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Planning Your Trip to the Maldives: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

After dreaming about the Maldives for years, we finally made it, not once, but twice. But before you can dive into the turquoise waters and relax on a sandbank, there are a few things you need to know to plan your trip the right way.

Here’s a complete Maldives travel guide to help you prepare like a pro.

1. Entering the Maldives: Visa & Travel Forms

The good news? No visa is required in advance for most nationalities! Tourists are granted a 30 days visa on arrival. However, you do need to fill out a few forms:

  •  IMUGA Form:  This is the Maldives online health declaration form. You need to submit it within 96 hours before your arrival. Click here!
  • Drone Declaration: Drones are strictly regulated. You must get approval from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and inform your hotel and resort.
  • Customs Form: There are a few strict “dont’s” to keep in mind.

2. What Not to Bring: Malvides Costums Rules

  • Alcohol: Not allowed in your luggage. Alcohol is only available on resort islands.
  • Shells and sand: Taking natural souvenirs is illegal. Leave them on the beach!
  • Religious items: (non-Islamic) should be avoided, especially in local islands.

3. Resort Islands vs Local Islands: What's the difference?

Resort Islands: 

  •  Private islands with luxury hotels.
  • Alcohol available.
  • Bikinis are allowed everywhere.
  • More expensive, but ideal for honeymooners and families who want to relax.

Local Islands:

  •  Inhabited by Maldivians.
  • More budget-friendly.
  • No alcohol and bikinis are only allowed on designated “Bikini beaches”.
  •  A great way to experience real Maldivian culture.

4. Getting Around: How to Reach the Islands:

  • Ferries: Budget-friendly, slower and usually connect local islands.
  • Speedboats: Offered by most resorts or guesthouses for quicker transfers.
  • Seaplanes: Iconic, scenic and more expensive! But breathtaking views and experience.
  • Domestic Flights: Island hopping via local airlines (like Maldivians or FlyMe).

5. Maldives Practical Tips

  • Public holidays: Friday is the holy day, most shops and services are closed.
  • Traditions: The Maldives is a muslim country. Dress modestly on local islands.
  • Tips: Not obligatory but appreciated.
  • Payment: You can use USD cash or card almost everywhere.

6. Language and Currency

  • Language: Dhivehi is the official language, but english is widely spoken.
  • Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but USD is accepted everywhere.

7. Weather and Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season: November to April: perfect for sun and snorkeling.
  • Wet Season: May to October: more rain, fewer tourists and lower prices.
  • Temperatures stay around 28-30° all the year.

8. Maldives Time and Flights

  • Time difference: +3 to +5 hours depending on your location.
  • Airlines to consider: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, SriLankan Airlines or direct charters from Europe or Asia.

9. Island Facts: How Many?

  • Atolls: 26 atolls make up the country.
  • Resort Islands: Around 170+
  • Local Islands: Over 200 inhabited villages.
  • Uninhabitated islands: More than 1000, many untouched!

10. Which Atoll Should You Choose? (Mini Atoll Guide)

Each atoll has it’s own vibe:

  •  Malé Atoll: Closest to the capital. Good for quick getaways.
  • Baa Atoll: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, perfect for diving with manta rays.
  • Ari Atoll: Great for whale sharks and underwater life.
  • Vaavu Atoll: Fewer tourists, beautiful reef channels.
  • Addu Atoll: The southernmost, unique culture and WWII history.

11. Underwater Wildlife: What Can You See?

The Maldives is a snorkeler’s paradise. Depending on the season and location, you might see:

  •  Colorful reef fish like parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish
  • Turtles
  • Manta rays
  • Eagle rays,
  • Blacktip, Whitetip reef sharks and Nurse sharks
  • Whale sharks (mostly in Ari Atoll)
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