The Maldives is the smallest of the South Asian countries. A true paradise in all its forms. The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, situated in the Arabian Sea. Malé is the capital and most populated city, traditionally called the "King's Island" for its central location. A chain of 26 atolls approximately 1200 islands make the Maldives, it is the country where the sands are white, the water is crystal clear, and the smiles are as warm as the country. Tourism is a key contributor to the economy of the Maldives. What is the Maldives all about Sun, Sea & Sand.

Weather & Climate

The Maldives, the sunny side of life is blessed with sunshine for the better part of a year. Similar to all tropical countries they encounter two monsoon seasons. When is the best time to travel to the Maldives? It is all year round I would say.

What should I pack? What should I not?

You pack summer clothes, sunscreen, and definitely your camera to document this once in a lifetime holiday. Bringing Alcohol (served only in resorts), bringing pork items, or your dog to the Maldives is strictly prohibited by law. Credit cards are widely accepted but only global currencies are accepted in resorts such as USD, EUR, or GBP. It is advisable to change your local currency to a global currency before arriving. Unfortunately, travelers’ cheques are not accepted by banks in the Maldives. Travel Insurance yes or no? travel always can be unpredictable, it is your personal choice.

Visa & The Airport; What happens?

Let’s first break the myth Male Airport, officially known as Velana International Airport is not located in Male City but on a whole different island called Hulhule.

Tourists are issued free 30 days visa on arrival. Do bring a copy of your hotel voucher, return air tickets and passport valid 06 months from date of departure. Once you land in Velana International Airport unlike other destinations, you walk to the immigration. You stand in queue, hand over documents, get your visa stamped and collect your luggage.

Once you exit, you shall see airport representatives. Directly in front of you shall be airport counters, of resorts & tour operators. To your left are the help desk and the washroom. You shall be greeted by the airport representatives and take to your relevant form of transfers.

Is Wi-Fi free at the Airport? Yes it is now.

Do you get immediate transfers upon arrival?Due to the logistics of Maldives resort transfers are always combined with other passengers from different international flights. This results in a definite wait time which can be up to 02 hours. Seaplane operates till 04 pm, Domestic flight generally till 08 / 11 pm but can stop earlier or later according to the distance of the islands, and Speedboats all day round based on the international flight arrival. (Transfers may be delayed or canceled due to safety precautions during harsh weathers)

For those ladies and gentlemen who do not love queues, at immigration lines, there is a VVIP service where you can pay and skip this hassle. You shall be directly taken to a lounge from the flight, the Maldives airport officers will get your visa and documentation sorted. You can chill at till your resort transfers are ready.

Common Transport Modes in the Maldives