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Maldives

Standard Coverage

South Asia • MDV

Last updated: October 14, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

The Maldives is a tropical paradise known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and world-class overwater bungalows. It is a premier destination for honeymooners, divers, and travelers seeking luxury and seclusion in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Visa Requirements

Visa-Free for Many Nationalities
Visa on Arrival

The Maldives provides a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival to all nationalities, provided they meet entry requirements.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Confirmed return or onward travel ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds or confirmed hotel booking
  • Completed Traveler Declaration form submitted online within 96 hours of arrival

Popular Attractions

1

Male City is the vibrant capital island where visitors can explore historical sites like the Old Friday Mosque and the busy local fish market.

2

Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for Hanifaru Bay, where tourists can swim with manta rays and whale sharks in their natural habitat.

3

Maafushi Island offers a more accessible local experience with plenty of water sports, excursions, and affordable guesthouses.

4

Banana Reef is one of the oldest and most iconic dive sites in the country, featuring vibrant coral reefs, caves, and diverse marine life.

5

Vaadhoo Island is renowned for its 'Sea of Stars' phenomenon, where bioluminescent plankton create a stunning glowing effect along the shoreline at night.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Maldives is an Islamic country, so modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required when visiting local islands outside of private resorts.

Alcohol and pork products are strictly prohibited on local inhabited islands and can only be consumed on resort islands.

It is customary to remove your footwear before entering someone's home or a mosque.

Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon and should be avoided in public areas on local islands.

Friday is the holy day in the Maldives, which may result in limited public ferry services and closed shops in the morning.

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially women, as a sign of respect.

Safety Tips

Be cautious when swimming due to strong currents, and always adhere to the safety flags displayed on beaches.

Use high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from the intense tropical sun.

Drink only bottled or desalinated water to avoid stomach-related illnesses during your stay.

Keep your passport and important documents in a hotel safe and carry a digital copy on your phone.

Be aware that medical facilities are limited on remote islands, so ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Listen to your dive or snorkeling instructors closely, as coral reefs can be sharp and some marine life is venomous.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required
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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, Polio, etc.) are up to date before travel.

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Routine vaccines

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date including MMR, DTaP, Varicella, and Polio.

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Routine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.

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Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.

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Insect bite prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

To avoid mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in the region.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers due to potential risk through food and water.

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COVID-19 vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent COVID-19, vaccination is highly recommended prior to traveling.

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Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

It is important for overall health protection against common diseases.

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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster every 10 years

Source: CDC

adult

Stay up to date on tetanus and diphtheria vaccination especially if traveling to rural areas.

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Routine vaccines: MMR, DTaP, and annual flu vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccines are up to date before traveling to protect against common diseases.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap)

Source: CDC

All ages

Check that you are up-to-date on your routine vaccines before your trip.

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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended to be fully vaccinated prior to travel.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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For Most Travelers

Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Required to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing.

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Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Precautions are advised to prevent foodborne and waterborne diseases.

Eat and drink safely to avoid diarrheal illnesses.

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Rabies vaccine (if high-risk activities planned)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers engaging in activities that could expose them to bats or other mammals.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Considered for those who might be exposed to blood or bodily fluids.

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Food and water safety

Source: CDC

All ages

To avoid foodborne illnesses, travelers should be cautious about consuming food and beverages.

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COVID-19 vaccinations

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended to reduce the risk of severe illness or complications from COVID-19 while traveling.

Follow local guidelines regarding COVID testing and vaccination.

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Traveler's diarrhea precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Practice safe food and water measures to prevent traveler's diarrhea.

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Insect bite prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted through mosquito bites.

Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Maldives has a risk of mosquito-borne diseases, so protective measures are advisable.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities/rural areas.

Risk exists due to contaminated food and water.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to risk through contaminated food or water.

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Itinerary-Specific

Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Use repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use bed nets to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

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Food and Water Safety Precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Essential to prevent gastrointestinal illness; drink only bottled or treated water and consume only thoroughly cooked food.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

adult

Consider for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population or skin exposure.

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Rabies vaccine

Source: CDC

adult and older_adult

Consider if engaging in outdoor activities that may involve animals.

Post-exposure rabies treatment may be less available.

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Other region-specific vaccines as needed

Source: CDC

All ages

Based on your activities, age, health conditions, and vaccines received in the past.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Considered based on specific travel activities that may involve contact with blood or bodily fluids.

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Dengue prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended due to high incidence of dengue fever; avoid standing water and use appropriate insect repellent.

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Malaria prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

For those traveling to remote areas or islands where malaria mosquitoes are present.

Consult a medical provider for prophylaxis options.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: No malaria risk

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Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

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