Countries that Require a Visa for Maldives Passport Holders

• A valid international travel passport
• A completed visa application form
• The applicable visa fee
• Evidence of permission to enter the destination country
• A photocopy of your passport data page
• Financial proof — an original bank statement
• A letter of invitation, where one is required

Exact requirements vary by destination and visa type — always confirm what your destination needs before you apply.

Maldives’ capital and largest city is Malé. The official language is Dhivehi, although English is also widely spoken by the locals. The best period to visit the Maldives is between November and April as the rainy season in the Maldives comes around from May to October.

The Maldives is made up of 3 ethnic groups (Sinhalese, Arabs, South Indians). The religion practiced in the Maldives is Islam. Its culture and customs are influenced by India, Malaysia, Persia and Africa. Some of their meals refer to Indian or South African origins and some of their music and dance present a clear African rhythm. They are very much attached to the sea and one of the most notable occupations is tuna fishing. They celebrate a number of festivals at different times of the year such as:

• Eid-ul Al`h`aa.
• Kuda Eid.
• Independence day.
• Republic day.
• National day.

The means of transportation between islands is by seaplane, boat (Dhoni) or domestic flight. Depending on the distance from the airport to the resort, some resorts arrange for domestic flights or seaplane flights to transport their guests directly to their jetty. Travel by seaplanes and speedboats tend to be fast but more expensive than the local ferries which use large, slow but comfortable boats.

Notable attractions include:

• Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the worlds first undersea restaurant.
• Subsix, a restaurant which stands 6 meters below the Indian Ocean, hence the name “Subsix”.
• Maldives National Museum, formerly the palace of the Sultan of Maldives houses artifacts of Maldivian culture.
• Alimatha Island, one of the most beautiful windsurfing and dive spots in the Maldives.
• Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque), the oldest mosque in the Maldives.
• Veligandu Island Beach.

Accommodation is not a problem in the Maldives with hundreds of hotels, guest houses and resorts to choose from. There are also live aboard opportunities on Yachts and boats.