About Maldives

The Republic of Maldives

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands, area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, only 298 square kilometers of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls.

The country's unique geography mesmerizes the visitor. Reefs that offer bands of color, tiny jewel-like islands rimmed with the whitest of soft sand surrounded by the clearest shallow waters that one can imagine. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited, and a select few on each of the atolls are resorts. The Maldives is home to about five percent of the planet's reefs that comes with an explosion of color contributed by soft and hard corals that form them. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home.

Travel Info :
Time :
5 hours ahead of GMT
Tel Code :
+960
Electricity :
240 Volts
Mobile :
Prepaid SIM cards are available from two mobile service providers at the airport. The SIM cards can be used for local and international call and for data.
Currency :
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency. All major credit cards are accepted in the country.
Visa :
For the most accurate and current information on all entry requirements, please visit the official Maldives Immigration website: https://www.immigration.gov.mv/tourist-visa/. To obtain Traveller Declaration Form, please visit the IMUGA platform.
Taxes :
A Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) of 16% is levied on all goods and services at tourist establishments. A Green Tax of US$ 6.00 per person per day is payable for guests staying at integrated tourist resorts, resort hotels and other tourist establishments. Tourists who stay in local island guesthouses and hotels with more than 50 registered rooms are similarly subject to a Green Tax of US$ 6.00 per person per day. The Green Tax for tourists who stay in local island guesthouses and hotels with 50 or less rooms is US$ 3.00 per person per day.
Transfer :
Speedboat transfer is the norm to resorts close to the International Airport. The rest is covered by seaplane or domestic flight. If you are travelling to Male’ you can take a taxi from the airport. Several daily flights operate from Velana International Airport to the 12 domestic and international airports in the country. Scheduled ferries also operate from Male’ to many of the atolls.
Alcohol :
Import of alcohol by individuals is not permitted. However, alcohol is available at all the resorts.
Weather :
Year-round temperature hot tropical climate. The average high temperature is 31.5 degree Celsius and the average low temperature is 26.4 degree Celsius. The Southwest monsoon from May to October brings rain and the Northeast monsoon from November to April is generally sunny.
Clothing :
Cotton clothes suits well with the hot tropical climate of the Maldives. Tourist are expected to respect local culture and dress modestly when visiting or staying on inhabited islands. Sandals are ideal, as you may often want to slip them off and go barefoot.
Medical Service :
The main public hospital Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and private hospitals ADK and Treetop are located in Male’. Each Atoll has at least one hospital and most resorts have their own clinics and in-house doctors.