Best Time to Visit
The Maldives is warm throughout the year. The best time depends on the weather, experiences and part of the country you plan to visit.
Plan Your Journey
Maldives Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before travelling to the Maldives, from entry requirements and island transfers to local customs, weather and what to pack.
Travel Essentials
Before You Travel
A few practical details can make your Maldives journey much easier. Start with the essentials, then explore the guide in more detail.
Visa and Entry
Tourist visas are generally granted on arrival, subject to travellers meeting the current entry requirements.
Getting to the Maldives
Most international visitors arrive through Velana International Airport before continuing to their island or resort.
Getting Between Islands
Speedboats, domestic flights, seaplanes and public ferries connect different parts of the Maldives.
Currency and Payments
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. US dollars and payment cards are also widely used in visitor areas.
Weather and Seasons
Conditions vary throughout the year, with changes in rainfall, wind, sea conditions and underwater visibility.
What to Pack
Pack for a tropical climate while considering sun protection, island transfers and respectful clothing for inhabited islands.
Local Customs
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Customs and dress expectations differ between resort islands and inhabited islands.
Internet and Mobile
Mobile internet and wireless internet are widely available, although connection quality varies between islands and properties.
Health and Safety
Travel insurance, sun protection, hydration and following local sea safety guidance can help make your journey more comfortable.
Know Before You Travel
Arrival and Immigration
Tourist visas are generally granted on arrival to eligible visitors without advance visa approval. Entry remains subject to immigration clearance and the requirements in force at the time of travel.
- Carry a machine readable passport that meets the current validity requirements
- Complete the official Maldives Traveller Declaration when required
- Keep confirmed return or onward travel details available
- Keep confirmation of accommodation at a registered tourist facility available
- Carry documents required for your next destination
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate when applicable
Every traveller, including children, should have the documents required for their journey. Immigration officers make the final decision on entry at the port of arrival.
Traveller Declaration
The Maldives Traveller Declaration is a free official service. Travellers should complete it only through the official IMUGA portal within the period specified by Maldives Immigration.
Money and Payments
The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the national currency. US dollars are widely used in tourism settings, while local currency can be useful for smaller purchases on inhabited islands.
- US dollars are accepted by many tourism establishments
- Payment cards are accepted by resorts, hotels and many established businesses
- Cash may be useful for smaller shops, cafés and local services
- Foreign bank notes should be kept in good condition
- Payment options vary between islands and businesses
- Travellers should check what is included in every quoted price
Taxes and service charges may be added to accommodation, dining, transfers and tourism services. Check whether they are included before confirming a booking.
Important Local Information
Alcohol
Alcohol is available at licensed resort islands, safari vessels and other authorised tourism establishments. It is not generally available on inhabited local islands.
Friday Schedules
Friday is the main weekly day of prayer. Some local businesses, public services and transport arrangements may operate on different schedules.
Clothing on Local Islands
Visitors should dress respectfully when walking through inhabited island communities. Swimwear is appropriate at designated bikini beaches, during excursions and on resort islands.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, opening hours and community routines may change on inhabited islands. Respectful behaviour around fasting hours and religious observances is appreciated.
Getting Around
Travelling Between the Islands
The Maldives stretches across many atolls, and reaching your stay may involve more than one journey. Your transfer depends on the location of the island, arrival time and weather conditions.
Speedboat
- Typical use
- Speedboats are commonly used for destinations within practical reach of Malé or a regional airport.
- General availability
- Scheduled, shared or private services may be available depending on the destination.
- Planning note
- Departure times may depend on international arrivals, sea conditions and the operator’s schedule.
Domestic Flight
- Typical use
- Domestic flights connect Velana International Airport with regional airports throughout the Maldives.
- General availability
- Flights operate on scheduled routes to different parts of the country.
- Planning note
- The journey may continue by speedboat from the regional airport to the final island.
Seaplane
- Typical use
- Seaplanes provide shared or arranged transfers to many private island resorts.
- General availability
- Services normally operate during daylight hours.
- Planning note
- International arrival and departure times can affect same day connections. Baggage allowances may differ from international flights.
Public Ferry
- Typical use
- Public ferries mainly connect inhabited islands within the same region.
- General availability
- Routes and operating days are more limited than private transfer services.
- Planning note
- Public ferries are not suitable for every arrival time or destination. Travellers should confirm the current schedule before relying on a ferry connection.
Plan Your Arrival Carefully
International arrival times can affect domestic flights, seaplanes and speedboat connections. Weather and operational changes can also affect island transfers. MVSTAY can arrange your stays and transfers as one connected journey.
Where to Stay
Choose Your Maldives
There is more than one way to experience the Maldives. Choose the style of journey that feels right for you.
Private Island Resorts
A private island resort brings accommodation, dining, activities and resort facilities together on one island. This style of stay suits travellers looking for privacy, convenience and a complete island experience.
