Frequently Asked Questions

No advance visa is required. The Maldives grants a free 30-day visa on arrival to all nationalities, including Indian passport holders. There is no application fee and no embassy visit. You simply need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a confirmed hotel or resort booking, a return/onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The visa is stamped into your passport when you land at Velana International Airport.

The Maldives visa on arrival is completely free of charge for all nationalities, including Indians. There is no government visa fee. The only mandatory online step is the IMUGA Traveller Declaration (see below), which is also free. Be wary of any third-party website that asks you to pay for a Maldives "e-visa" — no such paid visa exists.

To receive your free 30-day visa on arrival you need: (1) a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date; (2) a confirmed booking at a registered resort, hotel or guesthouse; (3) a return or onward air ticket; (4) proof of sufficient funds for your stay; and (5) a completed IMUGA Traveller Declaration submitted online within 96 hours before departure. No embassy appointment, invitation letter or sponsor is required.

IMUGA is the Maldives online immigration portal (imuga.immigration.gov.mv). Every traveller must complete a short, free Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before both arrival and departure. You enter your passport details, flight details and accommodation. On submission you receive a QR code — keep it on your phone or printed to show at immigration. It takes only a few minutes.

The visa on arrival grants a stay of up to 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension (up to a total of 90 days) at the Maldives Immigration office in Malé before your initial 30 days expire. Our team can guide you through the extension process if needed.

Yes. The free 30-day visa on arrival can be extended for up to 90 days in total by applying in person at Maldives Immigration in Malé before your current visa expires. A small extension fee applies. Most holidaymakers never need this, as a 30-day stay comfortably covers any resort or island-hopping trip.

You should carry your IMUGA Traveller Declaration QR code (on your phone or printed), your confirmed resort/hotel booking, and your return ticket. Immigration officers may ask to see these. The visa itself is stamped free of charge on arrival — there is nothing to pay or pre-purchase.

Yes. Indian passport holders, like all other nationalities, receive the 30-day visa on arrival free of charge. The only requirements are a valid passport, confirmed accommodation, a return ticket, sufficient funds, and a completed (free) IMUGA Traveller Declaration. No paid e-visa exists — ignore any website that charges a visa fee.

Immigration can refuse entry if you cannot show a confirmed accommodation booking, a return/onward ticket, or sufficient funds. Make sure these are arranged before you travel. When you book a package with us, we provide all confirmed booking documents so your arrival at Velana International Airport is smooth and stress-free.

No. The Maldives does not operate a paid e-visa scheme. Entry is by free 30-day visa on arrival for everyone, paired with the free online IMUGA Traveller Declaration. If a website asks you to pay for a Maldives visa in advance, it is not official. The genuine, free portal is imuga.immigration.gov.mv.

The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR, also written Rf), which is pegged at roughly 15.4 to the US dollar. In practice, the entire tourism industry prices and bills in US dollars (USD). Resorts, hotels, liveaboards, excursions and most restaurants quote in USD and accept it directly, so you rarely need to handle Rufiyaa at all.

Indian Rupees are not generally accepted in the Maldives and are difficult to exchange. Carry US dollars (the universal tourist currency) and/or an international Visa/Mastercard. Convert INR to USD before leaving India, or simply rely on cards — resorts, hotels and most restaurants accept cards without issue.

Yes — US dollars are accepted everywhere in the tourism sector: resorts, hotels, liveaboards, dive centres, excursions and most restaurants. Prices are usually displayed in USD. Any change for small USD payments may be given in Rufiyaa. You almost never need to exchange money in advance — USD cash and a card cover everything.

The simplest approach is: (1) bring some US dollars in cash for tips, local-island guesthouses and small purchases; (2) use a Visa or Mastercard for resort bills, dive packages and excursions; and (3) draw a little Rufiyaa from an ATM in Malé or Hulhumalé only if you plan to spend time on local (inhabited) islands. You do not need to exchange INR to Rufiyaa before travelling.

For a typical resort or liveaboard holiday, no — everything is billed in USD and settled by card or US-dollar cash. You only really need Rufiyaa if you stay on local islands and want to buy from small shops, cafés or local ferries. ATMs in Malé and Hulhumalé dispense Rufiyaa using international cards.

