Traveling during the corona
Traveling during the corona certainly raises a lot of questions, both for those who are just planning a trip and those who have already booked their trip.
As a passenger, you are responsible for complying with the entry requirements of airlines, airports and destination countries. Such requirements may include, but are not limited to, a possible visa, vaccinations, coronary passport, corona test or other entry documents. These requirements may change between the time of booking the trip and the date of departure, and it is therefore very important that you keep up to date with any changes and find out about any entry requirements in force before starting your trip.
- The climate of the Maldives
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, the Maldives is located southwest of Sri Lanka and India, just off the equator, giving the islands a tropical climate. This means that daytime temperatures are 28-30 degrees throughout the year, and seawater temperatures never drop below 28 degrees.
However, the Maldives has two seasons; dry season and rainy season.
The dry season runs from December to April and is high season in the Maldives. During these months, the sun shines from an almost cloudless sky, the rains are very low and the humidity is low. The sea is calm and the water is clear, so the conditions are ideal for divers and snorkelers. The dry season comes with the arrival of the warm and dry Iruvai monsoon, which blows over the Maldives from the northeast.
The rainy season lasts from May to November. During the rainy season, temperatures are still high, but the sky is cloudier and rains can be everyday. The Hulhangu monsoon blowing from the southwest brings with it tropical rains, which occur especially in the southernmost islands of the island nation. However, the rains do not last all day, but are short but heavy deaf rains, after which the sun often shines again. As there is more rainfall, the humidity will also be higher during these months.
| Male weather statistics: | OAK | PEARL | PAINTING | APRIL | MAY | SUMMER | HAY | LIFE | AUTUMN | MUD | MARRAS | CHRISTMAS |
| Average. highest temperature | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Average. lowest temperature | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Precipitation e.g. | 75 | 50 | 73 | 132 | 216 | 172 | 147 | 188 | 243 | 222 | 201 | 232 |
| Average seawater temperature | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
- When should you travel to the Maldives?
The Maldives can be traveled all year round.
Sunshine is guaranteed when traveling during the high season between November and April. The weather is stable, warm and pleasant during these months, with little rainfall.
You can also travel between May and October. Then, however, you need to be prepared for the weather to vary, there is less sun and more clouds. Heavy but short showers are also expected. However, temperatures always remain at the same readings: during the day the temperature does not fall below 29 degrees and the water temperature is always at least 28 degrees.
- Travel conditions
Please read our travel conditions carefully, as these form part of the Asian Travel Package Terms and Conditions. Trips purchased from us are covered by the Package Travel Act.
- Assistance in obtaining travel insurance
You will find all the information you need on our insurance pages.
- Vaccinations
We recommend that you contact a doctor who specializes in vaccinations, your own doctor or an authorized vaccination clinic.
Follow the rules for yellow fever – especially if you are traveling through another country where yellow fever occurs.
Some countries require a certificate of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival. So be sure to bring a vaccination certificate.
- Passport & Visa
As always when traveling abroad, you must have a valid Finnish passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of departure.
Nordic citizens receive a tourist visa valid for 30 days upon arrival in the Maldives.
- Flight reservations and airline tickets
We will send your flight booking to you as soon as you book your trip. You can see the times and itineraries in the itinerary. It is very important that you check your name for typos. The name on the reservation must be the same as the name on the passport . If you notice an error in the name on the booking, please contact us immediately.
Today, only electronic airline tickets (e-tickets) are used, so you do not receive a physical airline ticket. An airport passport and booking number are used for check-in at the airport. The booking number will appear on your itinerary.
- Seat reservation, upgrade class and extra legroom
The airline will give you a seat on the flight at check-in. If you have special wishes, you can book a seat in advance on the airline’s website. Most airlines have a menu item “manage my booking” on their website. Please note that several airlines charge a fee for booking a seat, so it is a good idea to keep your payment card on display when booking. When an airline opens a flight seat reservation varies, but as a general rule, you can reserve a seat from the time of booking 48 hours before departure.
In addition, many airlines often offer the option of upgrading the flight class, e.g., more legroom or other amenities. Examples are Economy Comfort on KLM flights and Premium Voyageur Air France flights. This increase can be made on the airline’s website, for a fee.
Please also note that the airline has full access to control of all seats and is therefore always entitled to make changes to reservations.
If you do not make a seat reservation before departure, the airline will provide you with a seat at check-in.
- Information letter
Once you have booked your trip with us, we will send you a newsletter before the trip starts. The information letter contains important information such as online check-in, measures in case of possible delays, tips on tips, etc. In addition, the letter contains important telephone numbers, such as the numbers of our local representatives and our own emergency number.
