Maldives travel essentials.

Visa & arrival (IMUGA)

Almost every nationality gets a free 30-day visa on arrival. You need a passport valid 6+ months, an onward ticket, a confirmed booking and enough funds.

Everyone must submit the free Traveller Declaration on the official IMUGA portal within 96 hours before arrival. Only use imuga.immigration.gov.mv — paid “visa” copycats are not official.

Money & costs

US dollars are accepted everywhere at resorts and cards are widely used; the local currency is the Rufiyaa (MVR). Resorts add a Green Tax, service charge and GST — always confirm the final total on the booking platform. Tipping is appreciated but not required.

Getting around

Each resort is its own island. You transfer by speedboat (near Malé), seaplane (daylight only) or a domestic flight + boat for far atolls. See our transfers guide.

Customs & etiquette

Resorts are relaxed — swimwear is fine and alcohol is served. On inhabited local islands and in Malé, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and note alcohol isn’t sold there. Importing alcohol, pork and drugs is prohibited.

Health & safety

The Maldives is very safe. The sun is strong — pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Resorts provide drinking water. Bring any personal medication. A yellow-fever certificate is only needed if arriving from an affected country.

Connectivity

Resorts have Wi-Fi (sometimes patchy or paid). For reliable data, pick up a local SIM or eSIM (Dhiraagu or Ooredoo) at Velana International Airport when you land.

What to pack

Light clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, sandals, a light cover-up for local islands, a power adapter (Type D/G, 230V), a reusable water bottle and any medication.

Emergency numbers

Police 119 · Ambulance 102 · Fire & Rescue 118. Your resort’s front desk is your fastest first point of contact for anything on the island.