives has good safety standards for land, sea and air travel. Roads in Malé and on the airport island are brick and generally well-maintained, though congested. Dirt roads on resort islands are well-kept by the resorts. Transportation in Malé is either by foot, by bus, or by readily-available taxis that charge a fixed fee for any single journey. Transportation between the airport and Malé is by vehicle or by a public ferry. Travel to nearby resort islands is usually by motorized water taxi and speedboat or seaplane. Trans Maldivian and Maldivian Air Taxi provide charter seaplane service to outlying islands during daylight hours. Maldivian, Manta Air, and Villa Air run fixed-wing domestic service to some of the atolls with land runways during night hours as well. Many resorts stop boat transfers between the airport and the resort island after sunset. Visitors to distant resorts arriving in the country at night can expect to stay overnight at a hotel in Malé or at the airport hotel and should confirm transfer arrangements in advance. 

See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Visit the website of the Official Travel Guide of Maldives and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Maldives, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Maldives’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the Republic of Maldives should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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21 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE MALDIVES FOR THE FIRST TIME

Wondering what you need to know before travelling to the Maldives? Have burning questions about what to expect on your Maldives holiday? This is your one-stop comprehensive guide for Maldives travel information.

1.WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT MALDIVES?

The weather is most favourable during the dry season from November through to April. Peak tourist season falls inside this period, from Dec – Feb. Prices are most expensive & availability is in high demand during this time. The wet season runs from May through to October & travellers can certainly expect sunny spells within this period. Prices are less expensive during these months, with many travel deals on offer. The surf season is the same as the wet season (April – October) & diving can be year round, island depending.

2. WHICH AIRPORT DO I FLY TO IN MALDIVES?

Velana International Airport (Malé). The airport is located on Hulhule Island, which is actually attached to Hulhumale Island (the transit island). Hulhumale Island is accessible via taxi& bus and is ideal for travellers arriving late at night. The capital cityof Malé is also close by – just a 5 minute ferry ride / 10 minute taxi ridefrom the airport.

3. DO I NEED A VISA FOR MALDIVES?

Maldives Immigration issues a 30 Day Tourist Visa On Arrival to all nationalities, subject totourists being able to produce a passenger arrival card (given in plane or upon arrival inside airport), a confirmed reservation for each night of theirintended stay and documentation for a departing flight. Tourists may be requested to produce these items to an Immigration Officer upon entry into Maldives, soplease be prepared – save a copy to your smart phone or have these printed beforehand.

At Indulge Maldives Holidays, we provide you with an Immigration voucher that you can produce, containing all of your travel details. All passengers arriving in Maldives must havea machine-readable passport in order to be allowed entry. Your passport must also have at least 6 months validity from your departure date from Maldives to be granted the Tourist Visaon Arrival.

4. DO I NEED TO HAVE MALDIVES ACCOMMODATION PRE-BOOKED?

Yes. All tourists must have a valid hotel reservation for the duration of their stay as this is a condition of entry to be granted the 30 Day Tourist Visa on Arrival.

5. WILL SOMEONE GREET ME AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL?

Yes. Once you arrivein Maldives, you must first clear Immigration. From the moment you step throughthe automatic sliding doors of the arrival hall, the resort or hotel staff ofwhere you are staying will greet you with their property signboard. If staying at a resort, you can alternatively proceed to the respective resort counterinside the airport. The resort / hotel representatives will assist you with your speedboat, sea plane or domestic flight transfer. Upon your departure from Maldives, the property will again assist you with your return to the airport toensure a smooth departure process from Maldives.

6.  CAN I ARRANGE ISLAND TRANSFERS FROM THE AIRPORT IN MALDIVES?

No. It is not possible to arrive in Maldives & book yourself atransfer from the airport. There are no public ferry, speedboat, sea plane or domestic flight services available from inside the airport. All transfers must be pre-booked through your tour operator, guesthouse, hotel or resort. Speedboat transfers to islands may only run once daily & need to be timed with flights. Our team has knowledge of all island transfers & can assist you with this. For more details on types of transfers & how to arrange, please read our ‘How to book a Maldives Island Transfer’ guide here.

All transfers are dependent on weather conditions and are subject to change, pending poor weather. Transfers are often combined with other flights so there may be a short wait upon arrival / and on departure. Your island representative will advise you of this when meeting you at the airport.

7. WILL SOMEONE GREET ME WHEN I ARRIVE AT AN ISLAND? 

Upon arriving at your intended holiday island, a representative from the guest services team of your hotel, resort or guesthouse will meet you on the jetty. Transport to the hotel will beprovided. You will be assisted with your check in process and escorted to your room shortly after arrival.

8. ARE ANY ITEMS PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING MALDIVES?

Yes. As the Maldives is 100% Muslim country, no alcohol, pork, pornography, religious artifacts,idols of worship, narcotics and psychotropic substances, explosives or weapons are allowed to enter Maldives. When departing Maldives, no sand, turtle shells, seashells or marine products can be taken out of the country by tourists.

9.  WHERE CAN I PURCHASE ALCOHOL IN MALDIVES?

Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation, meaning the sale & consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Alcohol cannot be brought into Maldives & it is not sold induty free. Resorts & liveaboards/safari boats are the only exception where guests can freely enjoy alcoholic beverages during their vacation. If staying on a local island, there is no alcohol sold due to the strict Islamic laws. Travellers can however visit a designated floating bar boat located off selected islands (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo), & purchase alcoholic drinks for consumption onboard. Budget approximately US$10 per drink on safari boats.

10. WHAT IS THE MAIN CURRENCY USED IN MALDIVES?

The main currencies used in Maldives are US Dollars (USD) & Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).The official exchange rate is USD$1 = 15.42 MVR.

LOCAL ISLAND VACATIONS: We highly recommend using MVR / USD cash on local islands. Travellers should withdraw or exchange MVR cash on arrival at the airport. It is only possible to withdraw MVR currency from ATMs. Please note currency conversion rates & international bank fees will apply. Travellers cannot withdraw USD cash from ATMs. Not every local island will have ATM services available, so it is best to withdraw MVR cash at the airport onarrival. If paying in USD cash, it is common for change to be given in MVR. The standard conversion rate of USD & MVR is USD$1 = 15.42MVR will be applied. The use of Credit / Debit Cards is very limited on local islands.

RESORT VACATIONS :  We highly recommend using USD / Credit / Debit cards at resort islands. There is no cash withdrawal services on resort islands. MVR currency will not be accepted on resort islands.

