+ 4 h / + 3 h during our summer time

Malé

Official language

Dhivehi

Language capabilities

English

220 volt / adapter recommended

Banks

8.00 – 14.00 h (Sun. – Thu.)
Opening hours may vary. Banks are generally closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Shops

8.00/9.00 – 22.00/23.00 h (Sat. – Thu.)
13.30/14.00 – 23.00 h (Fri.)
Opening hours may vary. In tourist areas, opening hours are more flexible and some shops remain open until late at night.

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• Variable date*: Start of Ramadan
• Variable date*: Last ten days of Ramadan – non-working days for government offices
• Variable date*: Eid al-Fitr (festival marking the end of the fast) and the following two public holidays
• 1 May: Labour Day
• Variable date*: Hajj Day (Day of Arafat)
• Variable date*: Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) and subsequent holidays
• Variable date*: Muharram (Islamic New Year)
• 26 and 27 July: Independence Day and the following public holiday
• Variable date*: National Day
• Variable date*: Mawlid an-Nabi (the Prophet’s birthday)
• Variable date*: The Day the Maldives Embraced Islam
• 3 November: Victory Day
• 11 November: Republic Day

* The dates of Islamic holidays change each year because they are calculated according to the Islamic lunar calendar. This calendar is based on the lunar year, which is approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, causing the holidays to fall on different dates in the Gregorian calendar each year. You can find the public holidays for the current calendar year here.

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens residing in Switzerland. The following documents are required to enter the Maldives:

• Swiss passport: It must remain valid for at least 1 month from the date of arrival. Passports with manually extended validity are not accepted.

• Visa: A tourist visa for a maximum of 30 days is issued on arrival. There is no need to apply in advance. An extension of a further 60 days can be requested.

• Traveller Declaration: The Traveller Declaration (in English) must be completed and submitted online within the 96 hours before the departure of the flight to the Maldives. Registration is free of charge.

• Return or onward travel: A confirmed return or onward travel ticket is required. For onward travel, the entry requirements of the next country must also be met.

• Hotel booking: A confirmed, prepaid booking at a registered tourist accommodation facility is required.

• Financial means: Travellers must have sufficient financial means to cover their stay.

• Minors: Children require their own passport and a separate Traveller Declaration. Contact the relevant authorities to enquire about any additional entry formalities for minors. Further information: Travel consent for travelling with children.

Information last updated in October 2026

• Rainy season (mid-May – November): Temperatures generally range between 25 °C and 32 °C throughout the year. The southwest monsoon brings more frequent rain showers, thunderstorms and occasionally strong winds. Sunny spells occur between periods of rain.
• Dry season (January – March): The northeast monsoon generally brings less rain and more sunshine. Isolated showers are still possible during this period.
• Transition periods (December and April): The weather can be changeable during the shift between monsoons. Conditions vary from atoll to atoll.

The ideal time to visit the Maldives:

• Beach holidays: Mid-Dec. – Apr. Conditions are generally good for beach holidays; January to March usually have particularly low rainfall.
• City breaks: Dec. – Mar. Good weather for exploring Malé and local islands.

• Mobile phone use: Using a mobile phone in the Maldives incurs roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming rates before travelling and, if necessary, purchase special roaming packages to reduce costs.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in most resorts, hotels and public areas, although connection speeds may vary.
• Prepaid SIM cards: You can buy a prepaid SIM card locally to make local calls and use mobile data. Several mobile network operators serve the Maldives, including Dhiraagu and Ooredoo.
• Other: Internet connectivity may be limited on remote islands and atolls.

• Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque), Malé: Historic 17th-century mosque with beautiful coral stone carvings.
• Mulee Aage Palace, Malé: Former presidential residence in colonial style, an architectural highlight.
• Banana Reef, North Malé Atoll: Famous dive site with colourful corals and abundant marine life.
• Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll: UNESCO biosphere reserve known for manta rays and whale sharks.
• Sultan Park, Malé: Beautiful park on the grounds of the former Sultan’s Palace.
• Fish Market, Malé: Lively market selling fresh fish and local produce.
• Thulusdhoo Island: Known for surfing and local handicrafts.
• Utheemu Ganduvaru: Historic site and birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu.
• Guraidhoo Island, South Malé Atoll: Traditional village offering insights into local life.
• National Museum, Malé: Collection of artefacts showcasing the history and culture of the Maldives.

