Beyond choosing an island and a season, there's a practical side to preparation that saves you stress once you land.
Beyond choosing an island and a season, there's a practical side to preparation that saves you stress once you land.
Citizens of most countries don't need a visa in advance — it's issued on arrival for 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your travel date, and a return ticket.
Every traveller must complete the IMUGA electronic declaration before flying to the Maldives — done online, no earlier than 96 hours before arrival. Skipping it can cause entry issues, so add it to your checklist early.
Beyond the usual beach essentials: reef-safe sunscreen (it doesn't harm coral reefs), after-sun lotion, modest clothing for local islands and mosques, and, if you're visiting local islands, some small-denomination cash, since cards aren't accepted everywhere.
US dollars are the main currency at resorts, while local islands also use the Maldivian rufiyaa. Local SIM cards with data are available at Malé airport and are useful if you're moving between islands independently.
We'll put together a personal checklist for your specific dates and island, so nothing gets missed before you fly.
Get my pre-trip checklist