Maldives: main airports
The Maldives are served by Velana International Airport, located on a separate island a few minutes by boat from Malé, the capital.
The archipelago, made up of over a thousand coral islands, is one of the world's most famous luxury destinations for overwater resorts and coral reefs.
Maldives: recommended activities
Maldives: visa and entry requirements
Citizens of practically all nationalities can obtain a free visa on arrival for tourist stays of up to 30 days, with a valid passport and confirmed hotel booking.
Always check the updated requirements before departure.
Maldives: safety
The Maldives are generally very safe for visitors, with violent crime practically non-existent at the resorts.
Respect local norms when visiting Malé or the inhabited islands: the Maldives is a conservative Muslim country, unlike the more relaxed atmosphere of the private tourist resorts.
Maldives: health situation
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry from Europe or North America. Healthcare facilities are concentrated in Malé; many resorts have basic clinics, but an evacuation may be necessary for serious emergencies: adequate travel insurance is strongly advisable.
Tap water is generally not drinkable: bottled or desalinated water is provided at resorts.
Maldives: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), but the US dollar is the de facto currency used at tourist resorts, where prices are generally quoted in USD.
The official language is Dhivehi; English is widely spoken in the tourism sector. Alcohol is prohibited on inhabited islands but available at private resorts with a special licence.
