Maldives Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:12 december 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update: Maldives is introducing stricter penalties for drug offences including the death penalty and life sentences without parole. You can be charged with trafficking and face jail or heavy fines if you’re caught with even a small amount of illegal drugs, including marijuana and cannabis-based products. Do not possess or use illegal drugs in Maldives.
 

We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

Advice Levels

Level 2
Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

Full Advice

  • The sea around the Maldives can have strong tidal currents and rips, and many tourists drown every year. Safety information may not be available at beaches. Where present, obey lifeguard warnings and take appropriate precautions with water safety.
  • The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas and torrential rain can occur. Tsunamis can also occur. Keep in contact with friends and family. Follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Protests and demonstrations can occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands (non-resort islands). Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas.
  • Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.
  • Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Petty theft happens on beaches and in hotel rooms (including resorts). Leave your valuables in a secure location.
  • Insect-borne diseases are a risk, including dengue, zika virus and chikungunya. Use tropical strength insect repellent and wear light-coloured clothing that covers arms and legs.
  • Hepatitis is a risk. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water.
  • Rabies may be present in wildlife, particularly bats. Avoid contact with animals.
  • Medical services, including emergency services and decompression chambers, are limited. It can take several hours to reach medical facilities. If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. This can be very expensive.
  • From March 2026, harsher penalties for drug offences will be introduced. This includes heavy fines, lengthy prison sentences, including life without parole and the death penalty. Do not possess or use illegal drugs in Maldives.
  • It’s illegal to publicly observe any religion other than Islam, which dictates laws that may not be obvious.
  • It’s illegal to import pornography, alcohol or pork products; however, alcohol and pork may be consumed on resort islands.
  • Public displays of affection are not tolerated, and standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in greater Malé and inhabited islands. Dress modestly in greater Malé and inhabited islands. This includes while swimming. Take care not to offend.
  • Serious crimes, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.
  • It’s illegal to export tortoiseshell and coral, be aware of the source of souvenirs.
  • Drone flying may be illegal or banned. Check with your resort, as it may be classed as an invasion of privacy.
  • There are restrictions of importing tobacco and tobacco products.
  • You can get a tourist visa (free) on arrival to Maldives, provided you meet all entry requirements. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives for details about visas, currency, and customs. Fake tourist visa websites exist. There is no charge for a tourist visa.
  • You must complete a Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before arriving in Maldives.
  • Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel.
  • The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though $US is accepted at most resort islands.
  • You can change money and use ATMs in Malé and many larger local islands. Take cash if you’re travelling to smaller local islands.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

General emergency

Call 911.

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911 or go directly to the hospital.

Police

Call 911.

You can also call the tourist police on 979 0070.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.