Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean, just across the equator. The country is made up of 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, spread over 90,000 square kilometers. These atolls structures are formed upon a sharp ridge rising from the ocean, making way for their secluded uniqueness.
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’ Ibrahim Nasir 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.
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.
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 in to the Maldives. Tourist also cannot bring in dogs, pigs and pork items. Alcohol and pork products under a special license are available in resort islands. Prohibited items brought in by passengers are bonded and released at departure.
Departure tax
The airport departure tax of US$12.00 is usually included when you purchase your airline ticket.
Duty-Free shopping
Male’ International Airport’s (MIA) Duty Free is a one stop shopping concept designed to cater for passenger’s convenience. For the compulsive shoppers, MIA’s Duty Free shopping is something of a gift with a world of goods to choose from. With the easy accessibility and the proximity of shops around the area MIA duty free offers international varieties at competitive prices…… Concessions available range from designer watches, cameras, electronics, fashion wear, leather products, souvenirs eyewear, jewellery, confectionaries, spice & condiments, fragrance & cosmetics, liquor & tobacco. While shopping is one pleasure, MIA also offers restaurants and franchised coffee shops for passenger’s delight in the same area as Duty Free shops.