BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Planning your first trip to the Maldives? Whether it is your first time visiting the country or your first stay on a local island, a little preparation can make your journey much easier. We have put together the most important information and practical tips to help you prepare for your Maldives holiday and know what to expect before you travel.

IN THIS GUIDE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Passport, tourist visa, IMUGA Traveller Declaration, customs regulations, travel insurance, and other important information for your journey.

MONEY & EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
Currency, cash and card payments, ATMs, mobile internet, Wi-Fi, electricity, and sockets.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE MALDIVES
Useful packing tips for sunny island days, local island life, excursions, and days on the water.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Passport

Your passport must have a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) and be valid for at least one month from the date of your arrival in the Maldives. Children and minors must have their own passport.

Please note that passports with an officially extended validity are not accepted for entry into the Maldives.

Tourist Visa

Tourists receive a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. No visa pre-approval is required.

When arriving in the Maldives, you should have a confirmed return or onward ticket, a confirmed prepaid booking at a registered accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay.

We recommend keeping your accommodation booking confirmation and return or onward flight ticket easily accessible when you arrive.

IMUGA Traveller Declaration

All travellers arriving in the Maldives must complete the IMUGA Traveller Declaration. The form can be submitted online up to 96 hours (4 days) before your arrival and is free of charge.

You will need to provide your personal details, travel information, and accommodation details.

Complete your declaration on the official IMUGA portal:

https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller/declaration

Yellow Fever Vaccination

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required only for travellers arriving from certain countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission. Children under one year of age are exempt.

If this may apply to your journey, please check the current list of affected countries before travelling.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance for your Maldives holiday, including appropriate medical and travel disruption coverage.

Domestic Flights & Seaplanes: Baggage Allowance 

If you are travelling to your final destination by domestic flight or seaplane, please check the applicable baggage allowance in advance, as it may differ from the allowance for your international flight. Please contact us if you need information about the baggage allowance for your transfer.

Bank Cards

Before travelling, check with your bank whether your card is enabled for international transactions and whether any additional fees or restrictions apply when using it abroad.

Please note: Entry requirements and regulations may change. We recommend checking the latest information directly on the official Maldives Immigration website before travelling:

https://www.immigration.gov.mv/visa/tourist-visa

MONEY & EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

Currency

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). US Dollars (USD) are also widely accepted, particularly at guesthouses and businesses serving tourists.

You can exchange US Dollars into Maldivian Rufiyaa at Velana International Airport, in Malé, and at authorized exchange facilities. Having some Rufiyaa can be convenient for smaller purchases at local shops and cafés.

When bringing US Dollars in cash, we recommend carrying newer banknotes in good condition, as older-design, damaged, torn, heavily marked, or worn notes may not be accepted.

Cash & Card Payments

Many guesthouses accept international credit and debit cards, and card payments are also available at many restaurants, cafés, and shops. However, smaller businesses and some local services may accept cash only, so it is useful to have some cash with you.

Both US Dollars and Maldivian Rufiyaa can be used for many tourist expenses. When paying in US Dollars, the exchange rate applied by individual businesses may vary, and change may sometimes be given in Maldivian Rufiyaa.

ATMs

ATM availability varies from island to island, and not every local island has an ATM. For this reason, we recommend bringing enough cash for smaller expenses rather than relying entirely on withdrawing money during your stay.

Mobile Internet & SIM Cards

Local SIM cards are available at Velana International Airport from the main Maldivian mobile providers, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. Tourist SIM packages with mobile data are available for visitors.

Mobile coverage is generally available across inhabited islands, although connection quality may vary depending on the island and location.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available at most guesthouses and many cafés and restaurants. Connection speed and reliability may vary, so having a local SIM card with mobile data can be useful during your stay.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE MALDIVES

Packing for the Maldives is wonderfully simple: light clothing, swimwear, and plenty of sun protection will take you a long way. A few thoughtful extras can make your sunny island days, boat trips, and underwater adventures even more comfortable.

For Sunny Island Days

The tropical sun can be very strong, even on cloudy days, so good sun protection is essential. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen, preferably a reef-conscious option, along with sunglasses and a hat or cap.

Bring your favourite swimwear and consider packing a rash guard or UV-protective shirt, especially if you plan to spend plenty of time snorkelling or joining boat excursions. An after-sun lotion can also be useful after long days outdoors.

A reusable water bottle is handy for keeping water with you throughout the day. Remember to stay well hydrated, particularly when spending hours at the beach or out on the water.

Clothing & Footwear

Choose light, breathable clothing made from materials such as cotton or linen – perfect for the warm tropical climate.

When staying on a local island, remember to bring some light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for walking around the island and visiting local areas.

For footwear, sandals or flip-flops will probably be what you reach for most often. A comfortable pair of shoes or sandals is also useful if you enjoy longer walks and exploring the island.

During the wetter months, a light rain jacket or compact umbrella can be a useful addition to your suitcase.

For Excursions & Days on the Water

A few small things can make your days at sea much easier. A waterproof phone pouch is particularly useful for boat trips, sandbanks, snorkelling excursions, and days at the beach. A dry bag can help keep your other belongings protected from splashes and rain.

A small backpack or beach bag is convenient for excursions. If you love capturing underwater memories, bring an underwater or action camera. Snorkelling equipment is usually available for excursions, but you may prefer to bring your own snorkelling mask for comfort and fit.

If you are sensitive to boat travel, consider bringing your usual motion sickness medication.

Useful Extras

Mosquito repellent is worth packing, particularly for evenings outdoors.

Remember to bring enough of any personal medication you may need during your holiday. If you are travelling with prescription medication, please check the applicable Maldives Customs requirements before travelling.

If there are particular toiletries or personal-care products you prefer to use, consider bringing them with you, as your favourite brands may not always be available on smaller local islands.

If you are travelling with children, it can be helpful to pack a few of their favourite snacks, as familiar brands and specific products may not always be available on smaller local islands.

And one small tip for anyone planning lots of swimming: salt water, tropical sun, and wind can be drying for your hair, so a good conditioner or leave-in hair treatment may be a welcome addition to your suitcase.

A little preparation will help you make the most of your Maldives adventure. Slow down, feel the warm sand beneath your feet, discover the colourful underwater world, and enjoy the simple rhythm of island life.

We wish you a wonderful journey and an unforgettable Maldives holiday!

DISCOVER LOCAL ISLAND LIFE

If you are planning to stay on a local island, discover more about everyday island life, local customs, bikini beaches, and what to expect during your stay.

Discover Local Islands of the Maldives →