MVR can only be exchanged back into your original currency upon your departure from Maldives, only if you have the original receipt issued to you on your initial exchange, at the airport Bank of Maldives exchange counter.

11. DO I NEED TO TIP IN MALDIVES?

Tipping is not compulsory in Maldives, however if you are happy withthe service you have received by the local people who take care of you during your Maldives vacation, a tip is would be appropriate & very much appreciated by the local people as wages are considerably low in Maldives. The amount to tip is completely up to you and your budget, however as a generalized guide, a tip of USD$10 (150MVR) – $20 (300MVR) would be appropriate. Also note,you will not be haggled in Maldives as this is against cultural customs and traditions.

12. ARE THERE TOURIST TAXES IN MALDIVES?

All service industry purchases such as accommodation, restaurants, cafés & excursions will attract a 10% service charge & 12% Government Tax. For accommodation a mandatory government Green Tax of USD$3 per person per night is charged by local island properties & USD$6 per person per day by resorts. Our Indulge Maldives Holiday packages are inclusive of all taxes, however if eating out or purchasing additional excursions, please note that the above may apply. The airport departure tax of US$25.00 is included when you purchase your airline ticket.

13. DO MALDIVIANS SPEAK ENGLISH?

Yes – almost all Maldivians speak fluent English. Dhivehi is the national language and it uses its own alphabetic system, reading from right to left.

14. DO I REQUIRE ANY VACCINATIONS BEFORE TRAVELLING TO MALDIVES?

It is always advisable to discuss with your doctor before travelling to Maldives for current up to date information. We recommend ensuring your Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B and Diphtheria vaccinations are up to date. Whilst there is no Malaria in the Maldives, Dengue Fever is often present. Wearing mosquito repellent is recommended, especially around sunset. We advise to bring medication to treat common conditions such as travellers diarrhoea & vomiting.

15. DO ANY DRESS CODES APPLY IN MALDIVES?

If staying at a resort island – you can wander around in your bikini all day if you please.

When staying on local islands, it is however important to dress a little modestly when moving through the local village area & passing by the houses where local people and children live. This aims to prevent offending Maldivian locals. Local island tourism is still quite new in Maldives, and local people are adjusting to having tourists on their islands. Wearing longer skirts, dresses, shorts, thick-strapped singlet tops & t-shirts is considered appropriate when walking through the village areas. Never walk through a village island wearing only a bikini, as this is strictly against local laws.

Walking around the beach & tourist areas of an island, it’s generally acceptable to wear shorts & singlets, having arms / legs exposed. Tourists must only wear bikinis at the designated bikini beaches of an island. Always check first if it is a bikini beach before swimming. Your guesthouse or hotel can advise you on this. It is necessary to wear a sarong, light beach dress, t-shirt & shorts etc when moving to & from a bikini beach. Bikinis are also fine to wear on sandbanks, snorkeling trips, & at resorts – always ask your guesthouse /hotels if you aren’t sure if your clothing is appropriate.

If visiting the capital city Malé, we recommend to dress modestly – knee length shorts & t-shirts as a minimum.

16. CAN I DRINK THE WATER IN MALDIVES?

No, not unless you like drinking salt water!

Each hotel will provide bottled drinking water for guests. It’s also easy to purchase extra water bottles from local shops, for around 30c for 1L. If you bring a refillable drink bottle, this will help to cut down on plastic as re-fill stations are available. Brushing your teeth with the water is fine.

17. DO MALDIVES HOTELS HAVE WIFI / WILL I NEED A SIM CARD?

WiFi is supplied by some hotels & guesthouses. The Maldives has a fast and reliable internet connection. If you wish to connect to internet when you are out & about each day, it may be advisable to purchase a SIM card. This is easy to do at the airport from Ooredoo & Dhiraagu, the two main phone/internet coverage providers in Maldives. USD$20 will provide around 3-5GB of data.

18. WHAT TYPE OF ELECTRICAL ADAPTOR WILL I REQUIRE FOR MALDIVES?

The three-pin (British style) socket is mostly used in Maldives. Some guesthouses provide international powerpoints and will have adaptors available for hire, however weadvise on bringing your own.

 19.  WHAT SIZE SUITCASE SHOULD I BRING TO MALDIVES?

You will probably have a 30kg luggage limit with your airline ticket, however this isn’t to say that you will need to bring 30kgs of luggage to Maldives! Remember you will be travelling via speedboat and you may need to carry your luggage on and off boats. You may also need to wheel / lift your suitcase through sandy roads at times.

20.  DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

YES – this is a must when travelling internationally & should be arranged at least 1 week in advance of your trip commencement. Travel insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment, travel misadventure & baggage mishaps. Always read your policy in depth before purchasing. Travel Insurance is compulsory in joining our retreats.

21. WHAT TO BRING TO MALDIVES

Maldives is a tropical destination so daytime temperatures are usually around 28-30 degrees.

We recommend bringing:

• Lightweight,comfortable & cool clothing
• Atleast one or two modest outfits to wear through island villages / to Malé City e.g. long skirt / pants / long dress / t shirt / long sleeve top
• Day time casual clothing for the islands – shorts, t-shirts, skirts, singlets etc
• Smart casual clothing for any special dinner nights / resort day trips
• Shoes– thongs/flip flops or sandals. No need for enclosed shoes unless you want to workout. Possible booties for surfing.
• Bikinis, swimmers, rash vests, board shorts
• Sunglasses & hats
• Dive certification & log book if you wish to dive
• Electricalchargers, cables & batteries
• Electrical  equipment: ipad / phone / laptop / camera / go-pro
• 50+Sunscreen
• Mosquitorepellent
• Motionsick tablets / wristbands
• Prescriptionmedication along with actual prescription
• Aftersun gel
• Moisturiser
• Beach Towel – often be supplied by hotels
• Hand Sanitiser
• Ear plugs & eye mask
• Travel Money Card
• USB– for photos

BOOK YOUR MALDIVES TRIP WITH US…

We love providing affordable & personalised service for our guests. We take care of everything from the planning right through to your departure from Maldives. We offer you:

• The very best rates – cheaper than your will find anywhere online
• We match your holiday wish list to the perfect island & property – saving you time & money.
• Free Maldives phone / email consultation
• A complimentary Maldives holiday itinerary
• Free FAQ Guide to Travelling the Maldives for the First Time
• Free 18 page Maldive on A Budget e-book
• Arrange all excursions & island transfers in accordance with your flights
• We are also Surf Travel Specialists
• Professional Photography Services (drone, underwater, lifestyle)
• We are available on What’s App throughout your entire stay in Maldives should you require assistance during your stay

CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY 

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INDULGE MALDIVES

Indulge Maldives Holidays is an exclusive Maldives Travel Agency. We specialise in both affordable & luxury vacations to Maldives, group style island hopping retreats & surfing holidays. Our Australian Founder & Travel Specialist Kristie has lived in Maldives for almost 8 years & has travelled to over 50 Maldives islands. She works alongside Maldivian locals & takes exceptional care of her clients'​ needs, from planning to departure. Indulge Maldives proudly partners with over 30 local island hotels & 60 Maldives resorts. Our holiday packages start from as little as US$50 per night. Contact Kristie today & let her help you create your dream Maldives vacation, no matter your budget!

