Country guide
Maldives
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
Conditional
Currency
Rufiyaa (MVR)
Time zones
UTC/GMT +5 hours (3 hours ahead of South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 960
Best time to go
December – April (dry season).
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated.
Travel tips
Weekends are Fridays and Saturdays.
Visa guide
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/
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
SA representative
Ambassador accredited from Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Feb 18; Mar 20-22; May 1, 26-30; Jun 17; Jul 26-27; Aug 15, 26; Sep 14; Nov 3, 11