Packing list for the Maldives, travel insurance for the Maldives and packing your belongings
- What to take to the Maldives: brief
- Are there mosquitoes in the Maldives?
- Are there sandflies in the Maldives?
- Can you buy DEET, or other insect repellents, in the Maldives?
- Can you buy a beer or wine in the Maldives, or bring it with you to the Maldives?
- Can you buy a joint or weed in the Maldives, or bring it with you to the Maldives?
What to take to the Maldives: brief
To pack and check
- Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. Most travelers will receive a free tourist visa upon arrival for a maximum of 30 days, provided you meet the entry requirements. Check the rules for your nationality in advance. Additionally, you must complete an online Traveller Declaration before departure. The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), at resorts, almost all payments are settled in US dollars. A credit card is indispensable in a resort.
- Clothing: swimwear and light summer clothing for the tropical climate. On resort islands, almost anything goes, but when you visit local inhabited islands, covering clothing (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated due to the islamic culture.
- Shoes: flip-flops are actually all you need.
- Personal care and hygiene: a reef-friendly sunscreen with a high protection factor.
- Insects and animals: a set of mosquito repellents (preferably with DEET or picaridine). Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a first-aid kit with ORS, plasters, painkillers, and something for insect bites. Do you use specific medications or menstrual products? Bring enough if you are traveling to smaller local islands; prices at resorts are often high and the selection limited.
- Outdoors and handy items: sunglasses, a cap or hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- Technology and equipment: the Maldives mainly uses type D, G, J, K, and L sockets. Many resorts have universal sockets, but a travel adapter is still handy to bring along.
To consider:
- A snorkel set; renting is often possible, your own mask usually fits much more comfortably.
- UV-protective swimwear or a rashguard for long snorkeling days.
- An underwater camera or GoPro.
- Reading material or games; on many resort islands, life revolves mainly around relaxing.
- A dry bag for boat trips.
Are there mosquitoes in the Maldives?
- Mosquitoes are present on almost all islands, especially after rainfall and on islands with dense vegetation. Mosquitoes are generally less aggressive than at many other tropical destinations, but they can still transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
- On some luxury resort islands, they engage in intensive mosquito control. Kunfunadhoo (where Soneva Fushi is located, among others), for example, is known as an island with relatively few mosquitoes.
- More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.
Are there sandflies in the Maldives?
- Yes, but fortunately far fewer than at many other tropical beach destinations.
- On some islands, there are reports of sandflies or small biting flies, especially around vegetation and sheltered beaches.
- Their bites can itch intensely. Fortunately, most tourists are not bothered by them.
- An insect repellent containing DEET or picaridine usually also helps against sandflies.
- More about sandflies and sand fleas.
Can you buy DEET, or other insect repellents, in the Maldives?
- On the larger local islands and in Malé, DEET and other mosquito repellents are available at pharmacies and supermarkets.
- Mosquito spray is also often available at resorts, but usually at hefty resort prices.
Can you buy a beer or wine in the Maldives, or bring it with you to the Maldives?
- That depends on where you are. On resort islands, alcohol is commonly served, but on local, inhabited islands, alcohol is prohibited due to Islamic law.
- Bringing alcohol into the Maldives is not permitted. Upon arrival, it will be confiscated by customs and you will only get it back when you leave the country.
Can you buy a joint or weed in the Maldives, or bring it with you to the Maldives?
- The Maldives has very strict drug laws. Cannabis is prohibited, and possession, use, sale, or importation carry heavy penalties.
- Even small quantities can lead to arrest or imprisonment.



Maldives


















