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Home » Travel Guides » Maldives » 15 Best Places to Visit in Maldives

15 Best Places to Visit in Maldives

Left to the mercy of the soft and lapping Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives have been sculpted and formed into unquestionably one of the most quintessentially beautiful tropical places on the globe.

Ranging from the powdered beaches of the northern atolls to the earthy sea shacks and fishing hamlets of the southern isles, the whole nation can be found strewn across the turquoise waters some way from the Indian subcontinent.

Most visitors will land in the throbbing, pulsing city of Male, packed onto its own pinprick of an isle and boasting spice-scented markets and great mosques.

Most also don’t linger long before they hit the seaplanes or boats and make for the shimmering private bays of their chosen resort, where infinity pools and over-water cabanas are the norm.

More recently, new local guesthouses and the discovery of rolling waves have begun transforming the Maldives from honeymoon hotspot to surfing, adventure and backpacking destination – paradise is now open to all, it seems.

Lets explore the best places to visit in the Maldives :

Thrumming with scooters and cars and Indian bazaars stacked with coconuts and spice, the city of Male – the capital of the Maldives atolls – has the frenetic feel of a place crammed into a slot that’s too small for it.

And that’s because it is.

Although rarely visited (most travelers bypass the city on seaplanes heading straight for their resort), the town is crammed onto a pint-sized islet in the North Male Atoll.

It manages to fit some fascinating sights between its streets though, like the 17th-century Friday Mosque and the gold-tipped Islamic Centre.

Male Market is another must – just be sure get your haggling skills up to scratch.

2. Hulhumale Island

Sat just across the sparkling waters from the capital of Male, the island of Hulhumale is forever growing and growing as more and more land is reclaimed to house the sprawling urban tendrils of the city.

It’s also the home of the Velana International Airport, which is the main gateway to these paradisiacal islands for most.

However, don’t be put off by how all that sounds – Hulhumale is actually a charming place.

It’s got a gorgeous – if artificial – beach on its eastern haunch, a clutch of leafy neighborhoods, a glass-topped mosque, and planned promenade walkways above the Indian Ocean.

3. Maafushi

Maafushi might not have the sprawling luxury resorts and opulent 5-star hotels that many of its nearby brothers do, but it’s got plenty of charm.

Sadly ravaged in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the place has been busy rebuilding its salt-washed fishing jetties and industrious sailor huts in the last decade.

Something that’s helped is the opening up of rights to local guesthouses, which is transforming Maafushi into one of the top off-beat island getaways for budget travelers.

Of course, you can expect gorgeous beaches backed with palms, lapping waves, and a clutch of homey little coffee shops on the shore.

Sat on the far northern reaches of the Haa Alif Atoll, itself the northernmost of all the Maldivian island chains, the beautiful site of Utheemu holds a special place in the history of this archipelago nation.

That’s because it was once the home of the revered Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu – the leader who’s credited with driving out Portuguese invaders from the isles in the late 16th century.

Of course, there are the usual sparkling white sands and lapping Indian Ocean waves, but these are punctuated by heritage sites like the Utheemu Ganduvaru, which is the gorgeous timber-built palace where the respected leader grew up.

Feydhoo’s story is a curious one.

In the 19th century, the people now living between the leafy streets and tight-knit housing blocks here were the inhabitants of nearby Gan island (more on that one later). When the British came in the run up to WWII, Gan was transformed into an airbase, and the locals were shipped out to live on the next island along in the Seenu Atoll.

That was Feydhoo, which is today a pretty picture of lived-in Maldivian life.

Come and stroll the winding walkways and sample seafood curries with the locals – the welcome is always warm.

6. Maradhoo

Joined at the hip to aforementioned Feydhoo by a seaside causeway that runs just above the coral-fringed shores of the Seenu Atoll, Maradhoo is a major link in the island chain that starts with Gan to the east.

Long and thin, it juts out into the Indian Ocean like a finger fringed with narrow beachfronts and swaying groves of coconut palms.

As in Feydhoo, the locals are laid-back and lovely, and the cuisine is spicy and rich in seafood.

Be sure to take a walk down Link Road and flit between the coffee shops and sandwich vendors that meet between the palm trees there.

7. Veligandu Island

Romantic sunsets glow red and yellow over the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean; cocktails clink in the resort’s luxurious bar; sea kayaks bob on the turquoise shoreline, and crystal-clear waves roll in softly from the inland lagoon.

Welcome to uber-beautiful Veligandu Island, which has long been championed as one of the top destinations in the Maldives for couples.

Honeymooners and newly-weds are a common site on this long, thin finger of land on the western edge of the North Ari Atoll, and there are plenty of opulent seaside villas and suites to match.

8. Banana Reef

Many travelers heading to the islands of the Maldives will be coming for one thing and one thing only: diving.

And there’s hardly a single better place to don the SCUBA gear and wetsuits in the country than at the Banana Reef.

This fruit-shaped dash of multi-colored corals and seaweed-clad sandbanks lies underwater between the isles of the North Male Atoll.

It’s served by countless outfitters, who lead excursions to uncover the striped snappers and bulbous sponges, the reef sharks and the barracudas that all coalesce here.

9. Thulusdhoo Island

It’s the spirit of the salt-washed Caribbean that seems to drive Thulusdhoo Island.

Largely undiscovered, this speck in the Male Atolls is ringed by wide spaces of sand from which bulbous coconut trunks sprout by the hundred.

The beaches are – naturally – great, and the locals love to draw in their fading fishing boats to flint up a good sizzling seafood barbeque now and then.

That all fits perfectly with the other pastime of travelers on Thulusdhoo: surfing.

Look for the fun left-hand rollers that turn into barrels off of Villingilimathi Huraa close by.

10. Fuvahmulah

Fuvahmulah promises something a little different to the rest of the Maldivian atolls.

For starters, this speck on the map of the Indian Ocean doesn’t really have any near neighbors, and it occupies an atoll all of its own.

It’s also peppered with the occasional inland lake, which is a rare sight to see in this flat-lying country.

Meanwhile the sandbanks that ring popular Banging Beach make for some crashing rollers and refreshing salt-spray (a break from the usual relaxing lapping lagoons), and the proximity to the Earth’s equator means steamy weather throughout the year.

11. Alimatha Island

Perched on the eastern edge of the Maldives, in the famous Felidhe Atoll, Alimatha is a great tourist island that offers luxury cabanas, untouched stretches of pristine sandy beach, and – most importantly – some of the most celebrated SCUBA diving spots around.

The resort that covers the island can often be seen packed with eager divers, who all come to seek out the pretty coral groves and sea walls that surround the shores.

These are packed with jackfish, morays and eels, and are known for their high visibility and popular night diving packages.

12. Hithadhoo

Large (at least for a Maldivian island) and highly-populated (again, at least for a Maldivian island), this sub-section of Addu City in the old Seenu Atoll can be reached on the same causeways that connect Gan to Maradhoo.

On its southern edge, the place is given away to mangroves and marshes and shrub land, while the north side of the island is packed with cafes and bakeries and the occasional set of looming minarets that rise from the local mosques.

More than anything, Hithadhoo oozes a charming lived-in vibe; one that’s difficult to discover elsewhere in the resort-heavy country.

Kuredu is the self-proclaimed jewel of the Lhaviyani Atoll, which makes its home in the central-north reaches of the Maldivian archipelago.

A boomerang-shaped isle, it’s entirely covered by a single resort, which offers rustic bamboo shacks and rows of those ubiquitous over-water bungalows with verandahs above the waves.

The whole place is completely surrounded by its own private fringing of powdery sand, and is considered one of the most advanced SCUBA and snorkeling destinations in the country – strong currents and high waves often make it difficult to see the manta rays and tropical schools.

Unusually, Kuredu also plays host to a full 9-hole golf course.

Gan is primarily known for its airport, which is the second-largest airport in the entire Maldives and a famous former airbase for the British Royal Air Force during WWII. Today, the island has shed its old military importance in favor of tourism, and it’s slowly rising to become one of the most popular spots in the Addu Atoll.

It’s not just the accessibility (thanks to the airport) that draws the crowds either, because Gan has earthy little fishing restaurants and small stretches of shimmering sand that are usually totally empty of visitors. Nice.

15. Kunfunadhoo Island

If you’re after the fabled luxury and romance of the Maldives, then it’s likely that the opulent resort on Kunfunadhoo Island won’t disappoint – it’s continually hailed as the most indulgent place to stay in the country.

Visitors enter through a thatched timber great hall that hides between groves of coconut palms.

From there, it’s onto the cocktail decks that soar on stilts above the jungle, or out to the beaches where candles flicker in the sultry sea breeze.

Add in a couple of infinity pools, swim-up bars, and the chance to dine on a private little sandbank with only the Indian Ocean waves as a backing track, and it’s easy to see why this one’s so popular!

15 Best Places to Visit in Maldives:

• Hulhumale Island
• Veligandu Island
• Banana Reef
• Thulusdhoo Island
• Alimatha Island
• Kunfunadhoo Island

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"A Tropical Haven For Honeymooners"

Maldives tourism.

The Maldives is an archipelagic state situated in the Indian Ocean known for its luxurious water villas. A tropical haven of white sand beaches, the Maldives is located in the south of Sri Lanka and is ideal for an adventure, honeymoon, or leisure holiday. The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands grouped into natural atolls. However, only 200 islands are inhabited. Each resort generally occupies an entire atoll. Imagine having a room on a pier jutting out from the shore with a glass floor under which manta rays and reef sharks can be seen swimming, and step out from your overwater bungalow to the view of turquoise water.

Comprising of 26 atolls (ring-shaped coral reef that encircles a lagoon), the Maldives is renowned for its incredible diving opportunities, Maldives' azure waters are home to diverse marine life and corals of distinct hues. The capital city of Male is both commercial and financial capital. Seat to the executive, legislature, and judiciary, this city has the most well-connected international airport. The history lovers will be satiated here, given Male houses several buildings and monuments of historical importance. Male is accessible by ferry boats from the international airport. Travel to other islands in the Maldives is also quite feasible from Male due to the excellent ferry and seaplanes connectivity, though it is quite expensive.

Must Know Before You Travel to Maldives

• Speedboats - Ideal for South and North Male Atoll. Located close to the airport (15-40mins). Perfect for catching a flight any time
• Domestic flight+ Seaplane - Ideal for Southern and northern part of Maldives. Lands at a smaller island that connects with a speedboat to another island where resorts are located (above 1 hour - 30-40 min flight +speedboat)
• Seaplane - Ideal for outlying islands. Only operate during daylight hours between 6 AM - 4 PM. Has a frequency of half-hour or 1 hour. If you land in the evening, you need to book one night stay at a hotel on Hulhumale or Male island
• Budget Accommodation - Stay at Hulhumale or Maafushi Island if looking for budget hotels. These islands are also close to Male Airport. There are many other  local islands as well, but the ferries will cost around 60 USD per person to reach there. You will have to get in touch with the homestay or hotel owners to help you book seats in the ferry and for the schedule.
• Liquor - It is prohibited to have liquor on Maldivian land. Some hotels in Hulhumale and Maafushi have speedboat which takes you into the water where you can have liquor. Private island resorts have licenses for serving liquors.
• Food - Opt for full board or all-inclusive plans when booking a hotel. The all-inclusive plan has in-house liquor (and in-house activities) while all meal/full board plan has all meals included in the package. Food is generally expensive in the Maldives
• Indian Food -  The majority of the resorts in the Maldives have Indian food available
• Card - American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, and Euro Card are accepted almost everywhere in Maldives.
• Green Tax is to be paid by each person (adult & kid both). It is often included in the packages or hotel cost.
• It is illegal to carry corals, shells and other things found in the sea, home from the Maldives
• Importing liquor is prohibited in Maldives

Things To Do In Maldives

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FAQs on Maldives

What is famous about maldives.

• The Maldives is a safe place to travel for tourists from any country to travel and enjoy.
• It is the perfect place if you are planning your honeymoon or a romantic getaway with your partner.
• Great place for an idyllic and leisure vacation and must go for all history lovers, or if you are just looking to spend some peaceful time by the ocean.
• Most people converse in English making it easy to communicate.

What is not so good about Maldives?

