Maldives - Travelling Information

Airport

As your plane breaks through the clouds revealing the emerald islands below, prepare for one of the most exciting flying experiences. The runway of Hulhule’ airport, that runs parallel to the shore creates a (rather safe, of course) adrenalin rush, for a second, when it makes you think that the plane is landing on water.

The Male International Airport is mere fifteen minutes from Male’. The airport is small, but well-equipped with souvenir and duty-free shops, restaurants, medical facilities, and provides banking and postal services.

The airport is accessible via Male’ on a dhoni ferry, that run every few minutes between the two islands.

The airport island also hosts the five-star Hulhule’ Island Hotel.

 

What to pack

Visiting the Maldives is the chance for you to break out the brightly coloured summer clothes that are so often out of place in colder climates. The higher temperatures and ever-present sunshine means that locals and visitors alike prefer dressing in lightweight materials. T-shirts, cotton clothing, skirts and shorts would be the best option to stay cool. The ideal footwear would be sandals and flip-flops.

Whether to pack only the more casual options like shorts and khakis or the newest Gucci number depends on what you plan to do, or where you plan to stay. Smart casual clothing is usually enough for Male’ or resorts, but the more up-market resorts may require that you dress up for dinner.

Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hats are widely necessary for a comfortable holiday, but they are available widely for purchase in resorts and around Male’.

 

Immigration and Visa

Tourists are issued a 30-day visa on arrival. A valid travel document is necessary. You can obtain circumstantial visa grants through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Male’.

 

Customs

It is prohibited to bring in firearms, drugs, pornography or idols of worship into the Maldives. Tourists also cannot bring in dogs, pigs and pork items. Alcohol and pork products under a special license are available in resort islands.

Health Requirements

Visitors to the Maldives, if arriving from infected countries, require an international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever and cholera to come into the country.

 

Info and Assistance at the Airport

The Airports Company has a counter outside the Arrival Terminal to provide information and assistance to tourists. The counter also has a variety of free brochures in different languages.

 

Transfers

If you have a booking at a resort, the transfer would usually be arranged for you prior to your arrival into the country. The option of speedboat or seaplane (where available) will be left to you to choose from.

Travelling in between inhabited islands are done through various ferry services. Ferries to nearby islands Villingili and Hulhumale’ can be taken from Male’.

 

Departure tax

The airport departure tax of US$12.00 is usually included when you purchase your airline ticket.

 

Duty-Free shopping

Duty-free shopping is available at the departure terminal at the Male’ International Airport. There are specialized shops with a wide variety of international brands selling well-known products and competitive prices. Products include souvenirs, perfume, electronics, toys, watches, fashion accessories and jewellery, liquor, tobacco and confectionary.