Government
Maldives is a republic, governed by a democratically elected government for a five-year term. Unicameral parliament is also elected every five years, while courts enjoy full autonomy from the executive and legislature.
RELIGION
Constitution dictates that every Maldivian should be a Muslim. However, Maldivians are welcoming of visitors of all religions. Public practice of a religion other than Islam is prohibited.
LANGUAGE
Dhivehi is the native language. However, English is widely taught and used.
CURRENCY
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is a non- convertible currency only available in the Maldives. US dollars are acceptable legal currency, pegged at USD 1.00 = MVR 15.42. All major credit cards and currency notes such as Euro and Sterling Pounds are also accepted.
TIME
Five hours ahead of GMT. (GMT+S)
VISA
Tourists of all nationalities are granted 30-day visit visa on arrival. People visiting for other reasons, especially as journalists and photographers, should apply for respective visas in advance: www.immigration.gov.mv
MINIMUM PASSPORT VALIDITY
If entering Maldives as a tourist, you will be granted a 30-day visa upon arrival and your passport must be valid for a minimum of one month. However, if arriving by air, most airlines state that your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives.
CUSTOMS
Tourists are prohibited from bringing in these items: alcohol, chemicals, dogs, idols for worship, gun powder and explosives, live plants and animals, medicines or steroids, materials contrary to Islam, narcotics and psychotropic substances, pork and pork products, pornographic materials, spear guns, and firearms and ammunition.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Banknotes and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at the Velana International Airport and at foreign exchange bureau in Malé. Credit cards are accepted.
TELEPHONE CODE
+ 960, followed by the local number.
MOBILE PHONES
Prepaid SIM cards are available from two mobile network shops at the airport. They can be used for local and international calls as well as data.
INTERNET
Tourist establishments have WiFi access, usually for free.
ELECTRICITY
230 volts UK style power plugs type G
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Ambulance 102
Coast Guard 191
Fire 118
Police 119
MEDICAL
Some resorts have resident doctors and nurses. Country’s main public hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) is located in the capital city. Private hospitals, ADK Hospital located in Malé and Tree Top Hospital in Hulhumalé, provide the best available healthcare in the country. Each atoll has one hospital quipped with facilities for emergency treatment and minor surgeries. All islands have Health Centers with at least one general physician. There are pharmacies in all inhabited islands.
ALCOHOL
Only permitted for foreigners in resorts or on liveaboard vessels. Alcohol and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any inhabited island even for guests staying in a guesthouse or hotel.
CLOTHING
Because of the tropical climate, clothes of cotton material are recommended. Tourists should respect local culture and dress modestly when visiting, or staying on, an inhabited island. Sandals are ideal, as you will often want to slip them off and go barefoot.
TAXES
Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12 percent is levied on accommodation, restaurant and bar bills from tourist establishments. A Green Tax of USD 6.00 per person per day is levied on guests staying at resorts, hotels and liveaboards. For those staying in guesthouses, the Green Tax is USD 3.00 per person per day. A departure tax of USD 25 for tourists above the age of two is included in the airline ticket price. By booking a holiday package with Crew Maldives Holidays, all above taxes are already included in your price, except for additional consumptions and personal expenses done by you in the resort.
TIPPING
A service charge of 10 percent is added to restaurant bills. An extra five percent in cash given to the main server is appreciated but not expected. Housekeeping staff could be rewarded with USD 5 per day per guest, and porters with USD 5 on arrival and departure.
SPEEDBOAT TRANSFER
Speedboat transfers do not adhere to fixed schedules and are organized by the resort. You will be transported on the first available shared speedboat, aligning with your international flight arrival. We will promptly relay your flight arrival details, as provided in your booking reservation, to the resort. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall, where they will guide you through the speedboat transfer process or introduce you to a resort representative who will assist you further.
SEAPLANE TRANSFER
Seaplane transfers are arranged by the resort based on the international flight arrival details provided in your booking reservation. You will be transported on the first available shared seaplane. Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall, assist you with luggage, and guide you through the seaplane check-in process. Seaplane check-in is conveniently located within the arrival hall. A short bus ride, lasting approximately 10 minutes, will take you to the seaplane terminal, where you'll wait in a designated area. Once you're on board, the seaplane flight will take approximately 30 to 50 minutes, bringing you directly to the resort.
Please note that the seaplane company is a third-party entity and operates independently within the flying hours' restrictions imposed by the local Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA), subject to weather conditions and daylight. Seaplane transfers are available only during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset.
Arrival: To ensure a same-day arrival at your resort, we recommend arriving in the Maldives before 15:00 (local time) to allow sufficient time for customs clearance. Please be aware that seaplane check-in closes at 16:15 (local time). In case you cannot find an international flight that aligns with these timings, you might consider spending a night in Male or Hulhumale, where you can experience the local lifestyle and culture.
Departure: The seaplane company will handle guests with scheduled international flight departures afterme for customs clearance. While seaplane check-in is typically at 2 pm, resorts aim to accommodate rooms as soon as possible upon arrival, depending on occupancy and availability. In the event of a short wait, you'll be entitled to use the resort facilities. If your international flight arrives later, consider spending a night in Male or Hulhumale to experience local life. 9 AM (local time).
Baggage Allowance: The standard permissible weight is 25 kg, including 20 kg for checked-in luggage and 5 kg for hand luggage per person. Individual bags should not exceed 32 kg. There is a charge of USD 5.00 per kg for baggage exceeding the permissible limit, in addition to applicable taxes charged by the seaplane company.
Seaplane transfers are arranged by the resort based on the international flight arrival details provided in your booking reservation. You will be transported on the first available shared seaplane. Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall, assist you with luggage, and guide you through the seaplane check-in process. Seaplane check-in is conveniently located within the arrival hall. A short bus ride, lasting approximately 10 minutes, will take you to the seaplane terminal, where you'll wait in a designated area. Once you're on board, the seaplane flight will take approximately 30 to 50 minutes, bringing you directly to the resort.
Please note that the seaplane company is a third-party entity and operates independently within the flying hours' restrictions imposed by the local Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA), subject to weather conditions and daylight. Seaplane transfers are available only during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset.