Everything You Need to Know Before Travelling to the Maldives

If you’ve got your compass pointing at the Republic of Maldives, you’ve made a great choice. Its location makes for a dream destination due to its colourful coral reefs, white-sand beaches, ample watersports activities and warm ocean waters. Located southwest of Sri Lanka and India, this archipelagic country is considered part of the Asian continent. Adventure enthusiasts and those who enjoy seaside holidays will have their expectations exceeded when travelling to this tropical island destination that is highly regarded by travellers from all over the world.

Key Facts:

Population: 555,840 (January 2022)[1]
Capital: Malé
Region: Asia
Best time to visit*: December to April[2]
Time zone: UTC +5 MVT (Maldives Time)
Number of islands: 1,192
Size: 298 km2

How Do I Reach the Maldives When Travelling from the UAE?

Reaching the Republic of Maldives from the United Arab Emirates is fairly cheap and can be done via an aeroplane. Travellers flying from Dubai can easily reach the islands within a short 6 hours and 59 minutes.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit the Maldives?

Residents of the United Arab Emirates do not require a visa prior to arrival in the Republic of Maldives[3]. You will be granted a complimentary 30-day visitor’s permit once submitting a valid travel document. If you wish to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you will need to obtain a “visa extension form” from the Department of Immigration in the Maldives and submit it to the Department before your current permit expires. You may be requested to provide proof of financial status.

When is the Best Time to Travel to the Maldives?

Being a tropical archipelago of islands, the Maldives sports fantastic weather conditions almost all year round. However, the most recommended time to visit is from the December to April months during the “dry” season. Bear in mind that this is also the peak travel season, which can result in a costly travel experience. However, most tourists are willing to pay for a better climate because of the numerous outdoor activities that make the islands attractive being limited during the wetter months. Note that there is still a possibility of showers during these months, so visiting the northern atolls during February and March may be the best option for you if you want to completely avoid the rain.

Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit the Maldives?

While travel insurance is not mandatory when visiting the Maldives, it’s a smart idea to get coverage for yourself and your loved ones, should you be travelling with them. The archipelago of islands is quite isolated with limited medical facilities available, with no trauma units and limited ICU beds available, according to the U.S. Department of State.[4]

Making sure you are covered from any unprecedented medical injuries and/or emergencies is, therefore, a wise choice. Allianz Travel offers excellent global one-trip travel insurance plans to meet your needs. Learn more here.

Currency and Language

The currency used in the Maldives is called the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MRF). The official language spoken in the Maldives is called Maldivian, also known as Dhivehi, and it is also the most widely spoken language. However, English is also commonly spoken due to the influx of tourism over the years.

Exciting Things to Do During Your Stay

Gear up for a world of excitement and a fun-filled itinerary when you visit the Republic of the Maldives! From captivating boat tours and snorkelling to unforgettable underwater restaurant experiences and exploring the island capital of Malé, the world is your oyster when you visit this island paradise. Here are a few recommendations on things to add to your Maldivian bucket list:

Visit an Underwater Restaurant

The Maldives is a literal underwater playground - a case in point where it concerns its variety of underwater restaurants! Enjoy an exquisite underwater dining experience when you choose to savour the host of culinary delights served up at one of these five underwater restaurants in the Maldives.

Snorkel, Scuba Dive, Surf and More

There is certainly no shortage of watersports activities, with many tourists trekking to the islands to venture into its breathtaking waters. Some activities include scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, surfing and even windsurfing. Whichever watersports activity you decide to try your hand at, the inviting crystal-clear waters and coral reefs are waiting to welcome you on an incredible journey

Discover the Island Capital of Malé

Malé is ideal for explorers who enjoy sightseeing with historical architecture in mind. Make a pit stop at the coral-stone Old Friday Mosque built in 1656. As the oldest mosque in the Maldives, non-Muslims are officially restricted from entering, but it’s recommended that you dress modestly and visit outside prayer time for a chance of being invited in. Mulee’aage Palace is another must-see destination and the official residence of the president of the Maldives. Be sure to pay a visit to the bustling Majeedhee Magu market to shop keepsakes, produce goods and more.

Go Dolphin Watching

Many tourists enjoy hopping onto a dolphin watching yacht to admire these mammals of the sea. The locals are well-versed in where to keep a lookout for them, with the dolphins putting on an entertaining act for those watching.

Sunbathe on the Many Beaches

The Maldives is highly regarded for its plethora of white-sand beaches and shallow Indian Ocean waters, making sunbathing and swimming a popular activity to take up when visiting. Meditate, stargaze at nighttime, or read your favourite book on the pearly white sands as you soak up the views of this charming oasis.

Savour the mouth-watering cuisine

It’s an unspoken rule that enjoying the flavours of a foreign land should form part of any vacation experience. The Maldives has a variety of flavoursome food to satisfy even the most discerning food enthusiast. Be sure to try out the traditional Maldivian curry with tuna, the tantalising fish soup called Garudhiya, and the street food favourite: the Mas Kashi, a dried fish served with refreshing mango and exotic coconut.

About Allianz Travel and Allianz Assistance

Allianz Travel has over 30 years of experience in offering first-class services and products to tourists from around the globe. Our global headquarters are based in Paris, but we also have regional offices in more than 28 countries worldwide. Allianz Travel and Allianz Assistance is the largest travel insurance and assistance company in the world, providing end-to-end travel insurance solutions to those in need.

If you are considering a trip to the Maldives and are looking for travel insurance, get in touch with us today to learn more about our products and services.

References:

Everything you need to know about the Maldives