U.S. citizens in the Maldives needing emergency assistance should contact the American Citizen Services unit at U.S. Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka.

U.S. Embassy Colombo

210 Galle Road,
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500
Fax: +(94) (11) 202-8590
Email: MaleACS@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Maldives
Our physical location is anticipated to open in late 2025

Consular Services will remain at Embassy Colombo
Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500
Fax: +(94) (11) 202-8590
Email: MaleACS@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on the Maldives for information on U.S.-Maldives relations.

A valid passport, along with an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds, is required for entry. A no-cost visitor visa valid for 30 days is issued upon arrival. A Traveler Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from the Maldives, within 96 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically. Travelers should only submit their information via the government IMUGA site. Be aware that non-government sites purport to provide visa services for a fee – these sites are scams and should not be trusted.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration routinely approves requests for extension of stays up to 90 days for travelers who present evidence of sufficient funds and who stay in a resort/hotel or present a letter from a local sponsor. Anyone staying more than 60 days without proper authorization faces heavy fines of 15,000 MVR and/or deportation.

A yellow fever vaccine is required for individuals above nine months of age who are traveling to the Maldives from a country designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transit wait time of more than 12 hours in an airport located in such a country. For more information, please refer to WHO.

Visit the Republic of Maldives, Department of Immigration and Emigration for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the Maldives.

Find Information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Markets
• Public transportation systems (including, buses, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: The Maldives has a low crime rate and crime on resort islands is rare. Valuables may be stolen when left unattended on beaches or in hotels. The penalty for drug use or possession is severe.

Demonstrations:  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, but primarily take place in Malé or other larger cities and are unlikely to be noticed by tourists.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Scams: Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a populated public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Technology Usage Abroad:  SIM cards and virtual SIM cards can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.  Otherwise, international cellular/data roaming in the Maldives is generally very expensive.

Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. 

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at 119 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo at +94-11-202-8500. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.  Accidents involving water sports in the Maldives happen every year. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 

See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be kicked out of the country, arrested, or put in prison. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

When transiting the Maldives, travelers should ensure their luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, which include weapons, ammunition, alcohol, pornography, vaping devices and religious material offensive to Islam, among other items. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol out of your resort.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping Devices): The Maldives announced a ban on the use, import, and sale of vaping devices, effective from November 15, 2024. It is illegal for travelers to bring electronic cigarettes (vaping devices) and all vaping solutions to the Maldives. Customs will confiscate vaping devices and solutions and travelers may be fined or arrested. Do not bring or use vaping devices to the Maldives.

Religious Laws: Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. Religious gatherings such as Bible study groups are prohibited; however, individuals may practice their religion, including Bible readings, within their residences. It is against the law to invite or encourage Maldivian citizens to attend these gatherings. Offenders may face jail sentences, expulsion, and/or fines. Although Maldivian law prohibits importing “idols for religious worship,” tourists traveling to the resort islands are generally allowed to bring in items and texts used for personal religious observances.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.  See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers: 

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad 

LGB Travelers: The law prohibits same-sex sexual conduct. Under the penal code, the punishment for conviction includes up to eight years’ imprisonment and 100 lashes. None of the legal provisions prohibiting discrimination covers discrimination based on sexual orientation and the law does not recognize LGB individuals, couples, and their families.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in the Maldives prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Maldivian law requires public places such as supermarkets and parks to have facilities that will enable access for people with disabilities. Despite the law, most public places do not yet have access for the disabled, and implementation of the law may take some time. Expect accessibility to be limited in general

See our Travelers with Disabilities page. 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. Students.

Women Travelers: Women should consider wearing conservative clothing when sightseeing or island-hopping around Malé and other inhabited islands, keeping in mind boats are the main mode of transportation between nearby islands. There are no beaches in Malé or Hulhumalé that allow bikinis, this is usually only allowed at resort islands. Pay attention to beach signage and marking, at a minimum observe what the local and expatriate visitors are wearing to have an idea of local customs.

 If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the U.S. Embassy in Colombo (+94-11-202-8500). We can sometimes connect you with a non-governmental organization in the Maldives that may be able to provide assistance.

See our tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in the Maldives, dial 102.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Malé/Hulhumalé. Available ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Some inter-island sea ambulance service is available via the Maldivian National Defense Force, Maldives Coast Guard, or Maldivian Airlines air ambulance, but does not serve the entire country.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for the Maldives.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
•  We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines) 

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills

Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance

Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Maldives Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in the Maldives.

Vaccinations

Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recommended vaccines that are specific to this region include Japanese encephalitis and typhoid (and rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis only if exposure to bats is anticipated).

Further health information:

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
•  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Travelers’ Health page

Air Quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Maldives. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

Health facilities in general

There are three large hospitals in the Malé area: ADK Hospital, Tree Top Hospital, and the government-run IGMH. Medical facilities outside Malé are limited. Hospitals and doctors typically require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. The availability of medical supplies is uneven, and shortage of basic over-the-counter medicines occurs frequently.  Many common medications used in the United States are not available in the Maldives; therefore, travelers should always carry any prescription medications with them.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities. Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Pharmaceuticals

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, which can be bought without a prescription or with a prescription in the United States, are usually easy to buy with few controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information.

Water Quality & Food Safety

Tap water is not potable. You should use ONLY boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, and for beverages.

Traffic Safety, Road and Aviation Conditions: While in the Maldives, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the Maldives is provided for general reference only and may vary by location or circumstance. 

Only a few of the islands are large enough to support automobiles. The Maldives has good safety standards for land, sea, and air travel. Roads in Malé and on the airport island are brick and generally well-maintained, though congested. Dirt roads on resort islands are well-kept by the resorts. Transportation in Malé is either by foot, by bus, or by readily available taxis that charge a fixed fee for any single journey. Transportation between the airport and Malé is by vehicle or by a public ferry. Travel to nearby resort islands is usually by motorized water taxi, speedboat, or seaplane. Trans Maldivian and Maldivian Air Taxi provide charter seaplane service to outlying islands during daylight hours. Maldivian, Manta Air, and Villa Air run fixed-wing domestic service to some of the atolls with land runways during night hours as well. Many resorts stop boat transfers between the airport and the resort island after sunset. Visitors to distant resorts arriving in the country at night can expect to stay overnight at a hotel in Malé or at the airport hotel and should confirm transfer arrangements in advance.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the Official Travel Guide of the Maldives and national authority responsible for road safety.

Traffic Laws:  Visitors generally do not drive. Most use the Uber like App called “Avas”. Drivers in the Maldives drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Public Transportation:  Buses are safe and affordable to use in the Maldives. They cost 10 MVR per ride (about $.60).

Aviation Safety Oversight: the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of the Maldives’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight .  FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the Republic of Maldives should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings website.