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Foreign Travel Advice Maldives

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Foreign Travel Advice Maldives

Contents

  1. Warnings and insurance
  2. Entry requirements
  3. Safety and security
  4. Health

Warnings and Insurance

Maldives
Latest update: Information regarding passport validity requirements, stating that your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in the Maldives (‘Entry requirements’ page).

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) offers advice on travel risks to assist British nationals in making informed decisions. Explore further details about FCDO travel advice.

ENTER YOUR DESTINATION FOR YOUR CUSTOM TRAVEL BRIEF


 

Before You Travel:

Remember, no travel can be guaranteed as entirely safe. Be sure to thoroughly review all the advice provided in this guide and seek support available for British nationals abroad, which includes:

  • Guidance on preparing for travel abroad and mitigating risks
  • Information tailored for women, LGBT+, and disabled travelers

Stay connected with FCDO travel updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and consider signing up for email notifications for real-time updates.

Travel Insurance:

If you opt to travel, conduct thorough research on your destinations and obtain suitable travel insurance. Your insurance coverage should encompass your entire itinerary, planned activities, and emergency expenses.

/foreign-travel-advice/maldives
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FCDO travel advice for Maldives. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
Information that your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in the Maldives (‘Entry requirements’ page).
Latest update: Summary - addition of information about the availability of consular support
2019-01-17T11:07:59.212Z
Latest update: Summary - revised information on political protests; Natural disasters section - addition of information on flooding; Health section - revised guidance on sources of health information before travel
2019-01-30T15:13:59.282Z
Latest update: This advice has been reviewed in full and reissued with minor editorial amendments
2019-06-03T14:40:49.413Z
Summary - addition of link to information for those affected by Thomas Cook ceasing trading
2019-09-25T10:52:36.000Z
Summary - removal of information on Thomas Cook ceasing to trade
2019-10-21T09:58:10.000Z
Summary - Information on coronavirus
2020-02-01T12:48:35.000Z
Summary - addition of information and advice about arrests made in relation to a knife attack on foreign residents in Hulhumale
2020-02-06T11:18:35.000Z
Terrorism - factual update on a recent knife attack in Hulhumale; Local laws and customs - addition of information and advice on local dress standards
2020-02-10T14:46:40.000Z
Health - factual update on precautionary measures in place in response to coronavirus (COVID-19); Terrorism - factual update on recent knife attacks in Hulhumale
2020-02-18T16:31:39.000Z
Addition of information about precautionary measures for coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Health’ and ‘Summary’ pages).
2020-03-05T11:50:46.000Z
Update to information about precautionary measures for coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Health’ and ‘Summary’ pages).
2020-03-09T16:28:18.000Z
Update to information about precautionary measures for coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Health’ and ‘Summary’ pages) - the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Kuredu, Vilemendhu, Batalaa and Kuramathi Island Resorts.
2020-03-10T20:13:03.000Z
Removal of information on quarantine in a number of resorts and updated advice for people with travel plans to resort islands ('Health' and 'Summary pages)
2020-03-12T17:01:43.000Z
Update on restrictions in response to coronavirus ('Health' and 'Summary')
2020-03-13T18:50:18.000Z
Updated information on local measures taken to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Health’ and ‘Summary’ pages)
2020-03-16T15:26:59.000Z
The Government of Maldives announced a ban on entry into Maldives of anyone who has left or transited the UK in the last 14 days, with effect from 11.59 pm on 18 March ('Health' and 'Summary' pages)
2020-03-17T16:36:11.000Z
The Government of Maldives announced a ban on entry into Maldives of anyone who has left or transited the UK in the last 14 days, with effect from 11.59 pm on 18 March. In addition, from 17 March, guest houses and city hotels on all islands across Maldives are banned from accepting any new bookings for 14 days ('Summary' and 'Health' pages).
2020-03-18T12:57:39.000Z
Effective from 20 March, entry of all safari boats, yachts and other passenger vessels arriving to Maldives from an overseas location is restricted indefinitely. ('Summary' and 'Health' pages)
2020-03-20T12:33:29.000Z
Update to information about travel restrictions introduced in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic ('Coronavirus' and ‘Return to the UK’ pages)
2020-03-24T18:58:09.000Z
Addition of link to the British High Commission Male Twitter for the latest available information on flight departure options ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-03-25T14:14:31.000Z
The Government of Maldives has temporarily suspended visas on-arrival for all nationalities, effective from 27 March, in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry Requirements' pages)
2020-03-25T19:33:54.000Z
Update to local measures ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry Requirements' pages)
