Travel to Maldives

Apart from a few yachters cruise-line passengers, just about every visitor come to Maldives by plane, in other word, the Male' International Airport is only international gateway to/from Maldives. It is not popular with private yacht because the reefs are so hazardous and cruising permits are restrictive and expensive. Moreover, the atolls and islands of Maldives archipelago look stunning from the air and viewing from the top is much more enjoyable.

At the airport you will have immigration, customs and health checks, at this point, alcohol (if there any) will be taken away but be return back later when you leave. At the immigration checkpoint, a fully independent traveler (FIT) will be asked for an address in Maldives, which mean you must have arranged accommodation prior to arrival, if not, you will have you passport held while you go outside to the tourist-information desk to make a reservation. On the way out of the Arrival Hall, there will be rows of resorts' representatives and inbound tour operators to pick up their customer and luggage.

Travel Around Maldives

Tourism is strictly regulated, and independent travel is discouraged because it is seen as disruptive to traditional island communities. Those wanting to see the Maldivian way of life can stay in Male', the intriguing capital city, and make daytime visits to island communities close to tourist resorts. It is not impossible to visit the village islands, only an Inter Atoll Travel Permit is required to visit island outside the tourism zone, and the Ministry of Atolls Administration will only issue them to those whose visit is sponsored by a resident of the island concerned.

Air Maldives, the small national airline, has regular and very scenic flights to the four air strips in the outer atolls. Helicopters and seaplanes are used to transfer guests to some of the remoter resorts. The main form of local transportation is the dhoni, a tradition all-purpose vessel now usually powered by a diesel engine. Larger boats called vedis are used for longer trips to outer atolls. Safari cruise in modified, live-aboard dhonis are increasingly popular, especially with dive groups who want to reach more remote sites. Most safari trips cruise around the tourist zone, but it is possible to arrange longer trip to outer atolls - the operator will have to obtain the necessary permits. Most islands are so small that transport is not a problem, but there are taxi, motorcycles, and bicycles in the capital.