Barefoot luxury
More than a thousand coral islands, with each resort usually on its own island — the Maldives is the ultimate honeymoon and beach escape. Choose an overwater villa, snorkel a house reef and arrive by seaplane or speedboat. We match the right resort to your budget and style.
Where to go
Steps from your deck into the lagoon — the classic Maldives stay.
Turtles, manta rays and whale sharks on house reefs and diving trips.
Private sandbank picnics, sunset cruises and dolphin trips.
Speedboat resorts near Malé save time; seaplane resorts feel more remote.
Pair the Maldives with Dubai, Sri Lanka or Singapore.
Culture and customs
The Maldives is a Muslim country; resorts are relaxed, while local islands are more traditional.
Local islands. Outside resorts, including on beaches used by locals, cover shoulders and upper legs. Nudism and topless sunbathing aren’t allowed anywhere, even at resorts.
Alcohol. Served on resort islands only — don’t take any out of your resort, as drinking elsewhere can lead to arrest.
Arrival form. Complete the IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before your flight lands; another is needed before you leave.
Reef etiquette. Don’t touch or stand on coral — taking coral or tortoiseshell out of the Maldives is illegal.
Ramadan. Outside resorts, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daytime in Ramadan.
How far is Maldives from you?
Distances are great-circle estimates and flying times are typical, not timetabled. Message us for live fares and routes.
Maldives, month by month
Hover overTap a month for average day and night temperatures, sunshine and rainy days.
Long-term averages from national weather services (Malé). Actual weather varies year to year.
Ready-made holidays, coming soon
We’re adding Maldives packages you can browse and filter by trip type, length and budget. Until then, tell us what you’d like and we’ll send ideas and prices — usually the same day.
Tell us about your Maldives trip
Holiday, flights only or just a hotel — send us the details and our team will come back with options and prices, usually the same day during opening hours.
- Flights issued by our own IATA-accredited team
- Internal flights, transfers and tours arranged
- Visa and passport help from our documents team
- One team to message before, during and after
Read the full official entry requirements
See the official GOV.UK entry requirements for Maldives.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Updated automatically from GOV.UK travel advice.
Travelling to Maldives — quick answers
Can’t see your question? Send us a message or WhatsApp us.
Do I need a visa for the Maldives?
No advance visa — tourists get a 30-day visa on arrival. Complete the IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before your flight lands, and make sure your passport has an expiry date at least one month after the date you arrive.
How do I get to my resort?
By speedboat for resorts near Malé, or by seaplane or domestic flight for those further away. We arrange the transfer with your booking.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April is the drier season, with the most sunshine; May to November brings the south-west monsoon — wetter, but still warm.
Is the Maldives good for families?
Yes — many resorts have kids’ clubs, family villas and shallow lagoons.
Please note: the information on this page is a general guide, checked when it was published. Entry rules, health advice, weather, seasons, flight routes and local conditions can change at any time and vary from person to person, so we can’t accept responsibility for changes or for decisions based on this page alone. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and official travel health advice before you travel. It is your responsibility to check the entry, health and travel requirements that apply to you before you travel. See our terms and conditions.