Maldives: Distance, Visa Rules, and Why It’s Not in India

When people ask if the Maldives, a sovereign island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its overwater bungalows and coral reefs. Also known as the Maldivian Islands, it is part of India, they’re mixing up geography with convenience. The Maldives is about 750 kilometers southwest of India’s southern tip—close enough for a quick flight, but far enough to need a passport, a visa, and its own currency. It’s not a state, not a region, not a tourist zone within India. It’s a country. And that matters.

Many travelers assume the Maldives is in India because it’s often bundled into Indian travel itineraries. Airlines sell combo deals: fly to Kochi, then hop on a seaplane to Malé. Tour operators label it as "India’s nearby beach escape." But that’s marketing, not geography. The Maldives has its own government, its own laws, its own culture rooted in Islam and South Asian traditions, and its own visa rules—unlike India, where many nationalities get visa-free entry, most travelers to the Maldives need a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. And while Indian rupees might be accepted in some resorts, the official currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa. The confusion comes from proximity, not ownership.

What ties the Maldives to India? History, trade, and tourism. Indian fishermen have sailed these waters for centuries. Bollywood films have shot on its beaches. And today, Indians make up the largest group of tourists visiting the Maldives each year. But that doesn’t make it Indian. Think of it like Florida and Canada—close, connected, often visited together—but still two separate countries with different rules. If you’re planning a trip, treat it like any international destination: check your passport validity, book flights separately, and don’t assume your Indian SIM works there.

There’s also a financial angle. The Maldives is expensive. A basic room can cost more than a week’s stay in Goa. That’s why many Indian travelers compare it to Bora Bora or Thailand, looking for value. But if you’re after affordability and authenticity, South India offers just as much beauty—palaces in Mysore, backwaters in Kochi, temples in Hampi—without the extra flight or currency exchange. The Maldives is stunning, yes. But it’s not a shortcut to a beach holiday in India. It’s a different experience entirely.

Below, you’ll find real guides that cut through the myths: how far it really is, what documents you need, why people keep thinking it’s part of India, and how to decide if it’s worth the cost compared to homegrown options like Goa or Kerala. No fluff. Just facts you can use before you book.