Maldives | Asia

The Maldives is an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The country is defined by its geography of 26 natural atolls containing approximately 1,192 coral islands and an economy heavily specialized in high-end luxury tourism and tuna fishing; the capital city is Malé.

Visa & Entry Policy

All nationalities, including EU, US, and UK passport holders, are granted a free 30-day Visa on Arrival. Entry requires a passport with at least one month of validity, a confirmed return ticket, and a pre-paid hotel booking. Travelers must submit a digital "Traveller Declaration" (IMUGA) via the official immigration portal within 96 hours of arrival.

Language & Communication

Dhivehi is the official language. English proficiency is high across the hospitality sector and within government administration, though it remains medium in non-tourist local islands. The writing system, Thaana, is unique to the archipelago and written from right to left.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Credit cards and USD are the primary forms of payment in resorts and liveaboards. On local inhabited islands, MVR is used for small transactions, though USD is widely accepted at a fixed or slightly varied exchange rate. ATMs providing MVR are restricted to Malé, the airport, and major local hubs like Maafushi.

National Transport Grid

Inter-island transit is segmented by distance: seaplanes (operated primarily by Trans Maldivian Airways) serve distant resorts, while speedboats are the standard for mid-range distances. A state-run public ferry network (MTCC) provides low-cost transit between inhabited islands. Domestic commercial flights operate between Velana International Airport and several regional airports such as Gan and Dharavandhoo.

Digital Infrastructure

Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives are the two primary mobile network providers. 4G/LTE coverage is nearly nationwide, encompassing almost all inhabited islands and resorts. 5G deployment is currently concentrated in Malé, Hulhumalé, and surrounding atolls. High-speed fiber-optic internet is standard in most resort properties.

Climate & Seasonality

The Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (Northeast Monsoon) runs from December to April, characterized by low humidity and peak sunshine. The wet season (Southwest Monsoon) spans from May to November, featuring increased rainfall, higher humidity, and stronger winds.

Health & Safety

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory only for travelers arriving from endemic zones. Major health risks include Decompression Sickness (for divers) and Dengue fever. Tap water is typically desalinated and non-potable; bottled or treated water is required. The emergency number for Police is 119, and Ambulance is 102.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

North Malé Atoll: Hub: Malé (including Hulhumalé).

Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve): Hub: Eydhafushi (near Hanifaru Bay).

Addu Atoll (Southernmost Zone): Hub: Addu City (Hithadhoo).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 10 MVR ($0.65 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 80 MVR ($5.20 USD) - Note: Alcohol is only available on resort islands and safari boats.

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 460 MVR ($30.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

The "Rannamaari" legend describes a sea monster that purportedly haunted the waters of Malé, demanding the monthly sacrifice of a virgin until the 12th century. According to the chronicle, the ritual was ended by a Moroccan traveler, Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al-Barbari, whose recitation of the Quran caused the demon to vanish, leading to the nation's conversion from Buddhism to Islam in 1153. Historically, the Maldives functioned as a major source of cowrie shells, which were used as a primary currency across parts of Asia and Africa for centuries.