ATMs are common in Malé and Hulhumalé and accept international Visa/Mastercard. On resort islands you generally won't need an ATM as everything goes on your room bill in USD. Cards are accepted at virtually all resorts, hotels, dive centres and larger restaurants. Carry some USD cash for tips and small local-island purchases, and inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Yes — Visa and Mastercard are widely and safely accepted at resorts, hotels, liveaboards, dive centres and larger restaurants. Small local-island shops and ferries may be cash-only, so keep some US dollars or Rufiyaa for those. A Green Tax and service charge are usually added to resort bills, and tipping is appreciated but not compulsory.

As a rough guide, USD 1 ≈ ₹83–85 and USD 1 ≈ 15.4 Maldivian Rufiyaa (the Rufiyaa is pegged to the dollar). Since the Maldives prices in USD, budget your trip in dollars and convert to rupees for reference. Check our live Currency Converter for the current rate before you travel.

The best time is the dry north-east monsoon (locally Iruvai), roughly December to April. These months bring sunny skies, calm seas, low humidity and the best underwater visibility — it is the peak tourist season. December to early January and the Easter period are the busiest and most expensive. May to November is the wetter south-west monsoon (Hulhangu), with more cloud and short showers but lower prices and excellent plankton-driven manta and whale-shark activity.

Yes — the Maldives has two monsoons rather than distinct regional climates. The dry north-east monsoon (December–April) is the sunny peak season. The wet south-west monsoon (May–November) brings higher humidity and short, often brief, afternoon or overnight showers, interspersed with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures stay warm year-round at about 26–31°C, with sea temperatures around 27–30°C.

Baa Atoll is wonderful year-round, but the plankton-rich south-west monsoon (roughly May to November) is the famous season for Hanifaru Bay, where manta rays and whale sharks gather to feed. For calm seas, sunshine and the best general visibility, the dry season (December–April) is ideal. Many visitors combine a dry-season holiday with the shoulder months for the best of both.

The dry season (December–April) is the most popular time for Maafushi and other local islands — sunny, calm and perfect for sandbank trips, snorkelling and excursions. The wet season (May–November) is quieter and cheaper, with warm seas and short showers. There are no typhoons in the Maldives, so trips run year-round; only occasional squally days during the south-west monsoon may shift an excursion.

December is one of the best months — it falls in the dry north-east monsoon with sunny skies, calm seas and excellent visibility across all atolls. It is peak season, so resorts and liveaboards book up early and prices are at their highest, especially over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Expect warm days around 30°C and pleasant evenings.

Yes. The south-west monsoon brings lower prices, fewer crowds and warm seas. Showers are usually short and there is still plenty of sunshine. It is also prime time for marine life — plankton blooms draw manta rays to Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll), while South Ari Atoll has whale sharks year-round. There are no typhoons, so holidays run smoothly throughout the year.

No — the Maldives lies close to the Equator and is outside the main cyclone and typhoon belt, so it is not affected by typhoons. The only weather variation is the two monsoons: the dry north-east monsoon (December–April) and the wetter south-west monsoon (May–November), which brings short showers and the occasional squally day. This makes the Maldives a reliable year-round destination.

Not at all. Temperatures are remarkably stable year-round at around 26–31°C, cooled by sea breezes. The May–November south-west monsoon (the local "summer" wet season) is humid with short showers but still warm and pleasant, and the sea stays a balmy 27–30°C — perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving any month of the year.

Pack light, breathable cotton or linen clothing, swimwear, sunglasses, a sun hat and reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — the equatorial sun is strong. Bring a light rain jacket for the wet season, sandals or reef shoes, and your own snorkel/mask if you have one. For visits to inhabited local islands, carry modest cover-up clothing (shoulders and knees) as these are conservative Muslim communities; resort islands have no dress restrictions.

A classic Maldives holiday is 5–7 nights, which is ideal for relaxing at one resort or splitting between a resort and a local island such as Maafushi. With 7–10 nights you can combine an atoll resort with a liveaboard dive/snorkel safari, or visit two contrasting atolls (for example South Ari Atoll for whale sharks and Baa Atoll for mantas). Even a 4-night escape works well thanks to short transfers and direct flights from India.

Most Maldives packages from Book Maldives Holiday include: resort or guesthouse accommodation, airport–resort transfers (speedboat or seaplane), a meal plan (breakfast, half-board or all-inclusive depending on the resort), and selected excursions such as snorkelling, dolphin cruises or a sandbank trip. International flights, travel insurance and personal expenses are usually separate but can be added. Green Tax and service charges are clearly itemised.

Absolutely — every Maldives holiday we arrange is tailor-made. You can choose your resort category (from local-island guesthouses to luxury overwater villas), add a liveaboard safari, pick specific dive or snorkel sites, include manta and whale-shark excursions, arrange a honeymoon set-up, or combine islands. Tell us your dates, budget and interests and we build the trip around you.