2020-03-27T17:29:17.000Z
Update to information about travel restrictions and local measures introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-03-30T12:49:35.000Z
Update to information about flight restrictions and local curfew measures ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-01T12:01:26.000Z
Update to information and advice about flight restrictions ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-02T15:28:37.000Z
There are no regular commercial options available to return to the UK from Maldives. Qatar Airways intends to operate a flight from Male’ to Doha on 21 April. Please contact the Qatar Airways airline direct ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-08T11:01:11.000Z
Removal of advice about daily curfew imposed in Male', Hulhumale' and Villingili which has now been lifted ("Coronavirus" Section)
2020-04-10T04:10:14.000Z
Public Health Emergency declared on 12 March extended until 30 April (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2020-04-10T17:46:01.000Z
Addition of information about the Qatar flight on 21 April where onward connections to the UK will be available from Doha ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-14T10:28:52.000Z
Addition of information on a curfew in the Greater Male’ area from 15 April. ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-04-15T13:45:12.000Z
Updated information on curfew which has now been extended for an additional 24 hours and is set to expire on 17 April at 1430 local time. ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-04-16T16:47:14.000Z
Update to 'Coronavirus and 'Return to UK' pages
2020-04-17T15:11:08.000Z
Addition of information and advice about travel arrangements and flight options in the ('Coronavirus' page) and ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-04-22T10:25:44.000Z
Updated information on curfew and return to the UK ('Coronavirus' 'Return to the UK')
2020-04-27T19:25:27.000Z
Updated information to Local measures section and health screening on (Coronavirus page) and (Return to the UK page)
2020-04-30T15:20:22.000Z
Updated information to local measures and health screening ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-05-02T09:09:10.000Z
Latest update: Updated information to local measures and health screening ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-05-02T12:41:32.000Z
Latest update: Updated information to flight options ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-05-02T17:56:51.000Z
Updated information to flight options ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-05-05T14:31:12.000Z
Removal of information to flight options (‘Summary’ and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-05-14T15:20:02.000Z
Addition of information about a flight back to the UK on 21 May ('Return to UK' page)
2020-05-17T08:27:16.000Z
Addition of information and advice on financial support (‘Staying during coronavirus’ page)
2020-05-20T11:17:17.000Z
Update to information and advice on occasional flight availability and registering with the British High Commission if you are still in the Maldives ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-05-21T11:25:22.000Z
Addition of information of a one-off flight on 28 May to Colombo, with onward connection to London Heathrow ('Return to the UK' page).
2020-05-21T15:34:39.000Z
Updated information about the extension of Public Health Emergency to 29 June ('Staying during coronavirus' page)
2020-05-28T12:52:51.000Z
Addition of information about Sri Lankan Airlines' flights on 4 and 11 June from Male' to Colombo, with onward connection to London Heathrow ('Summary' and 'Return to the UK' page).
2020-06-02T10:24:29.000Z
Removal of previous flight details ('Summary' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-06-05T13:56:00.000Z
New information on rules for entering the UK from 8 June. ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-08T13:03:04.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of the curfew in the Greater Male' area to 26 June and updated information on other local measures in response to COVID-19 ('Staying during coronavirus' page).
2020-06-12T12:08:03.000Z
Addition of information on Sri Lankan Airlines commercial flight from Male' to Colombo with onward connection to London Heathrow on 18 June ('Summary' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-06-16T11:52:11.000Z
Addition of information on flight from Male’ to Colombo with onward connection to London Heathrow on 25 June ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-22T10:34:32.000Z
Addition of information on weekly flights from Male’ to Colombo with onward connection to London Heathrow from 2 July until 30 July ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-25T14:40:13.000Z
Addition of information on Emirates and Etihad airlines flights from Male’ to Colombo from 16 July and update to information and advice on future easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, including movement between resorts and islands, accommodation and reopening of borders and visa services ('Summary', 'Return to the UK', 'Staying during coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-07-02T15:06:47.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of a Public Health Emergency until 14 July ('Staying during coronavirus' page)
2020-07-03T15:25:58.000Z
Editorial review to remove ‘Return to the UK’ section and improve ‘Coronavirus’ section
2020-07-08T13:06:16.000Z