• The Maldives does not serve alcohol to the locals, however, if you are a non-Muslim and above the age of 18, liquor will be served at some of the hotels but it will be at quite an exorbitant price.
• Accommodation, food as well as travel are also quite expensive.
• It is also recommended that you refrain from showing affection on the street since it is frowned upon and the country does not encourage the public display of affection.
• Friday and Saturday is considered as a weekend

Who should visit Maldives?

What is the best time to visit maldives, what is the local food in maldives, how much does a package cost for maldives, what are the things to do in maldives, what are the places near maldives, have a question on maldives.

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This beautiful string of coral islands in the Indian Ocean must surely qualify as being an earthly paradise and most visitors to the Maldive islands enjoy a warm welcome and experience a true feeling of peace and tranquillity. These islands, however, are noted for their stormy past both physically and politically and even in recent years, there has been much unrest. From an environmental point of view, the future of the Maldives is even more uncertain and as the world’s lowest country, the threat of rising sea levels presents a very real possibility that these islands could become uninhabitable in the relatively near future and disappear completely within a short geological time-scale. So welcome to Beautiful World’s travel guide where you can learn all about the Maldives, what the Maldives are and where they are located.

Maldives Facts &  Information

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time +5 hours Religion: Islam. It is illegal to openly practice any other form of religion. International Dialling Code: +960 Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa Language: Maldivian, also known as Divehi. English is also widely understood and used especially in tourist regions. Flag: The Maldivian flag is green with a red border and a central white crescent.

Where are the Maldives located?

The Maldives are a large group of islands located to the south-west of the southern tip of India. These are coral islands which have formed on the tops of a range of submerged mountains known as the Chagos-Maldives-Laccadive ridge which runs approximately in a north-south direction, straddling the equator. Covering an area of 298 sq km, this is the smallest country in southern Asia in respect of land area but is also the most widely dispersed country in the world consisting of 1,192 separate islands spread over a length of 820 km and a width of 130 km.

The Maldive Atolls

The whole of the Maldives forms part of a large archipelago of geologically linked islands but they are formed in characteristic shapes known as atolls. Atolls are frequently encountered in coral island groups and individual atolls often form a circular shape enclosing an area of sheltered water. The islands themselves also typically form a roughly circular shape with a central lagoon which may be completely or partially enclosed. In many cases several different islands may share the same lagoon and there are many other small islands which do not conform to this pattern.

The Maldives comprise of 26 individual atolls but, for administrative purposes, the Maldivian government has split the islands into 20 different named atolls each of which has an administrative code, usually a letter or two, which is useful when identifying a particular island as the same island names frequently appear throughout the Maldives. The administrative atolls and their identification codes are as follows:

Haa Alif Atoll (HA) Haa Dhaalu Atoll (Hdh) Shaviyani Atoll (Sh) Noonu Atoll (N) Raa Atoll (R) Baa Atoll (B) Lhaviyani Atoll (Lh) Kaafu Atoll (K) Alif Alif Atoll (AA) Alif Dhaal (Adh) Vaavu Atoll (V) Meemu Atoll (M) Faafu Atoll (F) Dhaalu Atoll (D) Thaa Atoll (Th) Laamu Atoll (L) Gaafu Alif Atoll (GA) Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (Gdh) Gnaviyani Atoll (Gn) Addu Atoll, previously known as Seenu Atoll, (Seenu)

What is the Correct Pronunciation for the Name Maldives?

There are some variations in the way that the name “Maldives” is pronounced. In the UK, the most common pronunciation is Moll-Deevs, rhyming with Doll Leaves, with the first syllable being most heavily stressed. Mall-Deeves, rhyming with Pal, is also used. In the US, a pronunciation of Moll-Dives rhyming with Doll Hives is the usual pronunciation with the stress usually, but not always, being placed on the second syllable.

What is the Origin of the Name Maldives?

There is some uncertainty regarding the origins of this country’s name. The word certainly comes from languages used by early inhabitants and Malayalam, Sanskrit, Sinhala and Tamil have all been suggested. It is generally accepted that “Dive”, with variations in spelling, means “island”. The Maldivian people are referred to as “Dhivehin” meaning islanders. There is also general agreement that “Mal” is translated as “garland”. The name Maldive therefore means “Garland Islands” and would seem to be completely appropriate when considering the garland-like shapes of the atolls. When the islands were under Dutch control, they were known as “Maldivische Eilanden” and the British merely anglicised the name firstly to “Maldive Islands” and subsequently to “Maldives”. Officially the name of the country is “The Republic of Maldives”.

How were the Maldives Formed?

The island archipelago of which the Maldives is part is the uppermost part of a submarine mountain range. It is likely that these peaks once stood high above the surface of the sea but, due to erosion, or tectonic movement, these land masses have now subsided below the surface. Conditions in this region are however ideal for coral growth in the warm shallow waters and the bony coral structures would cover the retreating rocks. Further geological movement, or a fall in sea levels, can cause an uplifting of the coral beds above the surface forming low-lying coral islands. The shape of the atolls has also been questioned and it has even been suggested that their circular shape could be

The shape of the atolls has also been questioned and it has even been suggested that their circular shape could be the result of corals growing around the uppermost parts of ancient super-volcanoes but this is most unlikely. In all probability, the shape of the atolls is likely to be simply due to the fact that the previous land masses would have been ringed by coral reefs and when the land disappeared, new coral would have grown over the foundation of the ancient corals. The shape of the atolls is therefore likely to follow the shape of the shoreline in an earlier era. Similarly shaped atolls are found in many other parts of the world.

History of the Maldives

The islands have been inhabited since ancient times but the absence of written language and the ephemeral nature of early island buildings means that nothing remains of the islands’ earliest culture. Studies of language and customs, however, would suggest that the early island settlers arrived from the Indian sub-continent, Sri Lanka in particular. These Sinhalese people are believed to have arrived around 500 BC bringing with them the Buddhist religion. Many features of Maldivian customs and language originate from this Buddhist period which lasted around 1500 years. Archaeological remains of Buddhist buildings can be found throughout the islands. A major change came about in the 12th century when the country’s leader, Dhovemi, converted to Islam and changed from being a Buddhist King to an Islamic Sultan.

Although fishing has always played a major part in Maldivian life, the country has also been known as a great trading nation. Even as early as the 10th century, there was major trade with other Asian and African countries and cowrie shells which are abundant throughout the islands were particularly prized as they were actually used as currency at this time in many countries so visitors to the islands could literally pick up money. Coir fibre, from the husks of coconuts was also highly desirable as its strength and non-rot properties made it an essential part of any sailing craft’s rigging. Dried tuna, ambergris and coco de mer nuts were other valuable trade commodities.

The influence of European countries began in the mid-16th century when the Portuguese established a trading post and garrison on the islands. Their attempt to impose Christianity on the resident population was met with a great deal of hostility and they were driven out fifteen years after their arrival. In the mid-17th century, the Dutch were a major force in the region and had taken control of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). They assumed authority over the Maldives but chose not to take any local involvement in government, preferring to let things continue more or less unchanged.1796 saw the Dutch ousted by the British, the islands becoming a British protectorate. This arrangement was ratified many years later in 1887 with the Sultan retaining his rule. In an attempt to form a constitutional monarchy, the British began taking power away from the Sultan and placing it in the hands of the Chief Minister. The country’s first constitution was produced in 1932 but met with a great deal of anger and resentment. The document was publicly torn up by protesters. In 1953, the First Republic was declared under the control of President Muhammed Amin Didi. Riots followed and Didi was beaten to death. In the 1950s, the British military presence in the islands was increased utilising the wartime airfield on the southerly Addu Atoll. This brought great financial benefits to the most southerly Maldive islands but the country’s political leaders disapproved. The three most southerly atolls declared independence from the rest of the Maldives but such a move was quashed when gun-boats were sent to reclaim the lands. The British base closed in 1976. The Maldives became a completely independent country in 1965 and a republic in 1968 finally consigning the Maldivian Sultanate to the history books.

Any hopes for political stability, however, were short-lived and in 1970 the Prime Minister was arrested and exiled and the President fled the country along with vast sums of money from the treasury. From 1978, President Gayoom took the reins and led the country for the next thirty years bringing some stability but his rule was highly criticised as being dictatorial. There were three coup attempts in 1980, 1983 and 1988, the latter requiring the intervention of the Indian armed forces. Towards the end of Gayoom’s term of office, some political reforms appeared leading to direct presidential elections and a new constitution in 2008. In 2011 the country’s President Nasheed was forced to resign and arrested on what are widely believed to be politically motivated charges. Elections in 2013 saw Nasheed winning the most votes in the first round but the government of the day had the result annulled. The new President, Yameen, followed a very anti-western agenda and there were many political arrests. He survived an assassination attempt in 2015. The Maldives joined the Commonwealth in 1982 but left in 2016 as a protest against allegations of corruption and human rights failings. Politics in the Maldives is anything but boring.

People of the Maldives

Unlike some island populations, the vast majority of the people living in the Maldives have their family roots firmly planted on the islands and are considered to be an indigenous population. They are known as Maldivians or Dhivehin (Islanders) and the most widely spoken language is Maldivian with some regional differences between the islands. The population of the Maldives is currently around 400,000.

Maldive Weather

The Maldives are located fairly centrally in the tropics straddling the equator and spanning the latitudes one degree south to eight degrees north of the equator.  This special location of the Maldives means that temperatures vary little and are generally between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Despite their tropical location, the islands do still have some seasonal differences mainly due to the islands lying in the path of tropical monsoons. The appearance of the monsoons cannot always be accurately predicted but the least rain tends to fall during January, February and March with heavy downpours expected in May, November and December.

Maldive Airports

Most visitors to the Maldives will arrive at the Velana International Airport (Code MLE) which serves Malé the Maldivian capital. There are three other international airports serving different islands. These are: Gan International Airport (GAN), Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) and Villa International Airport (VAM). As is to be expected with such a widespread country, there are many domestic airports as follows: Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV), Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM), Ifuru Airport (IFU), Kaadedhdhoo Airport (KDM), Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO), Kooddoo Airport (GKK), Dhaalu Airport (DDD) and Thimarafushi Airport (THF).

The use of seaplanes means that all parts of the Maldives are accessible by air and such transport is popular with tourists although more expensive than boat travel. It is worth remembering that visitors arriving at the main Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport (Maldives) as it serves the capital city of Malé, will need to transfer to their destination. The various resorts in the Maldives invariably arrange for the necessary transport, often by speedboat but these transfers can be expensive and there is no simple way of avoiding these costs so they must be budgeted for. Those visiting Malé city can simply use the regular ferry service. This airport has a single runway and is located on Hulhule Island in North Male Atoll just to the north-east of Malé.

Visiting the Maldives

Tourism in the Maldives commenced in the 1970s and now forms the major part of the islands’ economy. The islands are small, in some cases very small and some tiny islands have been developed specifically for tourists. The country has a policy of welcoming all and no visas are required. Anyone with a valid passport, sufficient funds and proof of onward travel, i.e. a booked return flight, may visit the islands. This open-door policy has resulted in some people suggesting that this is an ideal place to escape to, not only for those looking for a peaceful holiday but also for fugitives from justice. This is most certainly not the case. Foreigners have no rights of permanent residence and UK citizens attempting to hide from justice should be aware that there are extradition agreements between the UK and the Maldives. Currently, there are no such agreements with the USA.

The sea and the white beaches are probably the main attractions and the Maldives certainly have some of the best beaches in the world with turquoise lagoons teeming with underwater life. Water sports are very popular and the beaches are incredible during the day but during the hours of darkness they sometimes take on an almost magical appearance with a dancing blue glow. As the waters are disturbed by small waves on the beach or when ripples are caused with a hand or foot, flashes of blue light occur producing the most romantic background lighting on earth. This phenomenon is usually due to the presence of bioluminescent phytoplankton in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the blue flashes form part of these creatures’ defence mechanism. There is a suggestion that where the blue colouration is more stable and long lasting, ostracod crustaceans may be involved. The glowing beach phenomenon can be frequently observed throughout the islands but catching sight of it really requires being in the right place at the right time and a good deal of luck.

All-Inclusive Resorts in the Maldives

Probably no other country in the world caters for tourists as well as the Maldives and the “all-inclusive” resorts are a firm favourite. Traditional island properties including those on stilts above lagoons often offer amazing views and sense of tranquillity. These holiday deals really take the worry out of paying for all of those holiday extras as everything is included in the price. Airport transfers, however, may result in unforeseen and unavoidable costs so it is well to check this with the operator.  If you are happy to not have an all-inclusive package there are more affordable hotel accommodation options in regular hotels in the Maldives.

Threats Facing the Maldives

As a country with an average height of just 1.5 m above sea level and a high point reaching the dizzy altitude of just 2.4 m, the sea is an ever-present threat. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused severe damage to the Maldives and six islands were totally destroyed. Almost every island was damaged and over a hundred lives were lost. This was undeniably a major catastrophe but, given the low-lying nature of the islands, some have questioned why the tsunami damage was not even more severe. The main reason why the whole of the island group was not completely obliterated is almost certainly because the tidal wave did not reach the great heights attained elsewhere. Such waves rise in height as they reach shallow waters such as a continental shelf but, despite the flat appearance of these islands, the land falls away steeply to the depths of the Indian Ocean.

All areas of coral are permanently threatened as they require very specific requirements in order to survive. Any rise in seawater temperatures can result in the death of corals. In 1998, an El Nino incident caused such a temperature rise resulting in coral bleaching of two thirds of the islands coral but this largely recovered in following years. In 2016, an even worse incident occurred with water temperatures reaching an all-time high of 31 degrees Celsius. This time almost 95% of the coral was lost. With world sea temperatures steadily rising, such incidents are likely to become more frequent in the future and the prospect of coral bleaching occurring in consecutive years could result in the complete destruction of the islands’ delicate ecosystems. In addition to rising sea temperatures, rising sea levels also poses a very real threat to the long-term survival of the islands. Current predictions are that sea levels will rise by around 59 cm by the year 2100 which would render most of the islands uninhabitable. Some predictions are even gloomier suggesting that in as little as 30 or 40 years, life on the islands could become untenable. There are however some contradictory findings and, despite the significant rises in sea levels worldwide, measurements at the islands have recorded rises of just 1.7 to 1.8 mm per annum. In truth, no one is able to accurately predict when, or if, the Maldives will disappear.

The Maldives, despite the islands’ scattered nature, have a strong sense of national identity and religious unity. The rest of the world are welcome to visit but the Maldives retain their full independence and are solely for the Maldivians. Political unrest, natural disasters and an uncertain future make this island nation amongst the most precarious in the world but the natural beauty of these garlands of islands set like precious stone in a sea of turquoise continue to attract visitors from around the globe.

The Maldives: A remote fragile paradise but so, so beautiful.

So pretty Maldives hope one day I can visit.

you can contact me on Facebook and Instagram hanifinderyas for any information i will join you there I want to visit also 🙂

i am planing to come there on 19th november 2020

I’ve seen the water glow in Florida. It’s rare but it was the most spectacular sight and experience. I so want to go to the Maldives.

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• South Asia News

As Indian tourists visiting Maldives decline, tourism body plans road shows to boost travel

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Why Time Is Running Out Across the Maldives’ Lovely Little Islands

Global tourism brought a modern economy to the country’s thousand islands. For many Maldivians, the teeming capital beckons.

Teenagers gathering to watch the sun set in Nolhivaranfaru, a remote island in the Maldives. Credit...

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By Alex Travelli and Maahil Mohamed

Photographs by Elke Scholiers

Reporting from Malé, its nearby islands and Nolhivaranfaru in the Maldives

• April 6, 2024

To live in the Maldives is to live in one of two worlds. Either you belong to the capital — Malé, a micro-Manhattan in the Indian Ocean — or you are out in “the islands,” among the quietest and most remote villages this side of the Arctic tundra.

It is in these places — far from the archipelago’s walled-garden resort atolls, where no Maldivians actually dwell — that the country is picking between two visions of its future, like much of the rest of Asia, but more so.

The outer islands are steadily depopulating, as the appeal of making a life through tuna fishing and coconut farming along their crushed-coral seashores shrinks. The splendid isolation may be what attracts visitors, but it seems incompatible with islanders’ aspirations in a nation modernized by global tourism.

As Maldivians give up on island life, the government feels compelled to keep building up Malé, the country’s one real city. But Malé is already pressed up hard against the limits of human habitation. By some measures, it is the most densely populated island on earth, with over a third of the country’s 520,000 people on a landmass that can be crossed by foot in about 20 minutes.

If more Maldivians are going to move there, its physical structure will need to be radically reworked. In the meantime, it is sprawling outward wherever it can: The government is surrounding Malé with sea bridges to artificial islands packed with housing projects financed by China and India .

On Jan. 22, President Mohamed Muizzu announced his otherworldly vision for an undersea tunnel between Malé proper and a land-reclamation project where Chinese investors will help build 65,000 housing units on what is now barely a sandbar.

Mr. Muizzu, a civil engineer by training, said the tunnel would “provide beautiful views of the sea” as commuters passed through it. (Feasibility to be determined.)

Humay Ghafoor, a researcher who campaigns against environmental degradation, said that “nobody does any assessments” before commissioning “massive infrastructure” projects. This allows an airport, for instance, to be built over a mangrove, destroying a whole island’s freshwater supply.

The Maldives consists of a thousand islands stretched along a 550-mile axis, each one a bit of exposed coral that grew from the rims of a prehistoric range of undersea volcanoes. These form rings called atolls — a word that comes to English from the native Dhivehi language. Most of the 188 inhabited islands have fewer than 1,000 residents.

The resorts — those airy villas floating over turquoise seas — are all on technically “uninhabited” islands. The guests are foreign, and most of the staff is, too, mainly from India and Bangladesh. In some ways, the resorts are like offshore oil rigs, pumping out nearly all of the country’s income. By design, they are divorced from Maldivian culture and abstracted from their South Asian location.

Bay of Bengal

Nolhivaranfaru

The typical inhabited island is likewise rich in sunshine and warmth and has access to a shallow lagoon, palm trees and maybe a mangrove forest. The inhabitants are highly literate, many are English-speaking and they are connected to the rest of the world by the internet, mobile data and long ferry routes.

Their traditions survive, still. Perhaps every island except Malé has a holhuashi, a covered seating platform at its harbor, sometimes circled by hanging woven chairs. Men gather to rest at midday and exchange gossip.

There is little doubt that climate change will eventually bring doom to this country, most of which is just a meter or two above sea level. But that catastrophe is thought to be a century or more away.

Instead, Maldivians are leaving the islands for the sake of their children, looking to Malé and the world beyond. When it comes to education and health care, there is no substitute for city life.

Nolhivaranfaru, a fishhook-shaped bit of powdery white sand, with a green and fertile core between its beaches, is like many of the Maldives’ inhabited islands. Flowering frangipani stand over an Islamic cemetery near its piers, centered around a centuries-old shrine to an Arab pilgrim. It takes 25 minutes by speedboat to reach the nearest landmass and two airplanes from there to get to neighboring India.

That is a journey that Maryam Asima, a 30-year-old mother of twins, made at great cost and personal hardship. She and her husband, the captain of a tourist yacht that docks 175 miles away, near Malé, had been unable to conceive. Two years ago, Ms. Asima and her sister, who was in a similar position, traveled to Kochi, India, a city of 2.1 million, where they made do on their own during 11 months of IVF treatment.

