Things to Know Before Visiting Maldives

Maldives at a Glance!

Whether it's for business, romantic getaways, family vacations, or solo escapes, Indian travellers are embracing the Maldives. For instance, in 2023, Indian travellers made up the largest share of tourists visiting the Maldives, with over 11% of the 1.8 million arrivals coming from India alone.

As the trend is expected to continue, here is a quick overview of essential information every Indian national should know before heading to the Maldives:

*Please note that the costs are subject to change as per the current rate of conversions.

Maldives Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals

One of the best things to know before travelling to Maldives is that Indian citizens don't need a pre-arrival visa to enter the Maldives. Instead, they are eligible for a free visa on arrival, typically for a stay of up to 30 days.

To obtain a visa on arrival, Indian travellers can visit the official website.

Visitors must present the following documents to Maldivian authorities:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least one month of validity beyond the intended stay.
• Travel Itinerary: Confirmed return tickets and prepaid hotel bookings at a registered hotel.
• Proof of Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay or a pre-approved visa sponsorship.
• Traveller Declaration Form: This form must be completed and submitted online via the IMUGA portal within 96 hours before arrival.

Once granted, this visa can be extended for an additional 60 days, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days. Here's an overview of various Maldives visa types:

• Meeting Visa: For conferences, meetings, or conventions (maximum 14 days).
• Work Visa: For employment purposes, legal work in the Maldives is allowed (15 days from arrival).
• Tourist Visa: For leisure and tourism, valid for up to 90 days.
• Marriage Visa: For spouses of Maldivian nationals, allowing stays up to 1 year.
• Dependent Visa: This is for expatriates' dependents supporting family reunification.
• Business Visa: For business activities, up to 180 days within 12 months are allowed.

8 Things to Know About the Maldives

Proper pre-planning is the key to a successful trip. Understanding the cultural norms, unique laws, transport options, etiquette, and precautions you need to take will ensure a safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free journey. Some things to know before going to Maldives are:

1. What to Wear in Public Areas

   Respecting the local dress code, especially on inhabited islands, is essential when visiting the Maldives. While resorts allow for more casual clothing, modest attire is expected in public spaces. Women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered when outside resort grounds and swimwear is only permitted on designated "bikini beaches" or within resort areas. Men are also encouraged to wear knee-length shorts and T-shirts in public spaces.

2. A Unique Experience on Inhabited Islands

   With over 1,200 islands, the Maldives offers a rare mix of isolation and luxury, but only about 200 of these islands are inhabited, many of them relatively sparsely. This lets travellers experience ultimate peace, particularly on private islands and non-resort destinations. While these islands offer a glimpse into everyday life in the Maldives, the amenities may be simpler than resort facilities.

3. Stay Within the Legal Limits of Alcohol Consumption Laws

   One thing to know before visiting the Maldives is that alcohol consumption is strictly regulated. While you can enjoy alcoholic beverages at resorts and private islands, it is illegal to bring alcohol into the country or consume it on inhabited islands. To avoid legal issues, tourists should only drink within resort properties.

   Violating alcohol laws can result in severe consequences, including arrest. Always purchase alcohol from licensed vendors and avoid public intoxication to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

4. Planning Service Availability Around Local Weekends

   In the Maldives, the weekend is observed on Friday and Saturday, unlike the Saturday-Sunday weekends familiar to many travellers. This difference can impact the availability of services, especially in local markets, government offices, and businesses. It is important to plan around these days, as some places may have limited hours or be closed entirely.

5. Transportation Tips for Visitors Navigating the Islands

   Travelling between islands in the Maldives requires careful planning due to the country's unique geography. Seaplanes offer breathtaking views of the archipelago but can be expensive, with prices ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 one way. Speedboats provide a more budget-friendly alternative, though they may take longer for transfers. Confirm your resort's transfer options in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey from the airport to your destination.