Addition of information on the lifting of entry restrictions into Maldives for anyone who has left or transited the UK and other selected countries in the last 14 days. Extension of the public health emergency until 7 August ('Entry requirements' and 'Coronavirus' pages)
2020-07-15T10:18:25.000Z
Update to information on screening, quarantine requirements and the resumption of visa on arrival services ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-07-15T15:34:02.000Z
Updated information on quarantine requirements. ('Entry Requirements' page)
2020-07-21T12:49:34.000Z
Updated information about travel restrictions due to COVID19 and the reopening of some resorts and guest houses ('Coronavirus' page) and updated information about passport validity requirements ('Entry requirements' page)
2020-08-05T13:41:43.000Z
Updated information about the extension of the Public Health Emergency until 6 September ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-08-10T09:29:34.000Z
Update to information about terrorist incidents in the Maldives ('Summary' and 'Terrorism' pages)
2020-08-17T14:05:36.000Z
Update to information about terrorist incidents in the Maldives ('Summary' and 'Terrorism' pages)
2020-08-18T13:36:10.000Z
Update to information on travel in the Greater Male area. Minor editorial changes to Terrorism section. ('Coronavirus' and 'Terrorism' page)
2020-08-24T12:22:49.000Z
Addition of information on negative COVID-19 PCR testing requirements from 10 September ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages) and updating of information on accommodation ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-09-02T14:16:27.000Z
Updated information on Maldives Public Health Emergency ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-09-07T09:24:37.000Z
Additional information added on screening on arrival in the Maldives ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-09-15T12:31:37.000Z
Updated information on the Public Health Emergency; it has been extended until 5 November. Removal of information on vehicles being banned from 8pm to 5am (local time) ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-10-07T09:40:01.000Z
Update to information on testing requirements for entry to the Maldives ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages).
2020-10-15T10:07:20.000Z
Updated information on Public Health Emergency curfew, reopening of guest houses and removal of information on Male' Airport's closing times ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-10-22T09:26:00.000Z
Maldives is now exempt from FCDO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
2020-10-22T16:22:08.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of the public health emergency until 5 December ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-11-05T11:30:54.000Z
Addition of information on changes to curfew times and rules on gatherings in public ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-11-09T11:05:25.000Z
Updated information on tourists travelling around Maldives ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-11-24T10:09:36.000Z
Updated information on Public Health Emergency; now in place until 4 January 2021. Updated information on amount of days for mandatory home quarantine upon arrival when travelling from Greater Male’ ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-12-07T11:12:42.000Z
Updated information on entry restrictions, screening on arrival and quarantine arrangements ('Summary', 'Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-12-27T12:30:31.000Z
Updated information on the extension of Maldives' public health emergency and on COVID-19 restrictions for public places and services ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-01-04T12:14:41.000Z
If you are arriving in the UK from Maldives on or after 4am on 18 January you will need to self-isolate on your arrival, unless you have a valid exemption (‘Summary’ page)
2021-01-16T01:25:43.000Z
New information on the self isolation period for all non-tourist passengers arriving to Maldives ('Summary' page). Updated information on COVID-19 measures; there is a curfew in Greater Male' area and a ban on public and mass gatherings ('Coronavirus' page).
2021-01-27T10:19:17.000Z
Update to information on curfew hours and restrictions on vehicles in the Greater Male' area. Update on the mandatory use of masks on all inhabited islands. ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-02-02T16:54:07.000Z
Update on the extension of the Public Health Emergency until 5 March. ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-02-04T09:40:54.000Z
Update to information on curfews and gatherings outside ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-02-17T16:59:28.000Z
New information on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you live in Maldives (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-02-24T14:48:54.000Z
New information under 'Restrictions in response to coronavirus' and 'Travel in Maldives' ('Entry requirements' and 'Coronavirus' pages).
2021-03-08T09:33:41.000Z
Update to information on the curfew in the Greater Male’ area from 11pm to 4:30am local time. Update to information on the opening of public spaces such as parks or sports grounds ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-03-29T11:51:19.000Z
Curfew in the Greater Male' area (which includes Male', Vilimale' and Hulhumale') removed ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-04-01T17:26:20.000Z