Health care remains rudimentary even on the better connected of the outer islands. Staff at the local clinic scoff at the idea of someday providing IVF. They say quietly that even most emergency care is beyond them: Any patient who needs a ventilator must be flown hundreds of miles away.

Ms. Asima, now back on the island with her 6-month-old twins, says she is satisfied with the results of her ordeal. Her sister has given her a nephew, too. With her encouragement, two other women from the island have become pregnant in the same way. The government has started offering $500 subsidies and the possibility of free air travel for families that need to go abroad for IVF.

She likes the “home feeling” of her island and hopes to send her children to school there, even if they need to travel to a nearby island to see a pediatrician. But this is not her first home: Ms. Asima was born on an even smaller island, Maavaidhoo, which was abandoned after being swamped by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004.

Many Maldivians have been on the move for a generation or more, leaving smaller communities for larger ones. More than anywhere else, those who can afford it go to Malé.

Thirty years ago, it was not unusual for families to send unaccompanied minors on long ferry journeys, of 20 hours or more, to live in Malé. They would stay with distant relatives or even strangers and work as pint-size housekeepers to pay for their room and board as they attended one of the country’s better schools.

Island families still send their children to study in Malé, but usually now they travel as teenagers; better primary schooling is available even in remote places.

The cramped conditions of the capital are the first challenge they face. A compact grid of streets jams pedestrians, motorbikes, workshops and luxury perfumers together like a miniature version of central Hong Kong. One-bedroom apartments rent for five times the starting salary of a government office worker.

Ajuvad, a nervous, soft-spoken 23-year-old, came to Malé at 16 to join his older siblings, six people crammed into three bedrooms. They are all professionals, with jobs as teachers and technicians. But they were raised in another world, a 36-hour ferry ride away. There, the beach was a five-minute walk away with no roads and no motorbikes, and their home was a four-bedroom house that their father, a fisherman, built himself. Their mother made fish paste and sold it to neighbors.

Ajuvad, who asked that his last name be withheld to protect his privacy, remembers the transition as being “quite a challenge.” Having to live without his parents, and without an inch of space to study alone in quiet, he said, “I thought my world had collapsed.”

Ahmed Abbas, a 39-year-old hardware salesman, had an easier time moving into Malé’s urban sprawl from a distant southern island 12 years ago. His family of six shares a two-bedroom apartment in a complex built by Chinese developers, across a sea bridge from the city proper. They spend only half of their income on rent, and he drives to the city, 25 minutes each way, twice a day.

Mr. Abbas studied and worked around South India for many years before settling down. He has seen enough of the world to appreciate his family’s perch, which they share with two love birds: Small, exotic pets are a big business in little Malé.

But he still misses the island life. Back home, it was “nice because the people are nice,” he said, “normal country people, all smiling.”

Alex Travelli is a correspondent for The Times based in New Delhi, covering business and economic matters in India and the rest of South Asia. He previously worked as an editor and correspondent for The Economist. More about Alex Travelli

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Maldives to Hold Road Shows in India to Woo Tourists Back

I n an apparent bid to woo Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a major tourism body here has announced that it will hold road shows across key Indian cities. As the number of Indian tourists to the Maldives continues to decline, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) held discussions with India’s High Commissioner, Munu Mahawar, on enhancing travel and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

A full-blown backlash was directed at the Maldives following derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by three Maldivian officials after Modi posted photos and video of the pristine Lakshadweep Islands on India’s west coast on January 6 on his X handle.

Scores of Indians, including multiple celebrities, cancelled their reservations and dropped plans to visit Maldives. The tourism arrival statistics reflected how from being a top visitor country, India’s position went down to first fifth and now at the sixth position after January.

According to the statistics by the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, this year as of April 10, of the total 6,63,269 tourists arriving, China continued to lead with 71,995, followed by the United Kingdom (66,999), Russia (66,803), Italy (61,379), Germany (52,256) and India (37,417). After discussions took place at a meeting held at the Indian High Commission in Male, MATATO said in a statement that they expressed their intention to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission in Maldives to bolster tourism initiatives, Sun.mv news portal reported.

In this trajectory, plans are currently underway to launch comprehensive road shows across key Indian cities and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the upcoming months, it said quoting from the statement. While India remains a crucial tourist market to the Maldives, MATATO states they look forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination, it said.

The Association also attributed its meeting with the Indian High Commissioner as a testament to MATATO’s continued dedication to fostering robust tourism ties between the Maldives and India, which it said, will pave the way for transformative collaborations to drive sustainable growth in the region’s tourism sector. Earlier before this diplomatic row erupted, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu had, within hours of taking oath last November, asked India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from the country, saying their presence was a threat to his country’s sovereignty.

Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, has announced that no Indian military personnel, even in civilian clothes, would be present in Maldives after all of 88 personnel are repatriated by May 10.

• You Are At:

Maldivian tourism body to hold roadshow in multiple Indian cities amid strained ties

Maldivian tourism body said they will hold roadshows in india to woo tourists back amid strain in india-maldives diplomatic ties..

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), who met Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar in Male, said they intend to forge close collaboration with the Indian High Commission in the Maldives and also facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to once again bring back the tourism sector, which recently saw a significant dip. 

"In this trajectory, plans are currently underway to launch comprehensive road shows across key Indian cities and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the upcoming months," a local media news outlet quoted a Maldivian tourism body as saying.

Further, while calling India a crucial tourist market for the Maldives, MATATO added that they look forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination.

It is pertinent to note that the Maldivian tourism ministry has indicated a significant drop in the number of Indian tourists visiting the country. Pertinently, this comes after a full-blown backlash the Maldives received after three of its officials extended derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi during his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands, situated on India's west coast, on January 6. 

The statement also triggered a wave of outrage, with prominent personalities across various fields in India calling for people to visit Lakshadweep instead of the Maldives.

Significantly, according to the statistics by the Maldives' Ministry of Tourism, there has been a significant drop in the number of Indian tourists visiting the country. This year, as of April 10, 37,417 Indian tourists visited the island nation. China (71,995) continued to lead the table, followed by the United Kingdom (66,999), Russia (66,803), Italy (61,379), and Germany (52,256). READ MORE |  PM Modi wishes Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Eid-ul-Fitr amid frosty relations

​READ MORE |  Maldives's ex-minister disdains Indian flag in latest 'India-out' campaign, apologises after outrage  

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