September 06

What to Pack for a Trip to Maldives

sunset view from large maldives villa with pool

If you’ve already booked your flights to the Maldives and arranged your stay at one of the incredible Sun Siyam Resorts, you’re all set to start packing for this once-in-a-lifetime getaway. 

Wondering what to pack for the Maldives? We’ve got you covered. Our travel guide provides a handy Maldives packing list to ensure you have everything you need for your island holiday. From clothing suggestions to entertainment recommendations, we list all the travel essentials for your upcoming trip to paradise. 

Follow our packing list for the Maldives, and you won’t have to worry about leaving anything important behind at home!

Maldives Travel Essentials

When it comes to figuring out what to pack for the Maldives, it helps to start with the essentials. You need to remember to pack these items, such as your passport and phone charger, to help ensure your travels go smoothly. 

Maldives Travel Documents

First, you need a valid, up-to-date passport to travel to the Maldives. No matter your country of origin, all members of your travel group, including infants and children, will need one. Without a valid passport, you won’t be allowed to enter the Maldives, let alone board your flight. 

The good news is that you don’t need to apply for a visa before your trip. Upon arriving in the Maldives, all tourists receive a free 30-day visitor visa. What’s more, Indian and Russian tourists can stay up to 90 days. 

Next, you’ll want to gather all your travel information, including your aeroplane tickets and hotel reservations. Be sure you have confirmation numbers on hand so you can easily retrieve these documents when you arrive at the airport or your resort.

When booking your travel, you may have decided to purchase travel insurance, which helps cover the costs of unexpected incidents during your stay, such as medical or evacuation expenses. If you purchased this insurance, be sure to pack your policy number in case you need to use it during your holiday.

We recommend printing copies of these documents, photocopying your passport and keeping them in a safe space. These copies will be helpful if you misplace them or can’t access the hard copies during your travels.

Money and Cards for Maldives

Money and bank cards are next on our Maldives packing list. Of course, you’ll want to keep these in a safe place that’s easily accessible, such as a zippered pocket or secure compartment. 

Remember to pack your credit and debit cards. Depending on your financial institution, you may need to notify them that you’re travelling so they don’t flag your international charges or freeze your account.

Also, it’s a good idea to have some emergency cash on hand and local currency—the Maldives use Maldivian Rufiyaa. You can convert your money before travelling at a currency exchange station or the airport once you’ve arrived in the Maldives. 

Electronics

It’s time to focus on your electronics. You’ll want to pack your mobile phone, waterproof camera and charger, but you may also want to pack a portable power bank to charge your electronics on the go. 

It’s important to note that the Maldives uses type D and G electrical sockets, so you may need to purchase a universal charger adapter to make your plugs compatible. If you don’t use the proper charger adapter, the socket could damage your electronics. 

Clothing and Footwear for the Maldives

Let’s move on to clothing because you’re probably wondering what to wear in the Maldives. 

This island paradise boasts year-round warm temperatures, making any time a good time to visit. Therefore, you’ll need the same kinds of clothes, such as swimsuits and sandals, regardless of when you book your trip here. 

Beachwear

The average temperature in the Maldives is 83°F or 28°C, so dress accordingly! 

Since you’ll likely spend a good portion of your holiday lounging at the beach and poolside, pack several swimsuits, flip flops or waterproof sandals and some cover-ups or sarongs. 

Casual Wear

What other clothes for the Maldives might you need? We suggest packing some comfortable, casual clothes you can wear while exploring your Sun Siyam Resort. 

The temperatures can get toasty, so light, breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen, can help you stay cool. Add some shorts, t-shirts and tank tops to your Maldives packing list as well.

Evening Wear

The Sun Siyam Resorts feature so many facilities for you to enjoy, and you may want to dress up for some of them. For example, maybe you want to look nice for date night on a floating dock or get dolled up for one of our nightly performances. 

In this case, consider packing some casual slacks and shirts or some modest skirts and dresses. To avoid getting chilly once the sun sets, bring along a light sweater or shawl to wrap around your shoulders. 

Footwear

As for shoes, we recommend packing a few different pairs. You’ll want a comfortable pair of walking shoes for when you’re embarking on the many experiences around the island and some sandals for time at the beach and pool. We also advise purchasing a pair of water shoes so you can explore the rocky and coral areas. 

Outdoor Wear

Some hiking boots might come in handy depending on what adventures and excursions you have planned during your stay. Dress for comfort when it comes to any outdoor activities. 

We also suggest bringing a rain jacket or umbrella for if it rains during your stay. While the rainy season tends to be between June and October, the weather has gotten more unpredictable due to climate change. Bring something waterproof to keep you dry if a shower rolls through. 

Accessories and Gear

Accessories and gear are additional items you should include in your packing list for the Maldives. Consider sun protection, snorkelling gear and health and hygiene items. 

Sun Protection

The Maldives is located near the equator, so protecting yourself from UV rays is essential. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, too. A wide-brimmed hat is great for providing shade, while sunglasses with UV protection are also a must. You may also want to invest in some UV-protection clothing, like sunshirts or swimwear, to further shield your skin from the sun’s rays. 

Snorkelling Gear

The Maldives is home to some of the most diverse marine life, so you’ll definitely want to join some of our snorkelling excursions to see it all for yourself. While most resorts provide snorkel gear for you to rent, if you’d prefer to use your own equipment, you’ll want to pack your snorkel, mask and fins. 

Health and Hygiene

In addition to your normal toiletries, don’t forget to pack your prescription medications. Also, consider packing a basic first aid kit and similar items like hand sanitizers, wet wipes and insect repellent. 

While some of these items may be available at your resort, it’s always a good idea to pack your own so you have them on hand if and when you need them. 

Miscellaneous Travel Necessities Fit for Maldives

You’re almost done packing but don’t forget to include these miscellaneous items in your suitcase, like your e-reader and beach bag. 

Entertainment

Whether relaxing on the beach or waiting for your flight at the airport, you’ll want some items to help keep you entertained. We recommend packing a book, e-reader or a portable speaker to listen to your favourite jams during your stay. Other considerations include a travel journal so you can record all your holiday memories and a selfie stick to capture the best photos of your trip. 

Bags and Luggage

In addition to your normal travel suitcase and luggage, you may need some smaller bags during your stay. For instance, pack a waterproof beach bag for a trip down to the beach, and bring along a lightweight backpack for outings, like fishing trips and island tours. 

For the Plane Ride

Last but not least, you’ll need some comfort items for your plane ride. Add these belongings to your Maldives packing list, and you’ll be all set!

Comfort Items

Depending on where you’re travelling from, it could be a long plane ride to the Maldives. That’s why we recommend stocking up on some comfort items, such as a neck pillow and eye mask, so you can get some rest during the flight. You may also want noise-cancelling headphones to tune into some podcasts, a stash of snacks to ward off hunger and a reusable water bottle for staying hydrated.

You’re Packed and Ready to Go!

Now that you know what to pack for the Maldives, you’ll be all set for whatever comes your way during your holiday. 

Whether you plan to spend your island getaway embarking on scuba diving excursions and sunset fishing trips or relaxing on the beach and pampering yourself at the spa, our extensive packing list ensures you have everything you need to enjoy your stay on island time at our Sun Siyam Resorts.