Updated information on Maldives public health emergency situation, this is in now in place until 5 May 2021 ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-04-06T11:31:01.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of the Maldives public health emergency until 5 June 2021 and restriction on inter-island travel ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-05-04T12:06:40.000Z
Information on a curfew that has been put in place for the Greater Male' area ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-05-06T11:17:15.000Z
Addition of information about explosion in Male’ on the evening of 6 May. (See 'Summary' and 'Terrorism' pages)
2021-05-06T21:49:13.000Z
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Maldives, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. From 4am on 12 May, direct flights from the Maldives to England will be prohibited, and the Maldives will be on the banned travel list (red list). (‘Summary ’) (‘Coronavirus’) (Returning to the UK’)
2021-05-07T16:44:57.000Z
Update to information on the explosion in Male’ on the evening of 6 May (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages)
2021-05-10T10:22:05.000Z
Updated information on the curfew in the Greater Male’ area, all non-tourist passengers arriving in Maldives by air are required to self-isolate for 14 days and from 13 May, on-arrival tourist visas for those arriving from South Asian countries will be temporarily halted ('Summary', 'Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-05-12T09:24:32.000Z
Updated information on restrictions in the Greater Male’ area ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-05-25T11:48:36.000Z
From 8 June, direct flights can arrive in England from the Maldives, but they must arrive at dedicated terminals at Heathrow and Birmingham airports. Different requirements may apply for arrivals into Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. ('International Travel') ('Returning to the UK')
2021-06-04T14:24:49.000Z
Update to information on the Public Health Emergency and changes to curfew hours ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-06-15T14:47:38.000Z
Updated information on Greater Male' area curfew and restrictions ('Coronavirus' page) and new information on entry requirements for travellers arriving in Maldives from South Asian countries, effective from 15 July 2021 ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-07-01T12:19:29.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of the Public Health Emergency until 2 August. Update to information on quarantine and testing requirements for non-tourist travellers from the UK ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-07-12T10:16:29.000Z
Information about COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Maldives ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-07-26T14:16:19.000Z
Update to information on quarantine requirements ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-07-30T13:05:56.000Z
Addition of information on demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status for entry to the Maldives
2021-08-05T09:40:46.000Z
Updated information on Maldives’ Public Health Emergency; restrictions are in place for those who have not received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and unvaccinated visitors (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-08-12T16:35:59.000Z
From 4am on Wednesday 22 September the Maldives will move to the amber list for entering England. Check what you must do to enter England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. ('Summary' page)
2021-09-17T16:44:55.000Z
Update to information on commercial travel to and from Maldives, and update on PCR testing requirements ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-09-27T11:15:43.000Z
Updated information on negative PCR result requirements ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-09-27T15:50:51.000Z
The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the Maldives, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks
2021-09-28T11:56:41.000Z
Updated information on PCR testing requirements for children under the age of one ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-10-05T15:00:15.000Z
Updated information on entry restrictions due to the Omicron variant ("Summary" and "Entry Requirements" pages). 
2021-11-28T05:37:40.000Z
Updated information on the national vaccination programme and entry restrictions due to the Omicron variant ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry Requirements' pages)
2022-01-18T10:34:21.000Z
Updated information on requirements for travellers recently recovered from Covid-19 ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry Requirements' pages)
2022-02-08T14:48:58.000Z
Removal of information on ban for travellers travelling from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini ('Entry requirements' page)
2022-02-11T15:33:07.000Z
Update to information on local COVID-19 restrictions and entry requirements for Maldives ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2022-03-15T13:10:31.000Z
Update to information on requirements for completing the Traveller Declaration form ('Entry requirements' page)
2022-03-29T15:07:54.000Z
Updated information on travel in Maldives ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2022-07-08T14:50:38.000Z
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-22T08:50:39.000Z
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-10-20T11:04:02.000Z
Information that your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in the Maldives (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-11-27T13:04:51.000Z
Maldives
maldives
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad which includes:

  • advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
  • information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

warnings-and-insurance
Warnings and insurance

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Maldives set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Maldivian High Commission in the UK.

All travellers to Maldives must complete a Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA) within 96 hours of arrival and departure.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Maldives.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in Maldives. Make sure your passport is not damaged or you may be stopped by immigration. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist.

If you intend to work in Maldives, you must get a work visa before you travel.

For further information on entry requirements and visas, contact the Maldives immigration department.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Maldives guide.    

Depending on your circumstances, these may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Maldives. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

It is illegal to bring in anything deemed contrary to Islam, including ‘idols for worship’, bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.

entry-requirements
Entry requirements

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Maldives  

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Maldives.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

The Maldivian authorities have disrupted a number of terrorist attack plans since 2017, and have made several arrests relating to attack planning, recruitment of terrorist fighters and spreading extremist ideology. There have been anti-Western protests by extremists on some islands, including expressions of support for Daesh.

Examples of recent significant attacks include:

  • in 2021, a high-profile politician and a number of bystanders were injured by the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) in central Malé
  • in 2020 there was an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan
  • in 2020, knife attacks that injured 3 foreigners in Hulhumalé were claimed by Daesh supporters

Political situation

Political protests take place occasionally in Malé. Avoid any protests or rallies to ensure your safety and security.  

Crime

Crime levels are low in the exclusive resort islands, but petty crime does happen. Do not leave items unattended on the beach or in unlocked hotel rooms.

Outside the resorts, there are incidents of gang-related violence including knife crime, mainly in Malé and in Hulhumalé. Avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark.

Laws and cultural differences

Maldives is an Islamic country. It is illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam. Make sure that your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques. Violations of local laws may lead to a prison sentence.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public in the daytime, outside of holiday resorts. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

Alcohol laws and bans

Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol out of your resort. You can be arrested and deported for possessing and drinking alcohol, or being intoxicated outside resorts and on inhabited islands.    

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Maldives has strong anti-drugs laws. Importing or possessing drugs carries severe penalties, up to and including life imprisonment.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to take tortoiseshell jewellery or ornaments, or pieces of coral out of Maldives. 

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relations are illegal and if you are convicted, you could get a fine or a lengthy prison sentence.    

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Local dress standards

You should be sensitive to local dress standards when outside holiday resorts, including on beaches used by locals. Men and women should:

  • have shoulders covered
  • avoid short or tight-fitting shorts
  • have arms and upper legs covered when bathing

Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

The sea around Maldives can have strong tidal currents and a number of tourists drown every year. Always take local advice before going into the sea.

Scuba diving

Many resort islands are more than an hour away from the nearest decompression chamber. Make sure you understand how your dive operator would get you to one of the 3 hyperbaric chambers in the islands. 

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive a car in Maldives, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. 

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and minimum age 20 or 21.

Sea travel

There is a high risk of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

There have been attacks on local fishing sailing vessels (dhows) in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. The international Naval Counter Piracy Forces advise all sailing yachts to stay out of the designated High Risk Area because of the risk of hijack or hostage-taking for ransom by criminal groups.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Flooding

Flash flooding can affect low-lying islands during periods of heavy rain. Follow the advice of the local authorities.

safety-and-security
Safety and security

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 102 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare facilities in Maldives

Medical facilities are limited – the only fully equipped hospitals are in Malé and Hulhumalé. Most resort islands are within reach of a doctor or have their own medical facilities, but many are several hours’ travel away from emergency treatment.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Maldives.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Maldives.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

health
Health

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Maldives

Ambulance: 102

Fire: 118

Police: 119

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Maldives and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission Colombo who provide consular assistance for Maldives.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

getting-help
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2024-05-10T10:30:24Z
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