Complete the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration on the official Maldives Immigration portal within 96 hours before your arrival flight. Tourists normally receive a free 30-day visa on arrival if they meet the entry conditions, including a machine-readable passport, confirmed accommodation, onward travel and sufficient funds. The most important planning question is whether you are staying at a private resort or on inhabited local islands. Resorts arrange their own airport transfers, often by speedboat, domestic flight or daylight-only seaplane, so confirm the method, price, baggage allowance and arrival cutoff directly with the resort before flying. Independent island hopping is less standardized: RTL, scheduled speedboats, guesthouses and direct operators cover different routes, and weather can change services. The currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, while resorts commonly accept cards and US dollars. Carry clean US-dollar notes and some rufiyaa for local islands, where card acceptance and ATMs can be limited. Alcohol is restricted to licensed resort settings and must not be brought into the country. Dress modestly on inhabited islands and use designated bikini beaches. Sea currents can be dangerous even near resorts, so follow local warnings and do not swim alone. For emergencies call 102 for an ambulance, 118 for fire services or 119 for police.
A new MVR and USD wallet that foreign visitors can apply for and fund with eligible international cards.
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Guac eSIM covers Maldives with plans from $0.58 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.
How to Pay in Maldives