Maldives Travel FAQs 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Planning a trip to the beautiful Maldives in 2025, but are unaware of what to do and what not? Browse through this guide to find out the most searched Maldives Travel FAQs 2025, as well as insights and travel recommendations for a seamless island vacation. This tropical paradise boasts 1,192 coral islands in 26 natural atolls. With crystal-clear oceans, white beaches, and world-class luxury resorts, Maldives tourism offers memorable experiences to all. Whether you seek luxury, adventure, or a budget holiday, these FAQs provide everything you need to know before you jet off to paradise.

Key Takeaways

• Visa on Arrival: Indian travellers are provided a visa on arrival with 30 days to stay in the Maldives.
• Currency: US Dollars and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) are generally accepted
• Transfer Planning: Seaplane transfers must arrive at least by 3.30 PM, the speedboats and domestic flights can be used in the remote resorts.
• All-Inclusive Value: The majority of resorts have meal plans ranging between half-board and drinks-inclusive.
• Prior Reservation: Some of the most popular water sports activities and meals need to be booked in advance.

The Maldives Travel FAQs 2025

1. Which documents are required to travel to the Maldives?

A Maldives visa is issued to Indian citizens on arrival with a 30-day stay permission. The Maldives Immigration Department says that you require the following four documents:

• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the return date
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Hotel confirmation vouchers or accommodation proof
• Two passport-size photographs for immigration processing
  

2. What is the best time to visit the Maldives?

The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit the Maldives to enjoy beach activities, diving, and water sports. From May to October is the shoulder and there are random showers accompanied by low prices and reduced tourist numbers.

3. How do I get around the Maldives?

Island hopping in the Maldives is common, with options including public ferries (most affordable), speedboats, seaplane transfers, and domestic flights. Resorts usually arrange transfers for guests, including speedboats or seaplanes. 

4. What traditions and practices should you bear in mind when visiting the Maldives?

On the local islands, dress modestly in long-sleeved garments and long trousers. Keep your swimsuits for special bikini beaches. Pork and alcohol are not sold beyond resorts. Also, avoid too much PDA, and always ask before snapping photos of locals.

5. What currency is accepted in the Maldives?

In the Maldives, both USD and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) are generally used. Although credit cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash is useful for local islands and small purchases.

6. Is the Maldives safe for solo female travellers in 2025? 

Yes, the Maldives is secure for solo female travellers, particularly on resort islands, which have high security.

7. What activities are popular in the Maldives?

The most popular activities in the Maldives are snorkelling with the manta rays and sharks, diving into the colourful coral reefs, Jet skiing, paddle boarding, surfing, spa treatments, underwater dining and cultural island tours.

8. How do I stay connected in the Maldives?

To get mobile connectivity in the Maldives, you can purchase a SIM card of the Dhiraagu or Ooredoo telecom companies at Velana International Airport right after immigration. For a basic tourist plan, you have to pay at least MVR 385 (INR 2,050), including calls, SMS, and 5GB data.

9. Are there any resorts in the Maldives that cater to families and single travellers?

Yes, most of the resorts in the Maldives are family and solo traveller friendly. The finest family resorts in the Maldives 2025 are Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Lily Beach Resort and Spa and Kandima Maldives. W Maldives and Gili Lankanfushi are the most suitable resorts for solo travellers.

10. How much does a Maldives holiday cost?

A Maldives trip can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on stay and activities. A mid-range 3–4 day trip usually costs $1,000–$2,500 per person, excluding flights.

11. What is the resort check-in in checkout policy in the Maldives?

The standard check-in time in the Maldives resorts could be between 2 to 3:00 PM, and the standard checkout time could be between 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, depending upon each resort. You can check the check-in and checkout time accurately on your booking your the Maldives tour packages.

12. Can I drink tap water in the Maldives?

No, tap water in the Maldives isn’t safe to drink as most of it is desalinated seawater without essential minerals and may still pose health risks. Most resorts provide complimentary bottled water daily in guest rooms.

13. What meal plans are available at Maldives resorts?

Maldives resorts typically offer Bed & Breakfast (BB), Half Board (HB) (breakfast and dinner), Full Board (FB) (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and All-Inclusive (AI) options, which vary in the extent of food, drinks, and other activities included

14. What should I pack for a Maldives vacation?

Packing for the Maldives requires consideration of tropical weather, water activities, and environmental conservation policies.

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, moisture-wicking)
• Swimwear (2-3 sets for quick drying)
• Cover-ups and sarongs for resort dining
• Comfortable walking sandals and water shoes

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

• Personal snorkelling mask for a better fit (optional)
• Underwater camera or GoPro

• Basic first aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic
• Motion sickness medication for boat transfers
• Insect repellent for evening activities
  

15. What are the must-visit places in the Maldives for 2025?

Malé city, Addu Atoll, Maafushi Island, Vaadhoo Island, Sun Island, Baros Island, and Fulhadhoo Island are the must-visit places in the Maldives for 2025.

16. What is the difference between beach villas and water villas in the Maldives?

Maldives beach villas can be described as high-quality beachfront accommodation with easy access to the sand and gardens. It is thus most appropriate for families or individuals wishing to be close to the land.

In contrast, water villas in the Maldives are built over the water, featuring private decks, direct lagoon access for swimming/snorkelling, and unmatched privacy.

17. Which airports serve the Maldives?

Velana International Airport (MLE) is the main International airport in the Maldives. You can also fly to domestic airports in the Maldives, such as Gan International Airport in Addu Atoll and Hanimaadhoo Airport in the northern atolls.

18. Are there Indian restaurants available in the Maldives?

Yes, there are many Indian restaurants in the Maldives.  Maagiri Indian Restaurant, Sharafuddin Restaurant, and Kumarika Indian Restaurant are must-visit places to try authentic Indian cuisine.

19. What are the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the Maldives?

The best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the Maldives include Fuvahmulah Atoll for shark encounters, Hanifaru Bay to swim with manta rays and whale sharks, Banana Reef for diverse marine life and Angsana Ihuru for a well-preserved house reef.

20. When and where to see the best bioluminescence phenomenon in the Maldives in 2025?

The Maldives is famous for its glowing “Sea of Stars” beaches, caused by bioluminescent plankton lighting up the shoreline at night. In 2025, the best places to see this natural wonder include Vaadhoo Island (Raa Atoll), Mudhdhoo Island (Baa Atoll), and Maafushi Island (Kaafu Atoll). From June to October is the best time to see this phenomenon in 2025.