5 Things You Should Know Before You Travel to the Maldives

The picture postcard island paradise that is the Maldives looks completely untouched because that’s exactly what it is – well, almost. Out of over a thousand islands, only 200 or so are inhabited. These islands are on every one’s bucket list and so they should be!

So here are five pieces of information that you will find useful before you travel on a luxury holiday to the Maldives to ensure you have the best time possible. 

Check the Pre-Travel Requirements  

Always check the latest travel advice on the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office website for the most up to date travel information. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives

You need a full ten-year British Citizen passport to travel to the Maldives. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives.

An entry visa will be issued on arrival and all travellers to the Maldives must fill in a Traveller Declaration Form 72 hours before departure on the following website: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create

It is mandatory that you get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover for Covid-19 related claims too just to be safe. 

Avoid the rainy season 

There are some twelve hundred islands, grouped into 20 atolls that make up the Maldives. With their location so close to the Equator, they enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures (26C – 30C) all year round and with their idyllic white sandy beaches and clear blue waters any time in the year will be good to visit. 

However, there is of course a rainy season which runs from May through to October and even though the temperatures remain high during this time, you are likely to experience rainfall and strong winds during this time so avoid this period. Visit any time from November through to April and your stay won’t be interrupted by rain! If you intend to visit Male – the capital city of the Maldives, then avoid travelling during the Holy month of Ramadan when most restaurants will be closed.  The dates for Ramadan in 2023 are 22 March – 21 April. 

Each island is its own island resort and you will not land there

Unlike other tropical paradise islands, the Maldives are not one resort. Each island is its own island resort and has its own unique characteristics. They are not all the same and you will need to research which one of the many island resorts is the ideal one for your luxury Maldives holiday. 

There is an island resort in the Maldives for everyone, from romantic honeymoon couples and groups of friends, through to families with young children and teenagers. All flights land at Male Airport which, interestingly, is not on Male but on a nearby island called Hulhule. Transfers to your island resort will be by seaplane, helicopter, speedboat, dhuni (a local Maldivian boat) ferry or a combination of any of these. 

You can’t bring alcohol with you

This is a Muslim country and you can’t bring any alcohol with you. If you do buy any alcohol at the duty free shop, it will be confiscated on arrival in the Maldives and you could face a heavy fine. So buy other stuff in the duty free shop instead such as good high protection factor sun creams which will be highly useful. Island resorts are unaffected by this rule and alcohol is served here so you can still buy your favourite tipple and enjoy it on your holiday – you just cannot bring it with you.

Bring extra swimwear and sun creams

You will be spending most of your luxury holiday in the Maldives sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, diving or surfing and whatever activity you chose, will be outdoors. You need to pack extra sun protection creams to last the whole week – remember you will be in the sun and in the water all day every day and applying creams all day every day, and it cannot be bought on most islands. You will also need to pack more swimwear and beachwear than you would usually need on any other holiday. Of course, you can’t really come to the Maldives without a good under-water camera with you for all the amazing under-water photo opportunities the Maldives offer up so make sure you pack one of those too. Free up some luggage space by leaving your shoes behind, apart from your journey to and from your island resort, you really will be spending your whole holiday in bare feet. 

If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, there’s no better place to go than the Maldives. With its stunning beaches, clear blue waters and luxurious resorts, the Maldives is a true paradise. Just remember these tips and we are sure you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime.