Maldives Faqs - Know Before You Go!

Do you need a visa to travel to the Maldives?

Yes. However, Visa is free on arrival for all nationalities.

When should you visit the Maldives?

The Maldives is an island destination, with year-round tropical weather. If you plan to visit the Maldives in the dry season, expect a sunny side of the island between December and April. However, this is also the peak season, and prices are higher than the rest of the year. Christmas-New Year is the busiest and most expensive period of the peak season. If you plan to visit the Maldives between May and November, it is still warm, but with cloudy skies, high humidity, and a likely rainfall chance. Prices are lower, though. For divers, the transition months of November and April are suitable due to increased water clarity and better visibility. In lesser words, Maldives is ready whenever you are!

What are the travel requisites before travelling to the Maldives?

All tourists must present a Negative result for a PCR test for Covid-19 on arrival. To get immigration clearance upon arrival, the person must meet the requirements that are listed below. One must:

• Carry a passport with a validity of at least six months. Foreign Passports holders passport and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 30 days from the arrival date (*Changes made due to COVID-19).
• Have a Pre-paid hotel/accommodation booking.
• Carry adequate funds to last for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.
• Confirmed onward/return tickets to the home country.
• Fill up and submit the Traveller Health Declaration (THD) electronically by those travelling to and from the Maldives, within 24 hours before their travel via the immigration website.
• Attach COVID-19 negative PCR test result while completing the Traveler Health Declaration form.
• Download TraceEkee app upon arrival.
• Wear a mask in public places.

Will you be tested for COVID-19 on arrival?

No, you won't. Only those with COVID-19 like symptoms will be tested for COVID-19. Symptoms might include a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath. Those with a history of contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 14 days or people experiencing fever or other symptoms should not travel to the Maldives.

What kind of tests are required before you can go to your resort?

You undergo non-intrusive temperature checks and screening on arrival to the Maldives. Maldivian Health Authorities might also choose you for a random COVID-19 PCR test, a voluntary test of which the government bears charges.

How do you get to your resort?

Post the immigration process; you will head to your respective resort's dock where someone will collect your details. Then, depending on the distance between the airport and the resort, your mode of commute will vary:

• Speedboat: If your resort lies in North and South Atoll. These transfers can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 60 minutes depending upon the distance.
• Seaplane: If your resort has a dock nearby. Rendered on request, this transfer usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Domestic Flight: If your resort is very far from Male airport, you'll have to take a domestic flight from the domestic airport, to reach near your resort's closest dock. From there, you'll have to take a speedboat to reach your resort.

What's the difference between a beach villa and an overwater villa?

Beach villas grant you direct access to the beach and overwater villas as the name indicates grant direct access to the sea. If you think there is nothing better than stepping out from your villa right onto a beautiful beach, then beach villas are the perfect fit for you. And if you think there is nothing better than stepping out from your villa right into the gorgeous waters of the Indian Ocean, then overwater villas sound perfect for you. 

What's the difference between a split stay and single stay?

The Maldives is a prime luxury destination with a price tag to match. However, all-inclusive resorts provide excellent value for money. Overwater villas tend to cost more than beach villas so if you have a fixed budget you can split your stay between a beach and an overwater villa. However, if your duration is shorter, staying at one resort works best. While the former stay is called split stay, the latter is called a single stay.

Can you carry alcohol?

It is prohibited to bring alcohol into the Maldives. Resorts have exclusive licenses to serve these drinks, and most resorts have premium brands from around the world. So don't worry about your wine and dine plans!

Will you get good vegetarian meal options at the resort?

Most of the resorts offer a wide variety of vegetarian delicacies on their menu. In the Maldives, there's something for everyone!

What are the various meal plans offered in the Maldives?

European Plan - Room only plan.

Continental Plan – Room with Breakfast.

Modified American Plan/Half Board – Room with Breakfast and Dinner.

American Plan/Full Board – Room with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

All-Inclusive – Full board plus selected drinks and some additional perks.

Can you pre-book activities?

Yes, you can. However, we suggest that you book your activities directly at the hotel because they depend primarily on weather conditions. With a scope of negotiation and on-spot offers, booking activities at resorts is a hassle-free option.

How much currency should you carry?

The best way to go about a Maldivian holiday is to pre-book your resort inclusive of meal plans. One can only find ATMs on the main island of Male and on-site at the airport. If you use your ATM card in Male, make sure to call your bank beforehand to put a travel alert on it to avoid getting blocked. We suggest that you carry around 800 USD for four nights. However, it is also advisable to have a buffer for 100-200 USD, in case of emergencies. 

Which SIM card should you buy in the Maldives?

You can buy a data sim for 2-3 USD and add an internet package later on. Ooredoo and Dhiraagu are the two prominent local telecom companies. Their stalls are outside the arrival area, between the international and domestic terminals.

What is a Green Tax?

Green Tax in the Maldives is an obligatory country tax. All hotels charge USD 6.00 per person, per night regardless of age. Note that most hotels include green tax in their room rates, and regardless of promotions and offers, the green tax is applicable.

Will you be expected to pay tips?

Tipping culture is not common in the Maldives. It is prohibited at the airport. The hotels and restaurants do not encourage it since most have already added a 10% service charge to your bill. However, you can tip at your discretion.

Is the Maldives only a honeymoon destination?

Long answer short, no! Whether you are a thrillseeker looking for an action-packed adventure or someone who loves the ocean or simply wants to relax, the Maldives is for you! There are kid-friendly resorts, adults-only resorts with a wide variety of activities to keep you indulged.

A picturesque destination, the Maldives is fun for everyone!

How is the weather in the Maldives?

The Maldives is a tropical country located across the equator with an average temperature of 30-degree Celsius. While the weather is mostly sunny and humid throughout the year, one can expect tropical rain showers from May to October.

How are medical facilities in the Maldives?

Most resorts have an on-site doctor for essential medical assistance. If the resort does not have one, there will be access to a nearby island with medical facilities. In general, Maldives has a large government hospital named Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, a private hospital named ADK Hospital in Male', the capital city, and a Tree Top Hospital in Hulhumale' for emergencies.

Should you get travel insurance before visiting the Maldives?

Isn't it better to be safe than sorry? Especially in the times of Corona, we know that anything can happen from the time you book your holiday to the actual travel dates. It would be a sensible precaution to get travel insurance.

How do you book a travel package to the Maldives?

It is pretty simple. Why don't you fill in our booking form and let one of our travel experts get back to you with just the right itinerary for you?