International flights are optional in most of our Maldives packages. We can source flights for you from your Indian city to Malé (Velana International Airport), or you can book independently and we handle everything on the ground. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Cochin, Chennai and Hyderabad take roughly 3.5–4.5 hours.

Yes — the Maldives is the world's leading honeymoon destination and we specialise in romantic escapes. Packages feature private overwater villas with direct lagoon access, sunset dolphin cruises, candlelit beach or sandbank dinners and couples' spa treatments. Tell us it's a honeymoon and many resorts add complimentary touches such as bed decoration, sparkling wine and a special dinner.

A great first-timer route is: arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé) → transfer by speedboat or seaplane to a resort in North or South Malé Atoll for 3–4 nights of beach time and snorkelling → add 2–3 nights in South Ari Atoll for year-round whale sharks, or in Baa Atoll for manta rays at Hanifaru Bay. Budget travellers can swap a resort for a local island such as Maafushi. We tailor the mix to your style and budget.

For peak season (December to April, especially Christmas, New Year and Easter), book 3–4 months ahead as the best resorts and liveaboards sell out. For the quieter May to November season, 4–8 weeks is usually fine. Booking early also secures the best seaplane transfer slots and honeymoon villas.

The total cost of a Maldives trip from India depends heavily on travel style. For a 7-day mid-range trip for 2 people including flights: budget travellers can manage ₹80,000–₹1.2 lakh per person (₹1.6–2.4 lakh total); mid-range trips typically cost ₹1.2–1.8 lakh per person (₹2.4–3.6 lakh total); luxury trips with 5-star hotels run ₹2.5–4 lakh+ per person. Use our Maldives Trip Cost Calculator for a personalised estimate.

More affordable than many expect. Staying on a local island such as Maafushi, a budget traveller can manage around $70–100 per day (excluding flights) with a guesthouse, local-café meals and shared excursions. Mid-range travellers at a 4-star resort on half-board typically spend $250–450 per person per day. Luxury overwater-villa stays with seaplane transfers run higher — but every budget level enjoys the same world-class reefs and beaches.

The Maldives has a reputation as a luxury destination, but it suits a wide range of budgets. Staying on local islands such as Maafushi in guesthouses, eating at local cafés and joining shared excursions keeps costs modest. Resort and overwater-villa holidays, seaplane transfers and private dives sit at the premium end. Because everything is priced in USD, it is easy to plan to your budget, and the quality and setting are consistently world-class.

Daily in-country expenses (excluding international flights): Budget — $70–110 per person (local-island guesthouse + local cafés + shared snorkelling/sandbank trips). Mid-range — $250–450 per person (4-star resort on half-board + speedboat transfer + guided excursions). Luxury — $700–1,500+ per person (overwater villa + seaplane transfer + all-inclusive dining + private dives). Use our Trip Cost Calculator to model your specific itinerary.

On local islands, café meals of Maldivian dishes such as mas huni, garudhiya and roshi cost around USD 3–8. Most resorts and liveaboards are sold with a meal plan (breakfast, half-board or all-inclusive), so food is largely pre-paid; à la carte resort dining and imported drinks are pricier. Budget travellers on local islands can eat very well for USD 15–25 a day, while resort guests usually choose a board basis that fixes most food costs upfront.

For a resort or liveaboard holiday you need very little cash — bills are settled in USD by card, and you only need a little US-dollar cash for tips. If you plan to spend time on local islands such as Maafushi, carry some US dollars and a little Maldivian Rufiyaa (drawn from a Malé/Hulhumalé ATM) for small shops, cafés and local ferries. There is no need to bring large amounts of cash.

We strongly recommend it. Healthcare in Maldives is affordable by Western standards but not free for tourists, and serious incidents can require expensive medical evacuations. Standard travel insurance costs around ₹500–700 per day; comprehensive plans with medical evacuation cover run ₹1,000–1,500 per day. Always ensure your policy covers adventure activities (trekking, motorbike rental, water sports) if you plan to do any.

The wetter south-west monsoon (May to November) is the cheapest time, with lower resort rates and fewer crowds — and it is prime season for manta rays at Hanifaru Bay. The shoulder months of May and late November offer a good balance of value and weather. Peak prices fall over the dry season (December to April), especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter, when resorts and liveaboards are at their most expensive.

