Maldives Guide de voyage
Informations essentielles de voyage — numéros d’urgence, sécurité, monnaie, visas, coutumes et déplacements.
The Maldives is generally a very safe destination for tourists, who almost exclusively stay on private resort islands or in guesthouses on inhabited 'local' islands. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The main risks are petty theft in crowded Malé, sea conditions (strong currents and changing tides on reef edges), and political demonstrations that occasionally occur in the capital. Heat, sun exposure, and dengue/mosquito-borne illness on local islands are practical concerns. Most governments advise normal precautions while noting petty crime and the possibility of civil unrest in Malé.
Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Type D and Type G (and occasionally A/C/J/K/L sockets in resorts); 230V, 50Hz
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required. Many resorts add a 10% service charge to bills; beyond that, USD 1-5 per day for housekeeping and a few dollars for boat crew, dive guides, or butlers is customary. Small tips in cash (often USD) are welcomed by staff.
Two main operators, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, sell prepaid tourist SIM and eSIM data packages, available at Velana International Airport on arrival and in Malé; coverage is good across inhabited islands and most resort areas. Many resorts also provide Wi-Fi. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport for the best value, and note you may need your passport to register it.
Most nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport, provided they hold a passport valid for the duration of stay, an onward/return ticket, a confirmed hotel or resort booking, and sufficient funds. All arriving and departing travellers must submit the online Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) within 96 hours before travel. Check current requirements before departure.
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On Malé and the connected Greater Malé area (via the Sinamalé/China-Maldives Friendship Bridge to Hulhumalé and Hulhulé), there are public buses and abundant taxis. Within most islands, distances are short enough to walk or cycle. There is no metro or rail system anywhere in the country.
Ride (Maldives local ride-hailing app), Pick Me / local taxi call services, Hand-hailed taxis and taxi phone dispatch in Malé
There is no road network between islands. Travel between the airport, Malé, and resorts or local islands is by domestic flight, seaplane, speedboat, or public ferry. Resorts arrange seaplane or speedboat transfers (often pricey and scheduled around flight arrivals). For local islands, the government MTCC public ferries are very cheap but slow and infrequent, while speedboat services are faster and run on more frequent schedules. Domestic flights connect Malé to regional airports in the far atolls.
- • The Maldives is a wholly Muslim country and Islam is the state religion; respect for local religious norms is expected, especially on inhabited local islands as opposed to resort islands.
- • On local (non-resort) islands, dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and women should avoid bikinis except on designated 'bikini beaches'. Resort islands are far more relaxed and swimwear is fine within the resort.
- • Public consumption of alcohol is illegal outside licensed resort premises; never bring alcohol onto local islands or through Malé, and do not drink in public spaces.
- • Public displays of affection are frowned upon, particularly on local islands; keep greetings and behaviour reserved in towns and villages.
- • Friday is the main day of prayer and the start of the weekend (the Maldivian weekend is Friday-Saturday); shops and offices may close around midday prayers, and activity slows on local islands.
- • Remove your shoes before entering homes and mosques, and dress conservatively when visiting any mosque, with women covering hair, arms, and legs.
Lightweight, breathable clothing suits the tropical heat. On resort islands, beachwear and swimwear are perfectly acceptable. On inhabited local islands and in Malé, dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women, no bikinis or revealing clothing outside designated bikini beaches. When visiting mosques, women should cover their hair, arms, and legs, and everyone removes shoes.
The Maldives is an Islamic state and the practice of any religion other than Islam in public is prohibited; bringing in non-Islamic religious materials or idols is restricted. Dress modestly near mosques and on local islands, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours in Ramadan (especially on local islands), and avoid loud behaviour near prayer times. Tourists are not expected to follow Islamic practices on resort islands but should remain respectful everywhere.
Football (soccer) — Football is by far the most popular sport in the Maldives; the national team competes regionally and won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, and local matches draw passionate crowds in Malé. Cricket and volleyball also have strong followings. For visitors, the country is a world-class hub for water sports: scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing (especially on the eastern atolls), kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and big-game fishing are the recreational mainstays, with manta ray and whale shark encounters a major draw.
Varies (Islamic lunar calendar; in 2026 around late March)
Eid al-Fitr (Kuda Eid)
Marks the end of Ramadan with communal prayers, family feasts, music, and cultural performances; one of the most joyous celebrations across the islands.
Varies (Islamic lunar calendar; in 2026 around late May/early June)
Eid al-Adha (Bodu Eid)
The 'Festival of Sacrifice' and the larger of the two Eids, featuring traditional games, 'boduberu' drumming, cultural shows, and feasting, especially lively on local islands.
26 July
Independence Day
Commemorates the Maldives gaining full independence from British protection in 1965, marked with military parades, traditional performances, and ceremonies in Malé.
First day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal (lunar; varies)
National Day (Qaumee Dhuvas)
Honours the 16th-century hero Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who led the overthrow of Portuguese rule, celebrated with parades and cultural events.