The Maldives Explained — A Simple Guide for First-Time Visitors
Maldives Travel Guide — If you're planning to visit the Maldives,these are the real answers you need from someone who lives here. Where exactly are the Maldives? The Maldives sits in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. But what many visitors don’t realize is that this is not one island — it is a chain of over 1,000 small islands spread across 26 atolls. Because of this, your journey doesn’t end at the airport. After landing at Velana International Airport, you will usually continue by speedboat or seaplane depending on your resort location. Do you need a visa to visit the Maldives? The Maldives offers a free tourist visa on arrival for most nationalities. But it’s important to understand that entry still depends on meeting official requirements. Valid passport (minimum 1 month validity) Confirmed hotel or resort booking Return or onward tick...







