Maldives in 2027

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Travellers of most nationalities receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. No pre-approval is required if basic entry conditions are met.
• Entry Requirements
  • Passport valid for at least 1 month beyond entry date (6 months recommended)
  • Proof of onward/return travel
  • Confirmed accommodation or sufficient funds for the stay
• Mandatory Form (Arrival & Departure): All travellers must complete the IMUGA Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of flight time.
• Health: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from, or transiting for more than 12 hours through, a yellow-fever risk country.
• Extensions: Tourist visas may be extended in-country up to a maximum of 90 days; fees apply.
• Important advisory (effective 15 Apr 2025): Entry is prohibited for Israeli passport holders under the Third Amendment to the Immigration Act. Dual nationals may enter using a non-Israeli passport.
• Notes
  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry. Immigration officers may inspect travel details to confirm tourism-related visits.
  • For official information and updates, visit Maldives Immigration, IMUGA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites.

• Official Language: The national language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, though English is widely spoken—especially in resorts, liveaboards, and tourist areas. Most signage, menus, and official notices are also available in English.
• Staying Connected: Mobile coverage is reliable across most inhabited islands and atolls. Prepaid SIM cards from Dhiraagu or Ooredoo can be purchased at Velana International Airport (Malé) upon arrival.
• Internet Access: Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts provides Starlink satellite internet onboard, ensuring stable connectivity while at sea. To optimise data use, consider disabling automatic updates, cloud syncing, and background app refresh during your stay.

• Official Currency: The national currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
• Payments
  • US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted across resorts, liveaboards, and airports.
  • Local shops on inhabited islands typically prefer Maldivian Rufiyaa for small purchases.
  • Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted onboard Solitude Gaia and at most resorts and dive centres; a small processing fee may apply.
  • ATMs are available in Malé and select inhabited islands, though USD withdrawals are limited—it’s advisable to carry some USD cash for incidental expenses.

• The Maldives enjoys a tropical equatorial climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging 27°C – 31°C (81°F – 88°F) both in and out of the water. Two main monsoon seasons shape its diving conditions:
  • Northeast Monsoon (Iruvai) — December to April
    Calm seas, minimal rainfall, and the clearest visibility — often exceeding 30 metres. Excellent for pelagic-filled channel dives in North & South Malé, Vaavu, and Ari Atolls.
  • Southwest Monsoon (Hulhangu) — May to November
    Brings richer plankton blooms, slightly reduced visibility, and spectacular manta-ray and whale-shark activity, particularly in Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay (peak July – October).

• Water Temperature: Typically 25 °C – 30 °C (77 °F – 86 °F) with occasional thermoclines. A 3 mm wetsuit is ideal for most dives; consider a 5 mm suit for extended liveaboard itineraries or deeper southern routes (February – March).
• Visibility: Ranges from 10 to 40 metres, depending on current strength and plankton levels.From the tranquil lagoons of North Malé to the adrenaline-filled channels of Addu Atoll, divers can expect consistent warmth, gentle trade winds, and abundant marine life in every season — making the Maldives a year-round dive paradise.

• Allowances: Travellers entering the Maldives may bring the following duty-free items:
  • Up to 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco.
  • Personal goods valued up to MVR 10,000.

• Prohibited Items: The import of alcoholic beverages, pork products, narcotics, firearms, ammunition, explosives, hazardous materials, counterfeit goods, and restricted wildlife products is strictly prohibited.
  • Alcohol is available only on licensed resort islands and liveaboards.
  • Vaping and e-cigarettes are banned for import, sale, and possession.

For full details, please check the latest Maldives Customs Information.

• Approval Required: Operating drones in the Maldives requires prior authorisation from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA).
• Regulations: All drone flights—whether for recreation, photography, or commercial use—must be approved in advance, with applications specifying flight location, altitude, and purpose.
• Restrictions: Unlicensed operation near airports, inhabited islands, or resorts without permission is strictly prohibited and may lead to confiscation or fines.
• For current regulations and permit applications, visit the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA).

Arrival and Departure

For Solitude Joy:

• Embarkation Port: Malé (Velana International Airport, IATA: MLE)
  Complimentary transfers between Velana International Airport (Malé) and the vessel are provided on embarkation and disembarkation days.
  Guests are advised to arrive in Malé before 10:00 AM on the day of departure. Boarding typically begins around 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, with departure in the afternoon once all guests have arrived.
• Disembarkation: The vessel returns to Malé on the final morning of the cruise. Guests are generally transferred back to the airport by 08:00–09:00 AM.
• If you have a later flight, a day room or luggage storage can be arranged through the reservations team.

Packing Advice:

• Avoid packing alcohol, pork products, or drones without prior authorisation, as these are restricted by Maldives Customs.
• Bring light tropical clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat or UV rash guard for surface intervals.
• For diving, pack or rent a 3 mm wetsuit (a 5 mm is recommended for extended itineraries or deeper southern dives).
• Adapters: The Maldives uses Type D and Type G (UK-style) plugs, 220 V/50 Hz.
• Luggage: If travelling by seaplane or domestic flight, note weight limits of approximately 20 kg checked + 5 kg hand carry.
• Avoid packing alcohol, pork products, or drones without prior authorisation, as these are restricted by Maldives Customs.