Travel inspiration

Be inspired by our blog articles and discover the most fascinating destinations in the Maldives:

• Destination Maldives in January: Where time stands still and dreams begin

• Fish and seafood: The Maldives are surrounded by the ocean, making fresh fish and seafood a central part of the cuisine. Tuna, prawns and other local catches are particularly popular.
• Mas Huni: This traditional breakfast dish consists of shredded tuna, coconut, onions and chilli and is often served with flatbread. It is nutritious and offers an ideal start to the day.
• Garudhiya: A delicious fish soup made from fresh tuna and spices. Garudhiya is often served with rice, onions and lime and is a popular lunchtime dish.
• Fihunu Mas: Grilled fish prepared with a spicy marinade of chilli, onions and lemon juice. Often served with rice and salad, this dish is a classic of Maldivian cuisine.
• Kashikeyo Kandhi: A traditional sweet dish made from screwpine fruit, coconut milk and rice flour, flavoured with ingredients including cardamom.
• Coconut: Coconuts play a central role in Maldivian cuisine. They are used in many dishes, whether as fresh flesh, coconut milk or toasted coconut.
• Rice dishes: Rice is a staple ingredient in many Maldivian meals. It is often served with various curries, fish or vegetables and is an integral part of the daily diet.
• Kavaabu: These savoury snacks are fried fish cakes made from puréed fish and spices. They are popular as a snack or starter.
• Tuna and coconut salad: A refreshing salad made from fresh tuna, coconut and various vegetables. This light salad is ideal for warm days.

• Greetings: People in the Maldives often greet one another with a friendly “Assalamu Alaikum”, meaning “Peace be upon you”. “Hello” is an informal alternative. It is polite to maintain eye contact and smile when meeting someone.
• Please and thank you: To make a request, use the expression “Thibaage”, meaning “please”. For “thank you”, you can say “Shukuriya”. Both expressions show respect and appreciation towards local people.
• Clothing: Casual holiday clothing is customary on resort islands. On inhabited local islands, shoulders and knees should be covered. Swimwear is appropriate there only on expressly designated “Bikini Beaches”.
• Dining customs: Meals are often shared, and eating with your hands is common, particularly for traditional dishes. If using cutlery, it is polite to eat with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Smoking: People born on or after 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing and consuming tobacco products. This also applies to tourists. Regardless of age, electronic cigarettes and vaping products may not be imported, possessed or used. Also observe local smoking restrictions.
• Tipping: Tips are appreciated but are not compulsory. Restaurants often add a service charge of 10–15%. If no service charge is added, small tips for good service are customary.
• Other: It is important to respect cultural customs. Ask permission before photographing local people and avoid sensitive topics. Be friendly and respectful to leave a positive impression.

• Drinking water quality: Drinking water quality in the Maldives can vary. Many resorts provide filtered or bottled water. It is recommended not to drink tap water and to use water from safe sources instead.
• Vaccinations: As a rule, no specific vaccinations are required for travellers entering the Maldives. However, travellers are advised to keep their routine vaccinations up to date, particularly diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles.
• Malaria risk: There is no risk of local malaria transmission in the Maldives. Protection against mosquitoes remains important because of other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Dengue fever: Dengue fever is a possible health risk in the Maldives, particularly during the rainy season. It is transmitted through mosquito bites, mainly from mosquitoes active during the day. A vaccine is available, but it is not recommended for all travellers. Seek advice during a travel medicine consultation about its suitability for your trip.
• Mosquito protection: To protect against mosquito bites, use an insect repellent containing DEET or other effective active ingredients. Long-sleeved clothing and long trousers can also help prevent bites, including during the day. Consistent mosquito protection is important around the clock.

• Medical care is only available to a limited extent. On holiday islands reserved exclusively for foreign visitors, small medical practices or clinics are sometimes available for simple treatments. Serious illnesses and injuries must be treated abroad. Hospitals require a financial guarantee for treatment (credit card or advance payment).

• The import of medicines into the Maldives is strictly regulated. Further information: Ministry of Health.

