Most international arrivals land at Velana International Airport (MLE) near Male. From there, you connect by:

Speedboat to nearby atolls and many Central Atolls resorts and local islands.
Seaplane to outer atolls (daylight operations).
Domestic flight plus speedboat for the far north and deep south.

For a southern-focused trip, you can also route through Gan International Airport (GAN) in Addu Atoll, depending on flight schedules.

Main international gateway for the Central Atolls, serving North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, and onward connections to Ari Atoll.

Southern gateway in Addu Atoll, useful for deep-south itineraries and connections to Fuvahmulah.

Domestic airport serving Baa Atoll and nearby northern resorts and local islands.

Between islands, transport is mostly by speedboat, ferry, seaplane, or domestic flight. Inside Male and Hulhumale you will use taxis and short ferries. On local islands, most movement is on foot, by bicycle, or short scooter rides.

If you are mixing regions, try to minimize backtracking through Male by grouping atolls (for example, Central Atolls first, then a northern or southern add-on).

Tourist visa is granted on arrival and does not require pre-approval for most travelers, but you must meet Maldives Immigration entry requirements. Common requirements include a passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) and at least 1 month validity, confirmed onward tickets, confirmed accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay.

All foreign visitors must submit the IMUGA Traveller Declaration online, up to 96 hours before arrival. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from an affected country (and is not required for most travelers).

Note: Maldives Immigration states that entry is not granted on Israeli passports effective 15 April 2025. Always check official updates close to departure.

Diving is boat-based in most regions, so plan for wet gear management rather than shore entries. Practical tips:

Use a soft duffel for easier domestic flight and boat handling.
Keep regulators, computers, and camera gear in carry-on when possible.
If you plan a seaplane or domestic hop, confirm baggage limits and allow room for wetsuits and fins.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a reusable water bottle; many islands have limited waste-handling capacity.

In resorts and on liveaboards, prices are commonly quoted in USD and cards are widely accepted. On local islands, small restaurants, ferries, and convenience shops often prefer MVR cash. Carry small notes for tips, ferry tickets, and snacks.

If you plan to split time between a resort and an inhabited island, expect to use a mix of card (resort) and cash (local).

ATMs are easy to find in Male and Hulhumale, and some larger inhabited islands have ATMs. Remote islands may have limited or no ATM access, and card terminals can be unreliable outside the main hubs. Withdraw cash before you head to outer atolls or deep-south regions.

Many resorts use UK-style Type G sockets and may also offer universal outlets. Bring a universal adapter if you have multiple chargers.

Communications

Mobile coverage is strong around Male and most inhabited islands. Tourist SIM and data packages are widely available from major providers, and many travelers buy a SIM on arrival at MLE. Resort Wi-Fi quality varies from basic to excellent, and remote atolls can be slower.

If you need reliable data for remote transfers, confirm coverage with your accommodation in advance.

Langue

Dhivehi is the official language. English is widely spoken in resorts, liveaboards, and dive centers. On inhabited islands away from tourism, basic greetings and respectful dress go a long way.

Assurance

For scuba and serious freediving, carry dive accident insurance that covers hyperbaric treatment and evacuation. Some operators require proof of insurance for advanced channel dives or remote itineraries. Also confirm your general travel policy covers medical evacuation between atolls, not just hospital care in Male.

Liste de matériel

A practical Maldives packing list for water travelers:

3mm wetsuit for scuba and long snorkel sessions (consider a hooded vest if you get cold easily).
SMB and whistle if you dive, plus a backup mask strap.
Rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses for boat days.
Dry bag, spare batteries, and anti-fog for masks.
Light rain layer for monsoon squalls and a reusable water bottle for hot days.

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