£1 MVR 20.97
Today
10:52 pm
+5h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Maldives
Maldives
29°
Thunderstorm
Thu
28°
29°
Fri
29°
29°
Sat
28°
29°
Sun
28°
29°
Mon
28°
29°
Tue
28°
29°
Wed
29°
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 leave items unattended on the beach or in unlocked hotel rooms, as petty crime occurs.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during the daytime outside of holiday resorts, especially during Ramadan.
Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands, and you can be arrested for possessing or drinking alcohol outside of them.
Only swim in well-supervised areas, pay attention to warning signs, and avoid areas with strong currents.
Be sensitive to local dress standards when outside resorts, covering shoulders and avoiding short or tight-fitting shorts.
Bonus tips:
It is illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam, and you could get a prison sentence for breaking local laws.
Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.
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.
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
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.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Malé
H. Orchid, 11th Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, 20057, Maldives
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
about 18 hours 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.'
Frequently asked questions
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.