• If you depend on certain medicines, your travel medical kit should contain an adequate supply. However, please note that many countries have restrictive regulations. These apply particularly, but not exclusively, to medicines containing narcotics (e.g. methadone) and substances used to treat mental health conditions. Before departure, contact the relevant foreign representation (embassy or consulate) directly for information.

Information last updated in October 2026

• Before and during your trip, follow media reports on the current situation and stay in contact with your tour operator.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
• Travel to the Maldives is generally considered safe.
• Demonstrations can occur at any time and may lead to violent unrest. In the event of unrest, the authorities may impose a state of emergency and curfews in affected areas at short notice. The airport island and hotel islands have so far been unaffected by unrest.
• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out in the Maldives either.
• Occasional demonstrations should be expected, particularly in Malé. They may be accompanied by arrests, violent unrest and clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Acts of violence by criminal gangs against the local population occur. Before excursions to Malé, ask your tour operator, hotel or the local authorities whether the excursions can take place. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of any kind.
• Petty crime occurs. Take the usual precautions.

• Pirate attacks occasionally occur in the Indian Ocean. Consult the specific information: Maritime risks and piracy.

Information last updated in October 2026

• Driving licence: A valid Swiss driving licence is recognised for 90 days under the published rules of the Maldivian Ministry of Transport. Before renting a vehicle, clarify any additional requirements directly with the rental company.
• Car rental: The minimum age for renting a car is usually between 21 and 25, depending on the company.
• Traffic rules: Traffic drives on the left.
• Other: Only a few islands have a road network. Some islands can only be reached using the hotels’ own transport services.

• Long-distance trains: There are no long-distance trains in the Maldives. The islands are mainly connected by waterways and flights, so there is no rail transport.
• Regional trains: As with long-distance trains, there are no regional trains either. Transport between the islands generally takes place by ferry or speedboat.
• Buses: Malé, the capital, has a public bus system connecting different parts of the city. Buses are an inexpensive way to get around Malé, although bus services on other islands are limited.
• Metro/tram: There is no metro or tram system in the Maldives. Travel mainly takes place by taxi and private vehicle. Taxis are available in Malé, but it is advisable to agree on the fare in advance.
• Tickets: Tickets for RTL buses and ferries can be purchased through the RTL app. Contactless payment with Visa and Mastercard is also possible on the RTL bus network in Malé. Other purchasing and payment options depend on the service and the operator.
• Other: Transport in the Maldives relies heavily on waterways. Speedboats and ferries are the most common means of transport between islands. Many resorts also offer private transfers to make arrival more convenient for their guests.

• Velana International Airport (MLE), Malé: The main international airport is on Hulhulé Island near Malé. Edelweiss offers direct flights from Zurich; connecting flights are available from Geneva.

Major airlines operating in the Maldives include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and Etihad Airways.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Police: 119
• Ambulance: 102
• Fire service: 118

Consular district: Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Embassy in Colombo
Embassy of Switzerland
63, Srimath R.G. Senanayake Mawatha (Gregory’s Road)
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka

Tel.: +94 11 269 51 17
Email: colombo@eda.admin.ch

Natural hazards

• Tropical cyclones may occasionally occur during the monsoon season, and heavy rainfall should be expected. They can cause flooding and damage to infrastructure. Travel may also be disrupted. Follow weather forecasts and observe warnings and instructions issued by local authorities. Further information: Maldives Meteorological Service.

• Tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in Southeast Asia can also reach the Maldives. Further information: National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) – U.S. Tsunami Warning System and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services – Tsunami Early Warnings.

• If a natural disaster occurs during your stay, contact your relatives as soon as possible and follow the authorities’ instructions.

Specific legal provisions

• The legislation is based on an Islamic understanding of law and strict moral standards. Punishable acts include:

  • consuming alcohol outside hotel complexes;

  • same-sex sexual acts;

  • extramarital sexual acts between Maldivian and foreign nationals;

  • derogatory remarks about Islam and religious symbols, including on social media;

  • photographing people in uniform, military facilities and public buildings (airports, government buildings, bridges, etc.). Photographing demonstrations and protests may also be punished with imprisonment or deportation.

• Violations of drug laws are severely punished. Even small quantities can result in harsh penalties, including life imprisonment.

• The death penalty may be imposed for serious offences such as murder and high treason, as well as certain drug offences.

• Prison conditions are not comparable to those in Switzerland.