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5,292 mi away
£1 MVR 21.00
Today
4:22 pm
+5h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Maldives
Maldives
30°
Moderate rain showers
Sat
27°
30°
Sun
27°
29°
Mon
27°
30°
Tue
26°
29°
Wed
27°
30°
Thu
29°
30°
Fri
27°
29°
SPF level in Maldives
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Maldives
What British travellers need to know
You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least one month after your arrival date.
You must complete a traveller declaration form (IMUGA) within 96 hours before your flight arrives.
Make sure your passport is not damaged or you may be stopped by immigration.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering.
Good to know:
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
It is illegal to bring in anything deemed contrary to Islam, including idols for worship, bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.
Safety in Maldives
Tips when travelling
Maldives is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during the daytime in Ramadan outside of holiday resorts.
Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands, and taking any out can lead to arrest and deportation.
Do not leave items unattended on the beach or in unlocked hotel rooms as petty crime does happen.
Only swim in well-supervised, designated safe areas, paying close attention to warning signs and water conditions.
It is illegal to take tortoiseshell jewellery, ornaments, or pieces of coral out of the Maldives.
Bonus tips:
Avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark, due to incidents of gang-related violence in some areas.
When outside holiday resorts, dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and avoiding short or tight-fitting shorts.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Maldives
A UK driving license is valid for up to 30 days. An international driving permit is not required.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
N/A (no motorways)
Urban speed limit
30 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Health in Maldives
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities in the Maldives can be limited, especially on local islands. Check if your policy covers activities like diving and water sports.
No vaccinations required
Medical facilities in Malé and resorts are generally adequate for minor issues. Serious cases may require evacuation. There is no GHIC/EHIC agreement between the UK and the Maldives.
Cards & payments
Increasingly accepted in resorts, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is essential for smaller establishments and local islands.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Maldives
Tipping isn't deeply ingrained in Maldivian culture, but it's increasingly appreciated in tourist areas for good service. It's a nice way to show your gratitude.
Restaurant
5-10% if service is not included in the bill.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is appreciated; small tips for good service.
Taxi
Not expected for short rides. Rounding up is a kind gesture.
Hotel Porter
10-20 MVR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 MVR per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the quality of the service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the Maldives. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data.
Local SIM
10GB for 300 MVR (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Maldives
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type G, Type L, Type J, Type K
No UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good in resorts and hotels, but can be limited and less reliable on local islands.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Most resorts and hotels offer Wi-Fi, often included in the room rate. Internet cafes are rare. Mobile data is a viable option using a local SIM. Speed can vary, but is generally adequate for basic browsing and communication.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
119
Ambulance
102
Fire
118
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Maldives
Country code
+960
To call the British High Commission, you would dial 00 960 332 2323.
The country code for the Maldives is 960. When calling from abroad, use your country's exit code followed by 960 and the local number.
Languages in Maldives
UK Embassy
British High Commission Malé
H. Orchid, 11th Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, 20057, Maldives
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Health
14 days ago
Health
- The list of health risks to check now specifically includes dengue.
Safety and security
23 days ago
Laws and cultural differences
- Ramadan now began on 17 February and finished on 19 March in 2026 (previously listed as 1 March to 29 March for 2025).
- In 2027, Ramadan may start on 7 February.
Safety
- A new warning has been added about fatal accidents involving boat propellers in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) and nearby whale shark sites.
- 'Regulations requiring propeller guards are not yet fully enforced.'
Airports in Maldives
Beaches in Maldives
Frequently asked questions
British citizens do not require a visa for tourist purposes for stays up to 30 days. You must have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds to cover your stay.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in the Maldives. Bottled water is widely available and is the safest option. Check with your resort about their water purification systems.
The best time to visit the Maldives is generally between November and April. This is the dry season, with lower humidity and less rainfall. However, this is also peak season, so expect higher prices.
Resort islands are generally relaxed with swimwear and light clothing acceptable. However, when visiting local islands, it's respectful to dress more modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially on local islands. Agree on prices for transportation and services beforehand. Ensure your tour operators are reputable and licensed.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in resorts. Credit cards are also accepted in larger establishments. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting local islands.
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially during Ramadan. Public displays of affection should be avoided, and alcohol is generally only available in resorts.
Transportation between islands is primarily by speedboat, seaplane, or local ferry (dhoni). Resorts typically arrange transfers for their guests. Consider the additional cost of transport when booking accommodation, as some islands are far from the airport and require expensive seaplane transfers.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.