Riyadh to Malé (RUH–MLE) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Saudi passport holders enter the Maldives visa-free for up to 30 days. No fee, no advance application. The Maldives grants a free tourist visa on arrival to all nationalities. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. At Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male, present your passport, return ticket, and hotel or resort booking confirmation. Fill out the Traveller Declaration form online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before arrival.

The 30-day visa can be extended for up to 90 days at the Immigration office in Male. The Maldives is a 100% Muslim country, and Saudi visitors will find mosques on every inhabited island and halal food standard at all resorts and guesthouses. Alcohol is served only at resort islands, not on inhabited local islands. Bikinis are permitted at resort beaches and designated bikini beaches on local islands but not on regular local beaches.

Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Male run about 5 hours on Saudia seasonally. Connecting through Dubai (4 hours to Male on Emirates), Colombo (1 hour 30 minutes on SriLankan Airlines), or Doha adds 2 to 4 hours. The Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), but USD is accepted at all resorts and most guesthouses. The rate is roughly 4.10 MVR per SAR 1. Resorts bill in USD. Card payments work at resorts and in Male. Airport speedboat transfers to nearby atolls cost $150 to $500 round trip. Seaplane transfers to distant atolls run $400 to $700 round trip. Domestic flights on Maldivian Airlines connect Male to Gan, Hanimaadhoo, and other regional airports. Water temperature stays between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius year-round.