Before your trip

Maldives

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP
MALDIVES
(Updated July 2023)
 

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
As you prepare to embark on your upcoming Affordable World journey, please log on to your My Affordable account and click on your trip confirmation ID to review the most up to date trip details including hotel information, flight schedules, and ticket number(s).   Please make sure you have all travel documents*, passports, and necessary visas ready before you depart for your trip. 

CHECKING IN AT THE AIRPORT
Be sure to bring your passport and a copy of your trip confirmation page as you will need to present them when checking in at the airport*.  Please be advised not all airlines assign seats in advance.  Some airlines assign seats at the airport during check-in.  We recommend all travelers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the flight departure time.  
 

UPON ARRIVAL IN MALE
Please go through Customs and immigration on your own.  After you pick up your luggage, exit the baggage claim area and proceed to the designated resort counter.  Please inform their representatives of your name(s) and they will confirm your speedboat transfer details.
Please wear your Affordable badge upon arrival in Male.

• Adaaran Hudhuranfushi Resort Counter: B3

Speedboat Transfers upon Arrival
All guests are required to report to their respective resort counter to confirm their speedboat transfer details. All transfers are provided on a combined basis with other resort guests arriving from the same flight and/or flights landing in close proximity of the time. The maximum wait time at the airport for a speedboat transfer will be 90 minutes from the time of check-in at the resort counter. Please note, this time is subject to change based on local conditions. The speedboat from MLE airport to the resorts is approximately 30 minutes (time will vary based on local weather conditions that day).  Please note, life vests for infants under the age of 2 will not be available for the transfers or on the islands; guests are responsible for bringing their own infant life vests.

Speedboat Transfers Out
The resort will provide a speedboat transfer to MLE airport on the day of your return flight.  All transfers are provided on a combined basis with other guests departing on the same flight and/or flights departing in close proximity of the time.  Exact timing for all guests will be informed by the hotel staff approximately 1 day prior to the return flight departure date*.

Land Only 
If you have purchased a land only package, please provide Affordable World with your flight details prior to the trip departure date, so we can arrange your speedboat transfers.  

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of your trip and have at least 1 blank page 
• U.S. passport holders – Entry Visas are required to travel to Maldives. A visitor visa is available at the airport upon arrival, for stays up to 30 days.
• Non-U.S Passport holders – Please check with your local embassy or consulate for visa requirements
• All travelers must ensure they are eligible to enter Maldives and produce all required entry documentation for this vacation. Requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors including but not limited to: your country of residence, passport nationality, transit points, as well as previous travel history.
• For detailed passport and visa requirements, all travelers are advised to check with the related embassy or consulate.
• Full proof of Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required for Maldives. This new protocol will take effect for Malta packages departing on or after July 05, 2023 and is subject to change at any time. 
• Maldives Immigration Health Declaration Form: In accordance with health requirements all travelers traveling to and from Maldives are required to submit a self-declarative health declaration within 24 hours prior to their departure to Maldives. Please click here to fill out and submit the form.
• Please note that the information provided in this document is based on the time of print/publication and a country’s requirements can change at any time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to check all updates and obtain all necessary documents and tests prior to departure, as well as entry back into the US. Affordable World is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa.

TRAVEL BETWEEN ISLANDS

• The Adaaran Resorts will arrange transfer vessels for movement from and to Velena International Airport (MLE). It is mandatory that the guests use this channel for any and all transfers. For guests booked to stay at the Hudhuranfushi & Vadoo, Adaaran Resorts will assist in arranging your transfer from Hudhuranfushi to Vadoo Resort (please note the speedboat transfer will make a stop at Male airport before continuing on to Vadoo).

BAGGAGE

• Baggage allowance for international flights varies by airline and is subject to change at any time.  For up-to-date baggage allowance restrictions, please check with the appropriate airline for their latest regulations. Additional baggage charges may apply. 
• ​Please keep in mind within Asia the baggage limitation on all flights varies by airline. Generally, the baggage allowance on domestic and within Asia flights is limited to 1 checked-in of 44 lbs. and 1 carry-on with a combined total dimension not exceeding 45 inches. Please check directly with the corresponding airline to confirm baggage allowance policies.

Important Luggage Info & Tips

• Please keep in mind that you will be responsible for handling your own luggage throughout the trip
• Baggage is the sole responsibility of the traveller.  We recommend using a TSA approved luggage lock and an Affordable World luggage tag (enclosed) showing the name and contact information of the owner. Baggage without a lock may be refused for transport 
• When packing, please keep in mind that there is limited room on the speedboat transfer from MLE airport to the resort
• DO NOT pack medicine, valuables, and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep these items in your carry-on bag
• Consider packing a change of clothing and toiletry in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delays or lost luggage.
• Power bank chargers over 20,000 mAh are restricted  from carry on and check in luggage
• Power bank  mAh capacity must be clearly labelled by manufacturer on the charger
• Please visit www.tsa.gov for USA carry on restrictions
• No porter service will be provided throughout the tour.  During the tour please keep an eye on your personal belongings and valuables at all times. Be aware of your surroundings when going out on your own.  