For this reason, it is important that you print the newsletter and take it with you on the trip.
- Your luggage
We use many different airlines on our travels, so the amount of baggage allowed can vary for both checked-in luggage and hand luggage.
Make sure you have all the essentials in your hand luggage. Essential goods include passports, airline tickets, insurance documents, credit cards, money, prescriptions and vital medicines. In addition, you should pack a camera, computer and tablet, as well as chargers and adapters in your hand luggage.
Due to the air conditioning, it can get cold on the plane, so pack a warm sweater or windbreaker in your hand luggage.
- Arrival in Maldives & transfer to resort
You will arrive at Male Airport, go through an entry check, get a stamp in your passport and pick up your suitcase. In the Arrivals Hall, you will be greeted by our representative, who will be identified by a sign bearing your name. Our representative will take you on a speedboat to take you to the resort. If you stay on Summer Island, the journey takes about 45 minutes, and if you stay on Bandos Island, the journey takes about 15 minutes. The friendly staff at the resort will welcome you and help you check in.
You will be notified of the speedboat departure time back to Male Airport the day before your return trip.
- Time difference
The time difference between the Maldives and Finland varies depending on whether Finland has summer time or winter time.
Summer: +2 hours / Winter: +3 hours
- Languages
The official language of the Maldives is Divehi. In addition, English is spoken in the country. However, you may find that English is not spoken very commonly on the smaller islands.
- Etiquette and cultural differences
Experiencing cultural and etiquette differences is one of the pleasures of traveling, and it is important to respect these differences.
The Maldives are Muslims, so no pork or alcohol is allowed in the country. However, various resorts serve wine, beer and spirits.
Dressing is usually very casual, but shoulders and knees must be covered if you are visiting local islands outside the resort. Sunbathing on the topless is prohibited.
- Telephone and internet
The international area code for the Maldives is +960. In the Maldives, making and receiving a call can be expensive. Check your mobile phone coverage and prices with your mobile operator. All resorts have WiFi.
- Electricity
The Maldives uses a three-pin D- or G-type plug, and the voltage is 220. The plugs are different from Finland, so bring an adapter.
- Meals and beverages
Maldivian cuisine is a real taste experience, combining fresh seafood with the best of Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic food culture. A regular meal consists of fish marinated in chili, lime juice and coconut milk. Fresh fruit is often eaten for dessert.
The various resorts offer a huge selection of delicious dishes from all over the world, especially fresh fish and seafood.
Tap water cannot be drunk, so we recommend using bottled water.
- Holidays
Experiencing the traditions and celebrations of other countries and cultures is always a particularly wonderful and fascinating experience. Below is an overview of holidays, important festivals and other anniversaries.
Please note that some museums and attractions may be closed on such days.
- Currency and Payment
The currency of the Maldives is the rufiya (MVR). Resorts are quoted in US Dollars or Euros and all accepted credit cards are accepted. It is therefore not necessary to change the local currency.
All products and services purchased during the trip will be added to the room invoice, which will be paid on the day of departure.
- Price level
The price level in the Maldives is high because almost all products have to be imported to the islands. This is especially true for beverages such as water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits.
- Shopping
Most resorts have a small shop where you can buy clothes, swimwear, souvenirs, books and snorkelling equipment, etc.
- Drink money
Giving a tip is voluntary.
In the Maldives, a 10% service charge is charged on all purchases, from food and drink to excursions and snorkelling equipment. However, cleaners and plaintiffs tend to be given gratuities.
Below are the indicative amounts:
- Carrier – US $ 1 / suitcase
- Hotel cleaner – US $ 2 / day
In our gratuity guidelines, amounts are given in U.S. dollars, however, on-site gratuities are paid in local currency.
If you wish to give gratuities to other employees at the resort, you can do so at check-out. It is also possible to pay the gratuity by credit card. The different resorts have a common “tip box,” which means that all employees receive their share of the gratuity.
In our gratuity guidelines, amounts are given in U.S. dollars, however, on-site gratuities are paid in local currency.
- Security
The Maldives is usually safe and crime is very low. Crime is mainly limited to the capital, Malé. On the small tourist paradise islands you can enjoy your stay without worries. However, always follow the safety instructions provided by the resort.
- Ramadan
Ramadan is a Muslim fasting month during which locals fast from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan does not affect stays at various resorts.
If you are visiting local islands outside Ramadan during Ramadan, it is a good idea to be considerate by acting more subtly than usual. During Ramadan, you are also expected not to eat, drink or smoke in public areas.
- Passengers with reduced mobility
Please note that our trips are generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Contact us for more information on opportunities tailored to your specific needs.
