The Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide

Yes, at licensed tourist resorts and tourist vessels. Alcohol is not available on inhabited local islands, and it is prohibited to bring alcohol into the country.

Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned for everyone, including tourists, and devices are confiscated on arrival. Anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 is prohibited from buying or using tobacco in the Maldives. Other adults may smoke in designated areas.

Yes, on resort islands around beaches and pools. On inhabited local islands, wear bikinis only on designated tourist beaches, and wear modest clothing in public areas.

All nationalities can receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival if they meet the entry requirements. Every traveller must also submit a free Traveller Declaration through the official IMUGA portal within 96 hours before arrival.

It can be, but costs vary widely. Most prices are subject to a 10% service charge, 17% TGST and a per-person nightly Green Tax. Local island guesthouses are much more affordable than resorts. Always compare the total price, including taxes and transfers.

Green Tax is a per-person, per-night tax: USD 12 at resorts and larger properties, and USD 6 at qualifying small guesthouses and hotels on inhabited islands. Children under two are exempt.

Cards are widely accepted at resorts and many tourism businesses. Carry some cash, in US dollars or rufiyaa, for local islands, small purchases, ferries and tips.

The Maldives is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The main risks are ocean-related, such as currents, sun exposure and diving safety, so follow local guidance and use licensed operators.

No. It also attracts families, divers, surfers, solo travellers, wellness travellers, food lovers, photographers and budget travellers staying on local islands.

Yes. Many resorts are designed around families, with kids clubs, family villas, children's programmes and shallow lagoons. Facilities vary, so compare resorts carefully.

It depends on the resort. Some set minimum ages or require safety features. Check each property's policy.

Seaplanes fly in daylight only. Late arrivals usually either take a speedboat, if the property is in range, or stay overnight near the airport and transfer the next morning.

There is no single "best beach". It depends on what you want.

• Calm swimming with small children: resorts with wide, shallow lagoons.
• Snorkelling from the shore: islands with a house reef close to the beach.
• Seclusion: small private islands and sandbank excursions.
• Budget stays: designated tourist beaches on local islands such as Maafushi, Dhigurah and Thulusdhoo.
• Something different: Thoondu beach on Fuvahmulah, known for its smooth, pebble-like sand.

Beaches can change with the seasons as sand shifts with the monsoons, so recent photos and reviews help.

Yes. The Maldives has a number of adults-only resorts. Many family resorts also have adults-only pools, restaurants or villa areas. Check each property's child policy. Browse our curated Adults Only collection.

Usually not, because most resorts are on their own islands. Exceptions include multi-resort destinations and sister resorts with dine-around programmes.

Overwater villas offer direct lagoon access and open ocean or lagoon views. Beach villas are often larger, closer to on-island facilities and may be more practical for families with young children.

Yes. Sri Lanka, India, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bhutan are commonly combined with the Maldives. Travellers often place the Maldives at the end of a multi-country itinerary.

Yes, but you may need to return to Velana or another transport hub first. Direct resort-to-resort transfers are not always available.

Seaplane journeys provide aerial views of the atolls. However, speedboats and domestic flights may be more practical depending on location, arrival time, baggage and budget.

Good snorkelling exists across the country. The house reef of your specific island matters more than the atoll. For seasonal highlights, Baa Atoll (mantas, roughly May–November) and South Ari (whale sharks, year-round) are stand-outs.

Not usually. Tropical rain is often brief or localised, though longer wet spells are possible. Conditions vary between atolls and from day to day.

Yes. Resorts operate normally. On inhabited islands, be respectful of people who are fasting, and expect changes to business hours and daily routines.

Resort wedding ceremonies for foreign couples are generally symbolic. Many couples complete the legal marriage at home. Check current rules before planning.

These are much less common than in many destinations. Most independent travellers stay in registered guesthouses, city hotels or homestays. Book in advance, as your entry requirements include confirmed accommodation.

Visit Hukuru Miskiy, the National Museum and Sultan Park, browse the fish market and souvenir shops, watch surfers at Raalhugandu, or take the ferry to Villimalé. Hulhumalé, near the airport, has beaches, parks and cafés.

Yes. Resorts, city hotels and liveaboards host meetings, retreats and incentive groups, with airport meet-and-greet, group transfers and dedicated event teams.

Yes, particularly in vegetated areas, on inhabited islands and after rain. Many resorts run mosquito-control programmes, but bring repellent.