All country guides
- Capital
- Male (MLE)
- Dialing Code
- + 960
- Time Zone
- UTC/GMT +5 hours
- Language
- Dhivehi
- Best Time to Go
- December – April
- Currency
- Rufiyaa (MVR)
Travel Tips
- Weekends are Fridays and Saturdays
- English is widely spoken in resorts, along with German, French and Italian
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated
- As a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative. Swimwear should be reserved for the tourist islands, and for the beach only. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan
- No alcohol may be brought into the country. A doctor’s prescription is required for all medication brought into the country
Last updated 1 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Honorary Consulate in Durban
Email: naziemaj@yahoo.com
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
February: 18
March: 20 - 22
May: 1, 26 - 30
June: 17
July: 26 - 27
August: 15, 26
September: 14
November: 3, 11
Visa Requirements
South African Passport Holders do not require a Tourist Visa for stays up to 30 days, however must complete a traveller declaration prior to departure
- A visitors permit is issued on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days
- If passengers are TRANSITTING through the Maldives, it is advisable to contact the airline concerned in connection with possible visa requirements
For other types of visas, please refer: immigration.gov.mv
Entry Requirements
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in the Maldives
- Onward / Return ticket
- Accommodation Reservation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours to the flight time
- The form has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
South African Representative Abroad
Representation accredited from Colombo, Sri Lanka