6. Understand Tipping Etiquette

   While tipping isn't mandatory in the Maldives, service staff often appreciate it across resorts and restaurants. Most establishments include a service charge in their bills, but offering a small tip for exceptional service is a kind gesture. Be discreet when tipping and use USD whenever possible, as it is widely accepted and will help you avoid complicated mental conversions from INR.

7. Enjoy Beach Activities with Caution

   Swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities are popular pastimes in the Maldives, but safety should always come first. Before diving in, check local conditions for solid currents or potential jellyfish sightings. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the local marine life. Continuously swim with a companion and stay within designated swimming zones to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the stunning underwater world.

8. The Uniquely Maldivian Tradition of Dhoni Fishing

   Dhoni fishing is a captivating practice involving wooden boats known as dhonis, expertly crafted to glide through the archipelago's shallow waters. For travellers seeking an authentic experience, joining local fishermen on a dhoni is necessary. As you set out on the water, you'll have the opportunity to catch fresh fish and immerse yourself in time-honoured techniques handed down through generations.

Travel Tips for the Maldives

When you visit this tourist paradise, you must be prepared with vital information that will make it easier to move around, communicate, or find help in an emergency. Before hopping onto a flight to this idyllic location, here are things to do before going to Maldives:

1. Tips for Managing Payments

   While the Maldives is known for its luxurious resorts, it is essential to understand that payment methods vary depending on location. Credit cards are widely accepted in high-end resorts and hotels, making transactions easy and convenient. However, carrying cash—especially US dollars—is advisable if you plan to explore local islands.

   Many small shops, local markets, and public transport options may only accept cash, and having both USD and Maldivian Rufiyaa can make smaller transactions smoother.

2. Staying Connected in the Maldives

   Most resorts in the Maldives offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and connectivity is good in tourist hotspots, ensuring you can stay connected during your vacation in paradise. However, connectivity can be spotty or slower on small islands due to infrastructure limitations.

   If you plan on exploring beyond your resort's confines, it is a good idea to download essential information or maps beforehand. Some resorts may only offer internet in shared areas like lounges or reception, so checking Wi-Fi availability at your accommodation upon arrival is wise.

3. Essential Emergency Contacts for Travellers

   When travelling, being prepared with local emergency contacts is always a good idea; the Maldives is no exception. For police services, dial 119, while 102 connects you to medical emergency services. If you're staying at a resort, note the front desk or concierge number for immediate assistance.

   In case of a natural disaster or other urgent issues, the National Disaster Management Authority is reachable at 115. Keeping these contacts handy will give you peace of mind and ensure you're ready to handle any unexpected situations.

4. Navigating Between Indian Standard Time and Maldivian Time

   The Maldives operates on GMT+5, meaning it is 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time (IST), which is GMT+5:30. Adjusting your phone or watch to Maldivian time is one of the essential things to do before visiting Maldives. This helps prevent mix-ups when booking activities like excursions or spa treatments, ensuring a smooth experience. It is also handy when scheduling calls back home, ensuring you don't disturb family members at awkward times.

5. Communicating Effectively with the Locals

   English is commonly spoken across tourist regions, making communication simple for Indian visitors, even though Dhivehi is the Maldives' official language. Hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees are generally fluent in English, allowing you to navigate your stay easily.

   However, learning a few basic Dhivehi phrases can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture and fostering positive interactions with locals. Simple words like “Baajjeh” for hello and “Shukuriya” for thank you can help break the ice and create a more enriching travel experience.

6. Travel Insurance is a Must for Your Maldives Vacation

   Travel insurance should be a crucial part of your checklist when planning a getaway to the Maldives. Despite its breathtaking scenery and luxury, unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings can quickly turn things upside down. Ensure your policy includes medical coverage, especially for more remote islands, and covers any adventure activities like snorkelling or diving you plan to enjoy.

*Disclaimer: All costs are approximate and are subject to change at the time of travel.