Must-know essentials for your Maldives holidays

Before Arrival

1. Complete the Traveler Declaration form WITHIN 96 HOURS (4 DAYS) BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT ARRIVAL IN MALDIVES TIME at the IMUGA portal.
2. Ensure your passport has at least 1 months validity from your date of entry to the Maldives.
3. Have a valid return ticket and sufficient funds or confirmed hotel reservation for your stay.

Upon Arrival

1. Proceed through immigration control. Tourists of all nationalities can obtain a free 30-day visa on arrival (no pre-approval required).
2. Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area.
3. Go through customs control.
4. Exit the customs area into the arrival hall.

Customs Information

• Prohibited Items: Alcohol, pork products, and religious materials are strictly prohibited. These items will be confiscated and stored until departure. Ensure you retain the ticket to collect such items before leaving the Maldives.
• Tobacco Products Allowance: Visitors may bring 200 cigarettes (one carton) or 25 cigars or 250 grams of loose tobacco. Quantities exceeding these limits will be held by Customs for up to 30 days and can be reclaimed upon departure. Heated tobacco devices (e.g., IQOS, glo) are allowed under the same rules as traditional tobacco.
• Vaping Products Ban: Vaping devices, e-cigarettes, and related accessories are strictly prohibited. Tourists arriving with vaping devices will not face penalties or entry denial, but the devices will be confiscated at the border. Confiscated devices can be reclaimed upon departure with a customs receipt.

After Clearing Customs

After passing the customs control guests will be received by a representative of Exciting Travel Holidays at the arrival hall. Look for the guest's name on a board.

Exciting airport representative will escort the guests to the airport counter and reconfirm the details of their stay, baggage and assist with everything else required.

Our new airport counter number is C7 in new terminal.


Important Notes

• PCR tests are no longer required for arrival, regardless of vaccination status. No quarantine is required for any travelers.
• Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport for 2 hours. Connect using your Facebook or Google account.
• The airport has various facilities including food outlets, medical center, prayer rooms, and shower facilities.

Remember to be respectful of local customs and laws, as the Maldives is an Islamic country. Enjoy your stay in the Maldives!

In the Maldives, there are three main types of transfers available for getting to your resort:

1. Speedboat Transfer
2. Seaplane Transfer
3. Domestic Flight + Speedboat Transfer

• Booking Requirement: All transfers must be booked and paid for in advance when you book your stay. It is not possible to arrange transfers upon arrival at the airport. Resorts will not confirm your booking without a transfer arrangement.
• Shared Transfers: If you've booked a regular shared transfer, this means you are scheduled for a group transfer, which will be shared with other guests, either from your resort or nearby resorts.

1. Speedboat Transfer

• Duration: Transfers can take anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the distance of the resort from the airport.
• Process: Upon arrival, an airport representative will escort you to the jetty, where resort staff will take over and help you board the boat.
• Location: The jetties for arrival and departure are located just a few steps away from the main airport building.

2. Seaplane Transfer

• Schedule: Seaplanes operate only during daylight hours, from 6 AM to 3:30 PM, and may make stops at other resorts along the way. The schedule is typically announced around 6 PM the day before your departure.
• Process: After checking in your luggage and receiving your boarding pass at the main airport building, you'll be taken to the Seaplane Terminal by car or shuttle bus, a trip that takes about 10-15 minutes. Upon arrival, you will wait in a lounge before your flight.
• Tip: Lounge facilities vary by resort, so check what’s available when you book.
• Waiting Time: The wait for a seaplane can range from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
• Luggage Restrictions: maximum of 20 kg per checked luggage, maximum of 5 kg for hand luggage per person. Excess luggage charges will apply during check-in.

3. Domestic Flight + Speedboat Transfer

• Process: This transfer involves a flight from Malé International Airport to the nearest domestic airport, followed by a speedboat ride to your resort.
• Check-in: Guests are escorted by a representative to the domestic terminal for check-in, which starts 90 minutes before the flight. Some resorts provide access to the Moonima Lounge, where you can relax with food, beverages, and Wi-Fi before your flight. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.
• Tip: Confirm if your resort offers lounge access during booking.
• Waiting Time: The wait for the domestic flight can vary from 1 to 6 hours, depending on flight schedules and seat availability, which cannot be confirmed in advance.
• Arrival: After the flight, a resort representative will meet you at the domestic airport and escort you to the speedboat for the final leg of your journey.
• Important Notes: Domestic flight schedules may change without prior notice. Flights may include stops at other airports, so your flight might not be direct.

Important Warning
Neither the resort, the seaplane transfer company, nor Exciting Travel Holidays is responsible for delays caused by extreme weather conditions that could result in you missing your international flight or arriving late at your resort.

Exchange Services at the Airport: A Bank of Maldives (BML) counter is available next to the baggage claim area before entering the Arrival Hall for currency exchange. Additional foreign currency counters are available for departing passengers.

Resort Stays: USD and Euros are widely accepted at resorts for all transactions, including accommodation and activities. Major credit cards are also accepted.

Local Islands: MVR (Maldivian Rufiyaa) is required for local restaurants, shops, and smaller businesses, as they typically do not accept foreign currency.


Important Advice

• Currency Exchange: Exchange money at the BML counter next to the baggage claim area before entering the Arrival Hall. The bank will provide a receipt for the transaction, which is necessary to reconvert leftover MVR into USD or Euros upon departure. Without this receipt, leftover MVR cannot be exchanged back, and you may face unfavorable rates at unofficial vendors.
• Bring New Notes: Ensure you bring new USD or Euro notes. Older notes, especially those commonly circulated in Russia and Kazakhstan, are often rejected by ATMs. Notes from the 2009 series and later are generally acceptable.
• Clean Bills: Bring clean, crisp notes, as damaged or worn bills may be refused.

Airport Exchange Services: A Bank of Maldives counter is available in the Arrival Hall for currency exchange. A USD ATM is available but limited to Bank of Maldives cardholders.

Credit Card Usage

• Resorts: Major cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay) are widely accepted. Surcharges range from 3.5% to 4.5%. A card imprint or swipe is typically required at check-in.
• Local Islands: Limited card acceptance; cash (MVR or USD) is preferred for local shops and restaurants.

ATM Usage

• Most ATMs dispense only MVR, with withdrawal limits between 2,000–8,000 MVR per transaction.

Best Practices

• Inform your card issuer before travel to avoid blocks.
• Bring clean, crisp USD notes as backup.
• Avoid MVR ATM withdrawals due to high cross-border fees (up to 10%).
• Monitor statements for unauthorized charges and keep receipts.
• Having multiple payment methods ensures smooth transactions during your stay.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport for 2 hours. Connect using your Facebook or Google account.

All Maldivian resorts offer Wi-Fi, but the speed and quality can vary. Some resorts may charge extra for higher-speed Wi-Fi packages. It's important to check the specific Wi-Fi options and any associated costs when making your booking.


SIM Card Options at the Airport

Upon arrival, you’ll find booths for both major mobile operators—Ooredoo and Dhiraagu—located outside the arrival hall. SIM cards can be issued from their respective shops located next to the arrival Dhovemi shop for added convenience. These booths are open 24/7, making it convenient to purchase a SIM card regardless of your arrival time.


Ooredoo Tourist Plans

1. USD 40 Plan

• 20GB data
• $6.50 allowance
• 100 minutes for local voice calls
• 150 local SMS
• Valid for 10 days

2. USD 50 Plan

• 100GB data (30GB regular + 70GB social)
• $9.50 allowance
• 150 minutes for local voice calls
• 200 local SMS
• Valid for 30 days

3. USD 100 Plan

• 125GB data
• Includes a free MiFi device
• Valid for 30 days

Dhiraagu Tourist Plans

1. USD 40 Plan

• 20GB data
• $6.50 allowance
• 150 minutes for local voice calls
• 150 local SMS
• Valid for 10 days

2. USD 50 Plan

• 100GB data (30GB regular + 70GB social)
• $9.50 allowance
• 300 minutes for local voice calls
• 300 local SMS
• Valid for 30 days

3. USD 100 Plan

• 125GB data
• Includes a free MiFi device
• Valid for 30 days

Internet Coverage

Both Ooredoo and Dhiraagu provide extensive coverage throughout the Maldives, with 99% of the country covered by their networks. This means you should have a reliable internet connection even when traveling between islands or staying at remote resorts.

4G LTE is widely available across the Maldives.

Both Ooredoo Maldives and Dhiraagu offer 5G services in the Maldives.

• Ooredoo Coverage: Greater Male area (Male, Villimale, Hulhumale, Hulhule), key business hubs, hospitals, and public spaces.
• Dhiraagu Coverage: Male, Villimale, Hulhumale, Velana International Airport, Addu City (Hithadhoo), and Kulhudhuffushi.

Tourists with 5G-compatible devices can enjoy fast connectivity, with Ooredoo leading in network performance. 5G coverage continues to expand.


Tips for Purchasing a SIM Card

1. Bring your passport, as it's required for SIM card registration.
2. Consider your length of stay and data needs when choosing a plan.
3. If your device supports eSIM, you may have the option to purchase and activate it instantly.
4. Both operators accept international credit and debit cards for payment.

Remember, while all resorts offer Wi-Fi, having a local SIM card ensures you stay connected even on the beach or during island-hopping excursions. Both Ooredoo and Dhiraagu provide reliable service, but some travelers report that Ooredoo has slightly better coverage in more remote areas.

Forbidden Items to Bring into the Maldives:

• Alcohol
• Narcotics
• Vaping devices, e-cigarettes, and related accessories
• Pornographic materials
• Pork and pork products
• Guns and firearms
• Spear guns
• Dangerous chemicals and explosives
• Materials contrary to Islamic beliefs, including idols for worship and Bibles

Forbidden Activities in the Maldives:

• Fishing from the island: Fishing from the shore is prohibited. If you wish to fish, resorts offer organized traditional or big game fishing trips.
• Damaging marine life: It is illegal to break, take, or damage live corals, as well as to harm or collect shells from the ocean.
• Inappropriate clothing: When visiting local islands, wearing swimwear or revealing clothing is forbidden. You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Being topless or naked in public is strictly prohibited by law.

Note: Violating these laws can result in penalties.