Tourist guide to Maldives
To ensure your trip to the Maldives is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, we’ve prepared a short tourist memo tailored for Indian travelers. After reading it, you’ll learn more about the country and:
- how to prepare for your journey from India;
- what to expect at customs and airport procedures;
- which currencies are accepted and what banknotes to carry;
- what to know about Maldivian cuisine;
- whether tips are expected, and typical amounts;
- what sights are worth visiting in the Maldives;
- and where to go in case of emergencies.
We strongly recommend reviewing this memo before departure to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation!
Indian passport holders do not require a visa to enter the Maldives for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
- International passport valid for at least 30 days from the date of arrival;
- Return flight ticket with departure within 90 days;
- Hotel booking confirmation or tourist voucher;
- Proof of sufficient funds: recommended USD 50–100 per person per day (cash or valid card).
All travelers must complete the IMUGA Health Declaration form online within 96 hours before arrival in the Maldives: imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
- Upload a recent photo and provide travel history for the past 14 days;
- A QR code will be generated and must be shown at immigration (print or digital);
- Select your resort or nearest island if it’s not listed in the dropdown.
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency. However, USD is widely accepted.
- Only clean, undamaged USD notes printed after 2006 are accepted;
- Banknotes on white paper or worn notes may be declined;
- Most resorts accept credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, Amex;
- Contactless/mobile payments (e.g., UPI, Google Pay) are rarely supported—carry physical cards.
Prohibited items include:
- Alcohol and pork products;
- Narcotics, pornography, anti-Islamic materials;
- Spearfishing gear, live animals, drones without permission;
- From Nov 15, 2024: Vaping devices will be confiscated;
- From Nov 1, 2024: Nicotine products must be declared on arrival.
Duty-free limit: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g tobacco. Excess will be stored and returned upon departure.
Drones are generally banned at resorts. Permission is required in advance and limited to specific areas/times. Tourists are liable for violations.
Budget guesthouses are located on islands like Maafushi, Malé, and Hulhumalé. These typically offer:
- Public beaches (not private);
- Bikini beaches are designated on some islands—swimwear is otherwise restricted;
- Alcohol is not allowed on local islands (only available on resort islands);
- Ongoing construction may affect beach access (e.g., Hulhumalé).
Natural erosion, tides, and seasonal shifts affect beach size and quality. Resorts may use breakwaters, sandbags, or similar protection structures. These changes are normal and not the responsibility of the tour operator.
Hotels allow one extra bed per room. For two children (2+2 setup), the second child typically shares an existing bed. Additional beds are subject to availability and must be requested directly at reception.
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