Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Maldives
Maldives is a south Asian island country located in the Indian Ocean. It consists of a chain of 26 atolls and is one of the most geographically dispersed countries.
The country is known for its gorgeous beaches, with blue waters and white sands. There are even beaches filled with bio-luminescent algae that glow at night, lighting up the water. There are various islands and resorts that cater to every budget and activity.
Travellers can simply sunbathe on a beach or go diving and snorkeling to see the coral reefs. This is an amazing vacation for those who love the beach and exploring the underwater world.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Maldives?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Maldives
Do I Need a Visa for the Maldives?
What Is the Climate Like in the Maldives?
How Safe Is the Maldives?
Ari Atoll
What Should I Take to the Maldives?
Canadian Embassy in the Maldives
Do I Need Vaccines for the Maldives?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the Maldives. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Maldives: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Maldives |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Maldives |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is transmitted through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at higher risk of typhoid exposure. Implementing rigorous hygiene practices and food safety measures is essential for comprehensive protection against infection.
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the PHAC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
Chikungunya and dengue are present in the Maldives. Make sure to bring and use mosquito repellents and netting.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Maldives
Prevent Bug Bites in the Maldives
Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.
Food and Water Safety in the Maldives
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in the Maldives
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a significant global health concern. Symptoms can escalate from mild fever to life-threatening conditions. Preventing mosquito bites is key to avoidance, with recommendations including repellent and netting use.
- Zika – The Zika virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses risks such as birth defects and sexual transmission. Preventing Zika involves using repellent, practicing safe sex, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa for the Maldives?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. A 30-day tourist visa is available upon arrival and may be extended for a total stay of 90 days max.
A return or onward ticket as well as proof of sufficient is required to obtain the visa. A business visa is also required. Upon boarding an international flight, you are required to pay a $25 USD departure tax.
Maldives Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Maldives? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Maldives and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in the Maldives?
The Maldives is a group of islands with a warm and sunny tropical climate. There are two main seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The dry season is from December to April, and the wet season is from May to November. The temperature is usually between 25 to 30 degrees all year round.
Some popular destinations in the Maldives include Male, Hulhumale, Maafushi, Baa Atoll, and North Ari Atoll. Male is the capital and experiences a tropical monsoon climate. Other destinations have weather like Male.
The Maldives is great to visit all year round, but the dry season is considered the best time to go for clear and sunny weather. It can still rain during the dry season because the Maldives is in the tropics. If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing for hot and humid weather.
How Safe Is the Maldives?
The Maldives is a safe destination for travellers, but like anywhere else, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Respect local customs and dress modestly.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Take caution when swimming and check local conditions, currents, and tides.
- Only use licensed taxis and transportation services.
- Drink alcohol responsibly and avoid getting excessively drunk.
- Carry necessary documentation, like your passport and visa, with you at all times.
- Keep emergency numbers handy and know how to reach local authorities in case of an emergency.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience in the Maldives.
Ari Atoll
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Ari Atoll is a great place to visit in the Maldives. It’s popular for its beautiful coral reefs, marine life, and water sports.
Tourists can go snorkeling or diving to see all kinds of sea creatures like sharks, rays, and colorful fish. They can also take a boat trip to see whale sharks, which are the largest fish in the world. The water is calm and clear, tourists can enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing.
Ari Atoll has many small islands, and tourists can take a tour of these islands to learn about the local culture, food, and way of life. Tourists can also stay at one of the luxury resorts on the islands. These resorts offer fancy things like overwater villas, private beaches, spas, and fancy food.
Ari Atoll is a perfect place for tourists who want to see the beauty of the underwater world in the Maldives.
What Should I Take to the Maldives?
The Maldives is a tropical destination, it’s important to pack light and breathable clothes like cotton or linen. You’ll also want to pack plenty of swimsuits, sunscreen with high SPF and insect repellent to protect your skin from the sun and mosquitoes. Flip flops or sandals are recommended for easy walking on the beach.
If you plan to explore the underwater world, bring your own snorkeling gear, and a waterproof phone case to protect your phone. A hat and sunglasses will help protect your face and eyes from the sun. It’s also a good idea to bring a light raincoat or umbrella, in case of rain showers.
Finally, bring cash and credit cards for any extra expenses or souvenirs.
Canadian Embassy to the Maldives
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in Maldives. Consular assistance should be obtained from the High Commission in Sri Lanka.
High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives
33A, 5th Lane,
Colpetty
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Phone: 00 94 11 522 62 32
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Maldives
“What an easy experience! From booking the appointment to having our vaccines done, everyone was friendly and extremely knowledgeable.”
“Great visit. No wait at all. Everyone we see is very knowledgeable about the Maldives and the shots are quick and painless.”
“Very knowledgeable, detailed and efficient. I felt I was in good hands with Passport Health helping me stay healthy in the Maldives.”
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