VISA & ENTRY
All nationalities will be issued a free 30 days visa upon arrival in the Maldives. A valid passport, a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are all necessary to enter the country. Visa extensions are granted by Department of Immigration and Emigration in Male’ for visitors who provide proof of sufficient funds and who stay in a resort or hotel, or present a letter from a sponsor. Heavy fines and deportation applies to those who overstay without proper authorization.
Transferring To Maldives Resort
Once arriving in the Maldives at the Malé International Airport (also known as the Velana International Airport) you will be greeted by a resort / booking Agents representative who will take you to your speedboat or sea plane transfer. These transfers must be arranged through your resort at time of booking. There are no public ferries or water taxis available at the airport, so booking your transfers ahead is vital. Your resort / booking Agents will inform you of the best island transfer method, timings and cost and will organise everything on your behalf.
Depending on the location of your resort, speedboat transfers can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 2 hours. Of course, flying via sea plane is much faster and offers some of the most breathtaking views, but it’s also more expensive. Speedboat transfers operate 24 hours a day and sea planes operate from 6:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Travel Tips
The Maldives is an Islamic country. However, bikinis and other beachwear is acceptable at beach resorts but not whilst exploring the inhabited islands.
When visiting the capital Male’, or local islands, visitors should adopt a more modest form of dress and ensure that shoulders and thighs, at least, are covered.
Topless sunbathing is against the law.
Handshaking is the usual form of greeting and while a large number of the locals smoke this is discouraged during Ramadan together with eating.
Traditionally the locals eat with their fingers. If you wish to follow local customs please be aware that it is considered unhygienic to touch food with your left hand.
Possession of illegal drugs carries severe penalties and the public demonstration or observance of religions other than Islam is banned.
