Impressions - Malediven

Maledives

Inhabitant (Resident)
approx. 400`000 inhabitants (residents)

Religion
Islam (100% of population are Muslims).

Language
National language is Dhivehi, but most locals speak English.

Entry
For a stay less than 30 days Swiss citizens just need a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the return date. A visa is not required.

Journey(Arrival)
DDaily the airline Emirates offers connections from Zurich or Geneva via Dubai (travel time approx. 12 hours). Other connections are available with Qatar Airways via Doha or Etihad via Abu Dhabi. In the Maldives, there are the Maledivian, Maledivian Air Taxi and Trans Maledivian Airways, which performs the feeder flights to the islands. International Airport (MLE) is located immediately adjacent to the capital Malé on a offshore island.

Time movement
The time difference in GMT is +3 hours in summer and + 4 hours in winter.

Climate
On the Maldives there are two dominating seasons, which are determined by the monsoon winds: the humid season (May to November) and the dry season (December to April). With the monsoon cycles there can sometimes be thunderstorms.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not currently prescribed for the Maldives, but the following basic vaccinations are recommended: tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A. For current information about «Travel and Health» you can contact your respective tropical Institute or visit www.safetravel.ch.

Currency
Accepted currency on the tourist islands is the U.S. dollar. The major credit cards are generally accepted, but there are islands that charge small commissions. Traveller's Cheques are not accepted in the Maldives. The local currency is the Rufiyaa.

Additional costs
Meals and drinks are more expensive than in Switzerland.

Combinations
The Maldives can be easily combined with Sri Lanka. If you fly with Emirates or Qatar Airways, a stopover in the shopping metropolis of Dubai or Doha is very interesting. We are happy to advise you on various options and provide you with individual combinations together.

Voltage level
220 V, English 3-pole plugs (adaptor at most hotels available).