MV3.3°N · 73.0°EPhoto: Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSouthern Asia travel guide
Maldives
One island, one resort, nothing to do but the sea
The Maldives is a chain of coral atolls where most resorts occupy their own island. It is the region's honeymoon capital, but local guesthouse islands also make it workable on a smaller budget.
Places worth your time
Photo: Unknown author · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons North and South Malé Atolls
Near the airport
Closest resorts, reached by speedboat.
Photo: Map originally vector'ed by Hassan Waheed, Aabaadhuge of Thi · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve
Baa Atoll
Hanifaru Bay draws large manta ray gatherings in season.
Maafushi
Kaafu Atoll
Popular local island with guesthouses and day excursions.
Photo: Shahee Ilyas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Malé city
Malé
Compact capital with the Old Friday Mosque and fish market.
Know before you go
- Alcohol is served only on resort islands and liveaboards.
- Seaplane transfers fly in daylight only; plan arrival times accordingly.
- Dress modestly on local islands; bikinis belong on designated beaches.
Key facts
- Official name
- Republic of the Maldives
- Capital
- Malé
- Currency
- Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR .ރ)
- Languages
- Maldivian
- Calling code
- +960
- Area
- 300 km²
- Region
- Southern Asia
Who can get in easily
197 of 198 passports can enter Maldives without arranging a visa in advance.
- Visa-free
- Visa on arrival
- eTA
- eVisa
- Visa required
Visa requirements for Maldives by passport
IndiaVisa-free90 days
United StatesVisa on arrival30 days
United KingdomVisa on arrival30 days
United Arab EmiratesVisa on arrival30 days
ChinaVisa-free30 days
SingaporeVisa on arrival30 days
PakistanVisa on arrival30 days
BangladeshVisa on arrival30 days
Sri LankaVisa-free90 days
NepalVisa on arrival30 days
NigeriaVisa on arrival30 days
PhilippinesVisa on arrival30 days
CanadaVisa on arrival30 days
AustraliaVisa on arrival30 days
GermanyVisa on arrival30 days
Pick any passport above to see the full requirements, or use the selector at the top.
Nearby countries
Afghanistan
Bhutan
IranSource: Wikipedia contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0). Updated weekly. Cover photo: Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons.