Quick Facts

No pre-arrival visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives.

A 30-day visa is issued free of charge for all nationalities, as long as visitors are in possession of a valid passport, a valid ticket out of the country and enough funds to cover the expenses for duration of their stay in Maldives (USD 100 + USD 50 per day or a confirmation of reservation in a tourist resort or a hotel).

Read more about visa requirements at the official website of the Maldives Immigration.

The national currency in Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

MVR 1.00 equals:

There is a 10% service charge and USD 8 bed tax per person per night regardless of age.

The Government of Maldives has introduced a Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 3.5%. This is levied on all services including accommodation, air transfers, food and beverage and activities.

Tipping is at the discretion of travellers.

Bank Hours
7.30am - 2.30pm, Sunday to Thursday

Office Hours 
7.30am - 2.30pm (Public Sector), Sunday to Thursday
9am - 5pm (Private Sector), Sunday to Thursday

Shopping Hours
9am - 12pm; 2pm - 6.30pm; 8pm - 10pm, Monday through Sunday
2pm - 6.30pm, Friday

The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Malé is the biggest hospital in the country, and provides sophisticated medical care.

Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Malé, as well as other inhabited islands, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing.

The Maldives benefits from a tropical climate with average daytime temperatures of 28°C (82°F) and above throughout the year. Despite a close proximity to the equator, humidity is low due to cooling sea breezes.