Most resorts in the Maldives offer Wi-Fi in rooms and restaurants, and that connection rests on a 1,430 km domestic submarine fibre network running from the north of the country to the south, with resort islands inside the operators' coverage. At the same time, the official guide to Velana International Airport, the country's main gateway, lists no public Wi-Fi, and fast 5G is limited to Malé and a handful of urban islands. This guide uses information from the local operators, the national tourism board, the airport and the aviation authority to show where you can rely on Wi-Fi and what to arrange before you land.
If you want your own connection during the transfer from the airport to your resort, you can set up a Maldives eSIM before you leave. See the Coral eSIM plans for the Maldives and pick the data allowance that fits your stay.
Wi-Fi in the Maldives: resort internet arrives by submarine cable
With more than a thousand islands strung from north to south, the Maldives depends on the network that links them. According to its 2025 annual report, the largest operator, Dhiraagu, runs a 1,430 km submarine fibre-optic network connecting the Maldives from north to south, and its coverage includes all 187 inhabited islands as well as resort islands and major industrial islands.
International capacity keeps growing too. The upgrade of the Domestic Submarine Cable System of Maldives (DSCoM), adding four new segments, was completed in 2023, and the SEA-ME-WE 6 cable linking Asia and Europe landed in the Maldives in 2024.
In other words, resort Wi-Fi is not weak simply because the islands are remote. A resort's connection is shared between guests and staff, though, so speeds can drop at busy times such as the evening, or in water villas far from the main building. For how to split use between resort Wi-Fi and your own line, and how much data you need, see our guide to eSIMs for the Maldives.
Airport Wi-Fi in the Maldives: none listed in the official guide
The Facilities & Services page on Velana International Airport's official website does not list public Wi-Fi for passengers. Wi-Fi appears only as a feature of certain lounges. Various websites describe time limits for free airport Wi-Fi, but they contradict each other and none are official.
Most visitors transfer from the airport to a resort speedboat or seaplane. You will need to contact your transfer team and wait for connections, so have your own line working when you arrive at the airport.
Mobile networks in the Maldives: 5G on urban islands, 4G at most resorts
The Maldives has two mobile operators, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives. Dhiraagu launched the country's first commercial 5G service in July 2019, which it describes as the first in South Asia as well. Ooredoo began 5G in December 2020, initially covering a large part of the capital, Malé.
5G coverage remains limited, however. Dhiraagu lists these 5G areas:
- The Greater Malé Area (including the airport island of Hulhulé and Hulhumalé)
- Emboodhoo Falhu (Marina)
- Kulhudhuffushi City, Addu City (Hithadhoo), Thinadhoo City and Fuvahmulah City
On the atolls where most resorts are located, expect 4G. Ooredoo says its network covers "all major islands, resorts, local islands, and guesthouses". We found no official information on coverage at sea between islands or aboard liveaboard dive boats, so on days when you leave your island, plan for an unreliable connection.
Ookla's Speedtest Global Index did not publish mobile figures for the Maldives as of August 2026, so this guide does not quote speed numbers.
Tourist SIMs and eSIMs in the Maldives
The official tourism board, Visit Maldives, says prepaid SIM cards from both operators are available at the airport. Both also offer eSIMs for visitors.
Ooredoo Maldives
Tourist plans are sold at Velana International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 and through partner hotels and guesthouses. The official FAQ states that both eSIM and physical SIM options are available for all tourist plans, and that data and calls start automatically once the SIM is inserted or the eSIM is downloaded.
Dhiraagu
Dhiraagu offers a tourist eSIM, plus a physical SIM you order online and collect at its Airport Business Centre. Collection requires your order confirmation email and your passport, and tourist SIMs are available to tourists only.
A local SIM or eSIM means dealing with the counter or setting it up after arrival. A travel eSIM set up before departure works as soon as you step off the plane. Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked (see how to check your phone is unlocked).
Drone and radio equipment rules before you travel to the Maldives
Flying a drone needs several approvals
The scenery invites aerial photography, but the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reviews every drone operation case by case. Its official guidance sets out three steps:
- Obtain approval from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), depending on the area
- Apply to the CAA with the MNDF permit attached (flights must stay below 400 ft)
- Obtain approval from other relevant parties, such as the resort or the island or city council
Permission from your resort alone is not enough, even within its grounds. If you plan to fly, check the process before you leave.
High-power transmitters are inspected
The airport's arrival guide states that transmitting equipment over 100 mW must be inspected and approved by the Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM). This does not affect normal use of phones or mobile routers, but take note if you are bringing radios or similar equipment.
Using resort Wi-Fi in the Maldives safely
Resort Wi-Fi often comes with a password per room, but it is still a shared network. Switch to your own mobile data before online banking or entering card details. We found no public Wi-Fi advisory from Maldivian authorities, so for general precautions see our guide to free Wi-Fi security.
Internet in the Maldives: frequently asked questions
Do resorts in the Maldives have Wi-Fi?
Most resorts offer Wi-Fi in rooms and restaurants. Resort islands are within the operators' coverage and linked by the domestic submarine cable network. Because the connection is shared among guests, speeds can drop at busy times or in places such as water villas.
Is there free Wi-Fi at the Maldives airport?
The facilities guide on Velana International Airport's official website does not list public Wi-Fi for passengers; Wi-Fi is mentioned only for some lounges. To stay in touch while waiting for a speedboat or seaplane, make sure your own line works when you arrive.
Is 5G available in the Maldives?
Both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offer 5G, but coverage is limited to the Greater Malé Area and a few urban islands. On the atolls where most resorts are, expect 4G.
Can tourists get an eSIM in the Maldives?
Yes. Ooredoo Maldives offers eSIM and physical SIM options on all tourist plans, and Dhiraagu also sells a tourist eSIM. A travel eSIM set up before departure lets you start without any steps on arrival.
Can I fly a drone in the Maldives?
Only with permission. The Civil Aviation Authority requires approval from the National Defence Force, an application to the CAA, and approval from other parties such as the resort or island council, with flights kept below 400 ft.
In the Maldives, rely on resort Wi-Fi but cover the airport and transfers with an eSIM
Resort Wi-Fi in the Maldives is backed by a domestic submarine cable network and works well as your main connection during your stay. The weak points are the wait at the airport and the journey between islands. The airport's official guide lists no public Wi-Fi, and 5G is limited to urban islands. Set up a travel eSIM before departure so your own line works from the moment you land, and complete any drone permits in advance. That is the most reliable way to prepare for staying connected in the Maldives.
See the Coral eSIM plans for the Maldives, or browse all destinations.