Yes — vegetarian food is widely available. Resorts and liveaboards offer extensive buffets with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and many have dedicated Indian and vegetarian menus. On local islands, cafés serve vegetable curries, roshi (flatbread), dhal and fresh fruit. Tell your resort or our team in advance and your meals will be arranged to suit you.

Yes — Indian food is easy to find. Many resorts employ Indian chefs and offer Indian menus, and there are Indian restaurants in Malé and Hulhumalé serving dal, paneer, roti and biryani, including pure-vegetarian and Jain-friendly options. With the large Indian community working in the Maldives, Indian cuisine is one of the most commonly available.

Yes — food hygiene at resorts and licensed local-island cafés is generally very good. Tap water is desalinated; on resorts it is safe but most guests drink the provided filtered or bottled water. Freshly grilled reef fish and tuna, curries and roshi are staples and very safe. As anywhere, choose busy, popular cafés on local islands for the freshest food.

Maldivian cuisine centres on tuna and coconut. The signature dish is mas huni — shredded smoked tuna with grated coconut, onion and chilli, eaten at breakfast with roshi flatbread. Other classics include garudhiya (a clear tuna broth with rice and lime), mas riha (tuna curry), fihunu mas (grilled chilli-marinated reef fish) and snacks such as gulha and bajiya. Sweet treats include saagu bondibai, a sago-and-coconut pudding.

Maldivian food is flavourful and can be moderately spicy — chilli features in many curries and the popular chilli condiments — but it is generally milder than mainland Indian cuisine, and the heat is easy to adjust. Resorts and cafés will happily tone dishes down. With its tuna, coconut and mild spicing, Maldivian food is very approachable for Indian palates.

Jain food (no root vegetables) can be arranged with advance notice, especially at resorts with Indian chefs and at Indian restaurants in Malé and Hulhumalé. Fruit, plain rice and simple steamed or stir-fried vegetables are always available. Let us know your Jain requirements when booking and we will brief your resort and any restaurants so suitable meals are ready throughout your trip.

Highlights include: Malé (capital island — fish market, Hukuru Miskiy old mosque, Islamic Centre); South Ari Atoll (year-round whale sharks and luxury resorts); Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay manta rays and whale sharks, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve); North Malé Atoll (resorts and famous dive sites near the airport); Maafushi (friendly local island with guesthouses and sandbanks); Hulhumalé (modern reclaimed island and beaches near the airport); Addu Atoll (the deep south, with wreck and reef diving); and Vaadhoo, famed for its glowing "Sea of Stars" bioluminescence.

Absolutely — Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to Hanifaru Bay, one of the world's best places to snorkel alongside manta rays and even whale sharks as they feed on plankton (peak May–November). Its lagoons, house reefs and coral gardens are superb, and it has a mix of luxury and mid-range resorts. It is a genuine bucket-list experience for snorkellers and divers.

Almost every island has stunning white-sand beaches, but South Ari Atoll stands out for combining beautiful beaches with year-round whale sharks, while Dhigurah is famed for its 3km sandbank. For budget beach holidays, Maafushi and other local islands offer lovely "bikini beaches" set aside for tourists. North Malé Atoll is excellent for resort beaches and snorkelling close to the airport. The dry season (December–April) is best for beach time.

Yes — the Maldives is considered very safe, including for solo travellers, women and families. Crime against tourists is rare, and resort islands are private and secure. The main things to respect are local customs on inhabited islands (modest dress, and alcohol only on resort islands and liveaboards) and normal water-safety sense when snorkelling or diving. It is a welcoming, easy destination for first-time international travellers.

You travel almost entirely by boat and plane. From Velana International Airport, nearby resorts and islands are reached by speedboat (15–90 minutes), while far-flung atolls are reached by a domestic flight plus a seaplane transfer (seaplanes fly in daylight only). Between local islands, public ferries and speedboats operate. Your resort or our team arranges all transfers, so the logistics are handled for you.

Yes. Resorts are safe and relaxed, and local islands such as Maafushi have a friendly guesthouse scene where solo travellers easily meet others on shared snorkelling and excursion trips. Liveaboard safaris are naturally social. Solo female travellers generally feel very safe; on inhabited local islands, simply dress modestly in keeping with local custom.

Yes — the Maldives combines easily with Sri Lanka, Dubai or other hubs thanks to short flight connections through Malé. Many travellers also pair a resort stay with a liveaboard dive/snorkel safari, or split their trip between two atolls. Tell us your interests and we can design a multi-stop itinerary around your Maldives holiday.