• Maldives:
• Society:
• Traveller information

Maldives - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Violation of local laws can lead to imprisonment. Visitors will need to respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the month of Ramadan or when visiting religious sites. Penalties for all drug offences are severe.

Dress is informal but modest and the wearing of beachwear must be restricted to resort islands only. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. English is normally used for business and in the commercial sector. Most business is conducted in the morning, by appointment made well in advance. Office hours are Sun–Thur 0730–1430. Friday and Saturday are official rest days.

Immigration and customs: Tourist visas for up to 30 days are available on arrival provided visitors have a valid passport, hold an onward ticket and have enough funds to cover their stay.

All those travelling from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

It is an offence to import explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornography, material deemed contrary to Islam, including ‘idols’ for worship, bibles, pork, pork products and alcohol. The export of tortoiseshell and coral is strictly forbidden.

Travel within the country: A valid international driving permit is required for driving in Maldives. Car hire is available in Malé, though most islands take only around half an hour to cross on foot.

Domestic airline Island Aviation Services runs flights between the major islands, and a number of companies operate seaplane and helicopter services. The main form of local transport is the dhoni, a traditional motor-powered boat; larger boats, called vedis, are used for longer trips to outer atolls. Visitors should note that many services cease before sunset.

Malé and some other islands offer taxi services. Maldivian taxis have a fixed fee whatever the distance.

Tourism is strictly regulated, and independent travel is discouraged because it is seen as disruptive to traditional island communities. Those wishing to visit the islands outside the tourist zone will need an Inter Atoll Travel Permit, and the Ministry of Atolls Administration will only issue them to those whose visit is sponsored by a resident of the island concerned.

Travel health: Visitors should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance that includes air evacuation. Medical facilities are limited and although most islands are within easy reach of a general physician, many are far from the hospital on Malé. Dengue fever can occur on the islands, and visitors are advised to take a supply of insect repellent and cover up with suitable clothing to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Protection should also be taken against both sunburn and dehydration.

Water in tourist areas is generally safe to drink, but if there is any doubt, water should be boiled before use.

Money: Local currency is the rufiyaa (1 rufiyaa = 100 laarees). Island resorts can be costly and visitors should bring sufficient funds for their visit. There are no cash machines, and travellers cheques are not widely accepted. Major credit cards can be used at most resorts, and US dollars can be exchanged at airports, banks and hotels. Banking hours are Sun–Thur 0730–1430.

There were 617,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.