Maldives

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 119 for police
• Dial 112 for emergency services

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (buses and commercial flights)

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues but primarily happen in Malé or other larger cities. These 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.

Crime

The Maldives has a low crime rate.

• 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.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 119 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo by dialing +94-11-202-8500.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The consular services listed below are provided through the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport (requires visiting the U.S. Embassy in Colombo).
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizens who are victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.

Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• When transiting the Maldives, travelers should ensure their luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items. These 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.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in the Maldives seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping Devices)

The Maldives banned the use, import, and sale of vaping devices:

• 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. Travelers may be fined or arrested.
• Do not bring or use vaping devices to the Maldives.

Religious Laws

Public practice of religions other than Islam is banned in the Maldives.

• Religious meetings, such as Bible study groups, are not allowed. However, individuals can practice their faith privately at home, including reading the Bible. 
• Inviting Maldivian citizens to join these gatherings is illegal and can result in jail time, fines, or expulsion.
• Tourists can bring personal religious items and texts when visiting resort islands. However, importing religious idols is not allowed.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• 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 or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Public practice of religions other than Islam is banned in the Maldives.

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Travelers with disabilities and or accessibility needs

• The law in the Maldives prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is enforced.
• Maldivian law requires public places such as supermarkets and parks to have facilities that enable access for people with disabilities.
• Despite the law, most public places do not yet have access for the disabled. Implementation of the law may take some time.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in general
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad

Women travelers

• Women should consider wearing conservative clothing when sightseeing or island-hopping around Malé and other inhabited islands. 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.
• Watch the beach signs. Also, see what locals and expats wear to learn about customs. 
• Review our information on Women Travelers

Human Rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Maldives Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Travelers’ Health Information
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

Dial 112 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or are unreliable in most areas except Malé and Hulhumalé.

• Available ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They 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.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in the Maldives. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to the Maldives.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Public hospitals typically need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever:  Passengers arriving by air or sea must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or have transited for more than 12 hours through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. If not, they will face quarantine or health monitoring. This rule does not apply to infants under 9 months.

• Quarantine or health monitoring will last for up to 6 days if the passenger: Arrives in Maldives within 6 days after leaving a yellow fever-endemic area.
• Arrived on a ship from a yellow fever-endemic country within 30 days of reaching the Maldives. This applies if the authorities haven't disinfected the ship according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
• Shows signs and symptoms of yellow fever, either clearly or with relevant travel history.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice
• The Madives Heath Protection Agency

Healthcare facilities

There are 3 large hospitals in the Malé area:

• ADK Hospital
• Tree Top Hospital
• 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. 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. 

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. 
• If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.
• The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in the Maldives.  

Water quality & food safety

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

Taxis and rideshares

Most travelers use the rideshare app called “Avas.” 

Public and commercial transportation

Buses are safe and affordable to use in the Maldives. They cost approximately 10 MVR per ride, or about 60 cents.

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

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 and passengers planning travel to the Maldives should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

The following are key weather events and natural disasters, their timing, and available resources:

Monsoonal rainfall and flooding

The Maldives has 2 monsoon seasons:

• Southwest monsoon (wet season): May to October
• Northeast monsoon (dry season): November to April

Heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon can cause localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas like Malé. The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) provides flood warnings. Local authorities manage drainage and emergency responses.

Tropical storms

The Maldives sometimes experiences tropical storms during April-May and October-November. These storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. They affect fishing, tourism, and infrastructure. The NDMA and Met Office monitor storm activity and issue advisories.

Coastal erosion and high tides

Seasonal high tides and storm surges during the southwest monsoon (May to October) worsen coastal erosion, damaging beaches and infrastructure. The Ministry of Environment manages coastal protection measures like seawalls and beach restoration.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are rare but pose a significant risk due to the Maldives’ low elevation. The NDMA has established early warning systems and evacuation protocols following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Droughts

During the northeast monsoon (November to April), dry conditions can lead to water shortages. Many islands depend on rainwater harvesting and desalination plants. The Ministry of Utilities and local councils manage these systems.

Helpful Resources

• Maldives Meteorological Service:  Provides forecasts and warnings.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Coordinates disaster preparedness and response.

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.