Explore the Beauty and Culture of the Maldives: Your Ultimate Guide
The Maldives is a group of low-lying coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls situated south west of Sri Lanka. A small percentage of the islands are inhabited and 87 are exclusively resorts, boasting tropical landscapes hugged by picture-perfect beaches festooned with palm trees. The myriad islands are surrounded by coral reefs enclosing shallow lagoons.
The Dhivehin people of the Maldives are descended from an ethnic mix of many cultures. The history of the area was dominated by a succession of bids for control that began with Muslim rule in the 12th-century.
The Arabs were later supplanted by the Portuguese and then the British, until 1965 when the Maldives finally achieved full independence as a sultanate. The majority of Maldivians are Sunni Muslims and their lifestyle follows the traditions of Islam. Traces of ancient beliefs have endured in the form of superstitions centred on evil spirits.
The Maldives rely on tourism and fishing for their income, and with the large number of foreign visitors, eco-friendly tourism is gaining popularity in order to maintain the Maldives’ natural beauty for future generations. Very little tourism in the Maldives is independent, with most visitors opting for all-inclusive resorts and package tours.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Dhivehi is the national language in Maldives. English is widely spoken in addition to German, French, Italian, and Japanese, which are spoken by the resort staff.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to the Maldives must hold onward or return tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Those entering the Maldives without a hotel reservation or a Maldivian sponsor must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. A disembarkation card must be filled in by every passenger, and submitted to the Immigration Officer upon entry into the Maldives. Nationals of most countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. Extensions of stay to a maximum of 90 days from the date of the visitor’s arrival in the Maldives are possible by paying a fee of MVR 750 to the Department of Immigration in Male, at least one day prior to the expiry date of the initial 30-day entry period. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Maldives if travellers are arriving from or have transited through an airport of a country where there is a risk of infection. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) is divided into 100 laari. The resorts in the Maldives are generally expensive and travellers should ensure they bring sufficient funds. ATMs are available; major credit cards are accepted at most resorts and hotels. US dollars can be exchanged at the airport, banks, or hotels. Banks are usually closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current in Maldives is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the two-pin flat blade plug and the round three-pin plug.
Climate in Maldives
The temperature in the Maldives is hot throughout the year and, although the humidity is relatively high, the constant sea breezes help to keep the air moving and give some relief from the heat. The weather in the Maldives is fairly constant throughout the year, with average daily temperatures ranging from 87F (31C) to 78F (26C).
Although there aren’t four distinct seasons, there is a wet season in the Maldives, which runs from April to October, when strong winds can also be expected and the weather gradually gets colder (although not by much).
The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April during the dry season, when the weather is hot and pleasant and there is little wind. However, this is also the tourist high season, and resorts are not only more expensive and crowded but often fully booked and difficult to get into.
Some travellers prefer to brave the wet season to enjoy a more peaceful and private holiday at more reasonable prices. November and April are the best months to travel to the Maldives for those who are planning to do a lot of scuba diving and snorkelling.
Health Notes when travelling to Maldives
Visitors to the Maldives should take precautions against mosquito bites as cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus have been reported. Those who will be spending a lot of time outdoors and are at risk of animal bites may be advised to get a rabies vaccination.
There are very few fully equipped hospitals on Male and in Hulhumale and, though most resort islands are within reach of a doctor, many are several hours’ travel away from the comprehensive facilities on Male. Travel insurance is advised.
If visitors require a certain medication on holiday, it is best to bring it in its original packaging, with a dated and signed letter from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Maldives
Crime levels are low in the Maldives but petty theft does occur. It is best not to leave goods unattended on the beaches or in hotel rooms. There is a measure of political instability and visitors are advised to avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, particularly on Male Island, as these can turn violent. However, resorts in the Maldives are considered very safe and there are rarely any disturbances. The sea around the Maldives can have strong tidal currents and there is a risk of drowning; swimmers should exercise caution.
Customs in Maldives
Maldivians are predominantly Muslim, and therefore Islamic customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
No pornography is allowed (or any material considered offensive under Islamic law) and homosexuality is illegal. Same-sex relationships are not tolerated and carry jail sentences and fines. Alcohol consumption is confined to the resorts.
Dress is informal but nudism and topless bathing is prohibited. On visits to inhabited islands it is important to respect local customs that adhere to conservative dress codes, and public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. The Maldives has strong anti-drug laws that carry severe penalties.
Duty Free in Maldives
Travellers to the Maldives who are older than 16 years of age do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; other personal items up to the value of 6000 MVR. Prohibited items include alcohol, firearms, pork, narcotics and psychotropic substances, pornography, religious materials that may be offensive to Islam, and religious idols for worship.
Doing Business in Maldives
Though business tends to be conducted in a laidback way, visitors should remember that this is a Muslim country and that they should be polite, adhere to local customs and dress conservatively (albeit in lightweight attire). Business cards are usually expected at a meeting; visitors should not expect to find any alcohol unless they’re doing business at one of the many resorts that dot the islands. Meetings are usually scheduled for mornings and are typically conducted in English. Business hours are usually 7.30am to 2.30pm, Sunday to Thursday.
Communication in Maldives
The international access code for the Maldives is +960. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones; all resorts, hotels and guesthouses offer free WiFi.
Tipping in Maldives
Tipping is not expected in the Maldives, but waiters and room staff will appreciate a tip if the service is good, even if a service charge has already been added.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to the Maldives must hold onward or return tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Those entering the Maldives without a hotel reservation or a Maldivian sponsor must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. A disembarkation card must be filled in by every passenger, and submitted to the Immigration Officer upon entry into the Maldives. Nationals of most countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. Extensions of stay to a maximum of 90 days from the date of the visitor’s arrival in the Maldives are possible by paying a fee of MVR 750 to the Department of Immigration in Male, at least one day prior to the expiry date of the initial 30-day entry period. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Maldives if travellers are arriving from or have transited through an airport of a country where there is a risk of infection. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Maldives Tourist Office: +960 323 228 or http://www.visitmaldives.com
Maldives Embassies
- In the United Kingdom:
Maldives High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7224 2135.
Foreign Embassies in Maldives
- American Embassy
American Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 249 8500.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 522 6232.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 539 0639.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 246 3200.
- Irish Embassy
Mission of Ireland to the UN, New York, United States (also responsible for Maldives): +1 212 421 6934.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Consulate, Singapore (also responsible for Maldives): +65 6235 9966.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 268 9926.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
