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Travelling to the Maldives
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The Maldives, though isolated in location, is easily accessible from anywhere in
South-East Asia, the Middle-East and Europe.
Airport
As your plane breaks through the clouds revealing the emerald islands below, prepare
for one of the most exciting flying experiences. The runway of Hulhule’ airport,
that runs parallel to the shore creates a (rather safe, of course) adrenalin rush,
for a second, when it makes you think that the plane is landing on water.
The Male International Airport is mere fifteen minutes from Male’. The airport is
small, but well-equipped with souvenir and duty-free shops, restaurants, medical
facilities, and provides banking and postal services.
The airport is accessible via Male’ on a dhoni ferry, that run every few minutes
between the two islands.
The airport island also hosts the five-star Hulhule’ Island Hotel.
What to pack
Visiting the Maldives is the chance for you to break out the brightly coloured summer
clothes that are so often out of place in colder climates. The higher temperatures
and ever-present sunshine means that locals and visitors alike prefer dressing in
lightweight materials. T-shirts, cotton clothing, skirts and shorts would be the
best option to stay cool. The ideal footwear would be sandals and flip-flops.
Whether to pack only the more casual options like shorts and khakis or the newest
Gucci number depends on what you plan to do, or where you plan to stay. Smart casual
clothing is usually enough for Male' or resorts, but the more up-market resorts
may require that you dress up for dinner.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hats are widely necessary for a comfortable holiday,
but they are available widely for purchase in resorts and around Male'.
Immigration and Visa
Tourists are issued a 30-day visa on arrival. A valid travel document is necessary.
You can obtain circumstantial visa grants through the Department of Immigration
and Emigration in Male'.
Customs
It is prohibited to bring in firearms, drugs, pornography or idols of worship into
the Maldives. Tourists also cannot bring in dogs, pigs and pork items. Alcohol and
pork products under a special license are available in resort islands.
Health Requirements
Visitors to the Maldives, if arriving from infected countries, require an international
certificate of inoculation against yellow fever and cholera to come into the country.
Info and Assistance at the Airport
The Airports Company has a counter outside the Arrival Terminal to provide information
and assistance to tourists. The counter also has a variety of free brochures in
different languages.
Transfers
If you have a booking at a resort, the transfer would usually be arranged for you
prior to your arrival into the country. The option of speedboat or seaplane (where
available) will be left to you to choose from.
Travelling in between inhabited islands are done through various ferry services.
Ferries to nearby islands Villingili and Hulhumale' can be taken from Male'.
Departure tax
The airport departure tax of US$12.00 is usually included when you purchase your
airline ticket.
Duty-Free shopping
Duty-free shopping is available at the departure terminal at the Male’ International
Airport. There are specialized shops with a wide variety of international brands
selling well-known products and competitive prices. Products include souvenirs,
perfume, electronics, toys, watches, fashion accessories and jewellery, liquor,
tobacco and confectionary.
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