Local Islands and Guesthouses
Stay within an inhabited island community and experience everyday island life alongside beaches, excursions and locally operated guesthouses. Visitors should follow local customs and use designated bikini beaches for swimwear.
Multi Island Journeys
Combine different islands, atolls or styles of accommodation in one journey. A carefully planned itinerary can bring together a resort stay, a local island experience and activities in different parts of the Maldives.
Experience Focused Trips
Build your journey around diving, snorkelling, surfing, sports fishing, food, culture or the natural Maldives. Conditions and seasons vary across the atolls, so the best destination may depend on the experience and time of year.
When to Travel
Weather and Travel Seasons
The Maldives is warm throughout the year, but rainfall, wind, visibility and marine encounters vary by season and location.
General Weather
The Maldives has a warm tropical climate throughout the year. Short showers can occur in any month, while rainfall, wind and sea conditions vary by season and location.
Diving
Diving is possible throughout the year. Visibility, currents and marine encounters vary between atolls and seasons.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is available throughout the year, but visibility and sea conditions depend on the island, reef and season.
Manta Rays
Manta ray activity changes between different sides of the atolls during the year. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Whale Sharks
Whale sharks may be encountered in selected areas throughout the year, with activity varying by location and natural conditions. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Surfing
Surf conditions are generally more active during the southwest monsoon period, but the best months and wave conditions vary between regions.
Sports Fishing
Sports fishing is available throughout the year. Target species, techniques and conditions vary by season and atoll.
Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
General Weather
Janstrong
Febstrong
Marstrong
Aprstrong
Mayfavourable
Junquiet
Julquiet
Augquiet
Sepquiet
Octfavourable
Novstrong
Decstrong
Diving
Janquiet
Febquiet
Marquiet
Aprquiet
Mayquiet
Junquiet
Julquiet
Augquiet
Sepquiet
Octquiet
Novquiet
Decquiet
Snorkelling
Janquiet
Febquiet
Marquiet
Aprquiet
Mayquiet
Junquiet
Julquiet
Augquiet
Sepquiet
Octquiet
Novquiet
Decquiet
Manta Rays
Janquiet
Febquiet
Marquiet
Aprquiet
Mayquiet
Junquiet
Julquiet
Augquiet
Sepquiet
Octquiet
Novquiet
Decquiet
Whale Sharks
Janquiet
Febquiet
Marquiet
Aprquiet
Mayquiet
Junquiet
Julquiet
Augquiet
Sepquiet
Octquiet
Novquiet
Decquiet
Surfing
Janquiet
Febquiet
Marquiet
Aprquiet
Mayquiet
Junquiet
Julquiet
Augquiet
Sepquiet
Octquiet
Novquiet
Decquiet
Sports Fishing
Janquiet
Febquiet
Marquiet
Aprquiet
Mayquiet
Junquiet
Julquiet
Augquiet
Sepquiet
Octquiet
Novquiet
Decquiet
strongfavourablegeneralquiet
Seasons provide general guidance only. Weather, sea conditions and wildlife encounters can vary between atolls and from year to year.
Local Customs
Travel With Respect
The Maldives is a welcoming Muslim country with living island communities, local traditions and a close relationship with the ocean. A little awareness helps visitors travel respectfully.
01
Dress Respectfully on Inhabited Islands
Choose modest and comfortable clothing when walking through community areas.
02
Use Designated Bikini Beaches
Swimwear is welcomed at resort islands, excursion locations and designated bikini beaches on local islands.
03
Respect Prayer Times and Local Observances
Be considerate around prayer times, Ramadan and community occasions.
04
Ask Before Photographing People
Ask permission before photographing residents, homes or community activities.
05
Protect Coral Reefs and Marine Life
Do not touch coral, stand on reefs, chase marine animals or remove anything from the ocean.
06
Avoid Leaving Plastic and Waste Behind
Reduce single use plastic where possible and dispose of waste responsibly.
What to Pack
Lightweight clothing
Modest clothing for inhabited islands
Swimwear
Reef safe sun protection
Hat and sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Personal medication
Travel adaptor
Waterproof bag
Travel insurance documents
Baggage allowances may differ for domestic flights and seaplanes. Check the allowance for every part of your journey before packing.
Internet and Mobile
Mobile service is available across many inhabited islands and resort destinations. Connection quality and wireless internet arrangements vary between locations and properties.
- Mobile data is available across many inhabited and resort islands
- Wireless internet quality varies by property and location
- International roaming may be available depending on the traveller’s provider
- Local visitor mobile plans may be available after arrival
Health and Safety
Simple preparation can make island travel more comfortable. Travellers should consider their personal health, planned activities and transfer arrangements before departure.
- Carry personal medication in suitable packaging
- Use sun protection and stay hydrated
- Follow local guidance for swimming, diving and boat travel
- Choose travel insurance suited to the planned journey and activities
- Seek professional medical advice for personal health questions before travelling
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Maldives
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