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Maldives travel guide

Coral islands, clear lagoons and resorts with a beach or a villa over the water, about four hours from the UAE.

For travellers from the UAE · Checked

Maldives packages from USD 900
A white sandbank in a turquoise lagoon in the Maldives A wooden jetty leading to a palm-fringed island in the Maldives Palm trees on a white sand beach in the Maldives

The Maldives is a chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, and a holiday there usually means one island and one resort. Your choice of resort shapes everything: its house reef, its beach, whether you stay on the sand or over the water, and how you get there from the airport.

Being a short flight from the UAE with a free visa on arrival for every nationality, it suits a long weekend as well as a honeymoon or a family week. The days are simple: swimming, snorkelling, sunsets and good food.

Visa and entry

  • The Maldives grants a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival to all nationalities.

    Source: Gulf News (Zainab Husain)

  • You need a machine-readable passport, a confirmed return ticket and hotel booking, and proof of funds. Complete the online Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before both arrival and departure.

    Source: Gulf News (Zainab Husain)

  • If you are returning to the UAE, make sure your passport and UAE residence visa are both valid for at least six months.

    Source: Gulf News (Zainab Husain)

Entry rules for Maldives can change at short notice. Share your nationality and residence details and our team will confirm what applies to you before you book.

Things to do in Maldives

  1. Your resort's house reef

    Many resorts have coral reefs a short swim from the beach, with turtles, reef sharks and shoals of fish.

  2. A sandbank picnic

    A boat to a strip of white sand in the middle of the lagoon, for a swim and lunch with nobody else in sight.

  3. Sunset dolphin cruises

    Evening boat trips where spinner dolphins often follow the bow.

  4. Whale sharks and manta rays

    Seasonal excursions to see them in the wild, depending on your atoll and the time of year.

  5. A seaplane flight

    Seen from above, the atolls are an unforgettable sight; seaplane transfers fly in daylight only.

  6. Malé

    The compact capital, with its fish market and the Old Friday Mosque built from coral stone.

Dos and don'ts

Do

  • Complete the Traveller Declaration before your outbound and return flights.
  • Ask how your resort transfer works when you book: speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight and boat.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for snorkelling in the midday sun.
  • Dress modestly in Malé and on local islands, where swimwear is for designated beaches only.
  • Bring US dollars or a card for resort extras.

Don't

  • Bring alcohol, pork or religious material for distribution into the country; they are prohibited imports.
  • Take coral or shells from the beach or the reef.
  • Stand on or touch the coral while snorkelling.
  • Book an evening flight arrival if your resort is reached by seaplane, which does not fly after dark.

Food to try

Mas huni
Shredded tuna with coconut, onion and chilli, eaten with flatbread at breakfast.
Garudhiya
A clear fish broth served with rice, lime and chilli.
Hedhikaa
Small fried snacks such as fish cutlets and rolls, served in the afternoon.
Fresh reef fish
Grilled the same day it is caught, at most resorts.
Kulhi boakiba
A spicy baked fish cake, often served at celebrations.

Practical tips

Resort transfers
Islands near Malé are reached by speedboat; distant atolls by seaplane or by domestic flight and boat. Transfers can cost as much as a night's stay, so we include them in your quotation.
Money
Resorts charge in US dollars and accept cards. Service charges and taxes are often added to room and food bills.
Halal food
The Maldives is a Muslim country; meat served in Malé is halal, and resorts can confirm their kitchens.
Weather
Warm all year. The dry season from December to April brings the calmest seas and clearest water.

Maldives holiday packages

Two itineraries in Maldives, built on the places in this guide, with the hotel, tours and transfers in one price.

All holiday packages

Maldives in photographs

A white sandbank in a turquoise lagoon in the Maldives A wooden jetty leading to a palm-fringed island in the Maldives Palm trees on a white sand beach in the Maldives Corals in the shallow reef of a lagoon in the Maldives A quiet beach and turquoise water on an island in the Maldives Sunset through the palms on a beach in the Maldives

Questions about travelling to Maldives

Do UAE residents need a visa for the Maldives?

No visa is needed in advance. Every nationality receives a free 30-day visa on arrival with a return ticket, a hotel booking and the online Traveller Declaration.

Beach villa or water villa?

Beach villas suit families with young children and give direct access to the sand; water villas suit couples and offer steps straight into the lagoon.

How long should we stay?

Four nights is enough to unwind; five to seven if you want excursions such as a sandbank, diving or a dolphin cruise.

Is the Maldives suitable for children?

Yes, at the right resort. Look for a shallow lagoon, a kids club and family villas; we can recommend suitable resorts.

More travel guides

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Enquiries

Plan your trip to Maldives with Trip Station Tourism

Share your dates, who is travelling and your nationality, and we will confirm the entry rules and arrange the flights, hotels and tours.

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