MALDIVES CUSTOMS PROCEDURES
When transiting Maldives, travelers should ensure their luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, which include weapons, ammunition, alcohol, pornography, and religious material offensive to Islam, among other items.  In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. 
 

CURRENCY
The currency of the Maldives is called the Rufiyah (MVR).  As of July 2023, the exchange rate is $1 U.S dollar to 15.31 MVR.  We suggest you bring a combination of cash and credit cards for your trip. Most hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards as well as U.S dollars. 

TIPPING
Please note gratuities are not included in your tour cost.  They are customary and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service.  Our specialists greatly appreciate any tips you would like to give them.
 

HEALTH & MEDICAL MATTERS
Medical and vaccination requirements vary between countries and it is important you check with your family doctor or a qualified medical professional for the most up to date travel health information for the region you are visiting.*  Due to the length of the trip, it is strongly advised you consult your doctor for existing medical/dental conditions before departure. It is advised to pack any prescription medicine in your carry-on hand luggage. Please make sure prescription medicine is fully labeled. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for the flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour guide for assistance.  Please note, as of July 2023, vaccinations for yellow fever are required if arriving from an infected area. 
 

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT
Maldives’ electrical system operates at 220/240 volts, so a converter is needed to operate a normal 110-volt American appliance.  Electrical appliances will also require an adapter that can change the shape of the plug prongs.   It is recommended travelers bring their own voltage converter and adapter 
 

TIME DIFFERENCE
The time difference between major cities in North America and Maldives are as below:

• Los Angeles + 12 hours
• New York + 09 hours

SHOPPING
Affordable World does not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour.  You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and thus must be responsible for your own purchases.  Any after sales correspondence must be between the passenger and the shop in question.
 

OPTIONAL TOURS & SPECIAL MEALS
Optional tours and special meals are available and may be booked and purchased on-site directly from the resort. 
 

MEALS
Daily meals are included as per the itinerary.  As of December 2022, the all-inclusive menu details are as per the below. Menu offerings are subject to change at the discretion of the hotel:
 

Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi

• Banyan Main Restaurant 
  • Type of cuisine – International, buffet meals 
  • Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:30 am
  • Lunch: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
  • Dinner: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
• Indian Pavilion *Prior reservations recommended.  
  • Type of cuisine – Authentic North and South Indian
  • Lunch: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
  • Dinner: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
• Lohis Wave *Exclusively for surfers
  • Type of cuisine – International, buffet for breakfast and lunch during surf season (March - November) and special oven-baked pizzas (10 am - 10 pm)
  • Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:30 am
  • Lunch: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
  • Bar: 10 am – 11 pm
• Beach Grill
  • Type of cuisine – Tropical beach dining with salads, sandwiches and other snacks 
  • Dining: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Bar: 10 am – 10 pm
• Sunset Restaurant Bar – *Exclusively available and included for guests staying in the Ocean Villas.  Dining service at the Sunset restaurant is also available for Non-Ocean Villa guests through prior reservations and based on the resort’s availability.
  • Type of cuisine – International cuisine, with continental, Indian, Chinese and Arabic favorites exclusively for ocean villa guests.
  • Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:30 am
  • Lunch: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
  • Dinner: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
  • A la carte: 11 am – 11 pm
• Hiyala Bar
  • Type of cuisine – Bar offering an international selection of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Morning snack 10.00 a.m -11.00 a.m
  • Evening snack 04.00 p.m - 05.00 p.m
  • Mid-night snack 11.00 p.m - 12.00 m.n
  • Bar: 10 am-midnight
• Tiki Bar
  • Type of cuisine – Cocktail bar serving shisha
  • Bar: 10 am-midnight
• The following beverages are included in this package:
  • SPIRITS (Served by the glass / Pouring brands) Whiskey / Brandy / Gin / Vodka / Rum /APERITIFS)
  • HOUSE WINE – RED / WHITE / ROSE/ SPARKLING (Served by the glass)
  • DRAFT BEER (Served by the glass)
  • CORDIALS (Served by the glass) Mango / Pineapple / Passion fruit / Orange)
  • AERATED WATER (Served by the glass) Chasers / Soft drinks)
  • MINERAL WATER (Served by the glass)
  • TEA / COFFEE
• An array of locally and internationally inspired cocktails* and mocktails
  • A drink from each AI spirit (all-inclusive) spirit from a choice of cocktails*
  • A select list of mocktails are also available for order
  • Guests are required to order from the all-inclusive drink menu.  Drinks not listed on the resort’s all-inclusive menu can be purchased for an extra fee*
  • Drinks ordered from their regular menu are not included and will be an extra fee
• Beverages provided are for your own consumption, served one glass at a time, while at the Resort’s restaurants and bars
• Fresh fruit juices, mini bar items (excluding the 2 mineral water bottles which will be replenished on a daily basis), theme nights and floodlit tennis is not included in the package
• All guests registered in the same room must be on the all-inclusive package
• Alcoholic beverages will not be served to anyone under the age of 18 years
• There are no refunds or substitutions, nor are any benefits transferable to another guest
• All-inclusive entitlements (meals, drinks, etc.) will end on the date of the check-out at 12 noon
• All guests are responsible for informing the restaurant and hotel staff of any food allergies and/or special meal requests
• Tap water is not potable and bottled water may be purchased from the hotel’s convenience store.  We regret to inform you that Affordable World is unable to confirm any special meal requests as it is based on the availability of the providing restaurants, hotels, and airlines.  Please contact the airlines directly to place special meal requests for your flights.

Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

• Dining Experience 
  • Vadoo’s all inclusive dine around meal offering is served at the main restaurant during the following operational hours:
    • A La Carte Breakfast: Served around the clock (24 hours)
    • Set Menu Lunch:  12:30 - 2:30 pm
    • Set Menu Dinner: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
  • The resort offers guests a set menu option for dinner at their Japanese restaurant as an alternative to dinner at the main restaurant (subject to prior reservation).
  • A snack menu option for lunch at the main bar is offered as an alternative to lunch at the main restaurant.
  • High tea, cookies and savories will be served, with the option of in-villa service at 5 pm.
• Mini Bar Items - Replenished Once a Day
  • Carlsberg beer (4 cans), orange/mango juice (2 packs each), soft drinks (2 bottles each), chocolate (2 bars), mineral water (2 bottles) and fresh milk (2 packages).
• All Inclusive Spirits
  • Whiskey: Johnny Walker Black Label, Jack Daniels, Chivas Regal, Glenfiddich, Balantine, Vat 69
  • Gin: Gordon’s, Beefeater
  • Rum: Bacardi - White & Gold, Captain Morgan Dark Rum 
  • Vodka: Absolute Blue, Smirnoff Red, Stolichnaya
  • Brandy: Napoleon, St. Remy Authentic VSOP
• House Wines (Sparkling): De Bortoli Sparkling Brut; Jaume Serra Cava Sparkling 
• House Wines (Rose): B&G Partagar, Gallo, Garland Crest Grenache Rose
• House Wines (Red/White): B&G Partagar, Garland Crest Shiraz, Casa Subercaseaux Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Oceans, Chucaro, CArlo Rossi, Appetit de.
• Draft Beers: Lion, Carlsberg, Heineken
• Bottled Beer: Corona
• Soft Drinks: Coca Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Soda, Tonic, Bitter Lemon, Ginger Ale
• A selection of locally and internationally inspired cocktails.
• Seasonal fresh fruit juices (subject to availability).
• Beverages provided are for guest’s own consumption, served one glass at a time, while at the Resort’s restaurants and bars.
• Please note that specialty coffee such as cappuccino, espresso etc. are not included in this package.
• All guests registered in the same room must be on the All-Inclusive package.
• Alcoholic beverages will note be served to anyone under the age of 18.
• Refunds, substitutions or benefits are non-transferable.
• All inclusive entitlements will end on the date of checkout at 12 noon.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING

• The Maldives Islands enjoy a delightful climate, sunny and pleasant for the majority of the year
• Although rainfall is not very frequent, scattered showers can be expected during certain times of the year
• Inclement weather conditions seldom occur in the Maldives and are very short-lived
• Water shoes are highly recommended as there is a lot of coral in the oceans and lagoons; the resort’s gift shop has water shoes available for purchase but please keep in mind sizes are limited
• Recommended items to bring:
  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals are essential
  • Clothes should be light and loose; natural fibres or blends are best
  • Lightweight loungewear (linens, cottons, etc.) 
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunglasses and light hats are highly recommended
  • Water shoes (there’s a lot of coral in the oceans/lagoons; water shoes are also available for purchase in the gift shop however sizing is limited)
  • Snorkel gear (there’s a lot of opportunities to snorkel around the resort’s beaches and in the lagoons by the ocean villas); snorkel gear is also available for rent or purchase at the resort
  • Sunscreen (also available for purchase at the gift store)

MALDIVES EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
+00 960 664 1930 (Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi General 24/7 Line)
+00 960 791  1847 (Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi Front Office Manager)
+00 960 665 8265 (Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Reservations)
+00 960 665 8265 (Angsana Ihuru Reservations)

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
We’d like to remind all guests to check their local state travel guidelines regarding travel restrictions when arriving from international destinations or other US States, as this may vary state by state.
US State Department
CDC Travel Resources
WHO
Maldives Immigration Health Declaration Form 


Our experienced staff of Maldives specialists take pride in providing you with the very best in service and planning.  Thank you for choosing Affordable World as your partner in travel.   We are confident your trip will be happy and rewarding!

Bon Voyage!