Maldives

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands, and can turn violent. Avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities. 

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid all protests and large public gatherings
• monitor the media for planned or possible unrest
• obey curfews and seek local advice on safety and security
• follow the instructions of security personnel and local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorism can occur anywhere in Maldives at any time. Possible targets include government institutions and tourist areas.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist attack:

• avoid crowded areas
• always be alert
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other sources.

Since February 2020, there have been terrorist attacks, including a stabbing attack on three foreigners in Hulhumalé, where an Australian was injured. Other incidents include an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Malé in May 2021, which injured a high-profile politician and bystanders.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Drug-related crime occurs in greater Malé and inhabited islands in Maldives.

Gang-related violence, including knife crime, has increased in urban areas, including greater Malé, and Addu.

There is an ongoing risk of petty crime in Maldives, including pickpocketing and bag snatching. Be careful of theft in crowds and these locations:

• beaches
• markets
• hotels and guesthouses

To protect yourself from petty theft:

• carry only what you need
• leave valuables, including your passport, in a secure location
• follow local media for new security risks
• avoid trouble spots

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping 

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. 

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance guidelines and these generally fall below Australian standards. This includes adventure activities, such as water sports.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check the operator credentials and safety equipment before you book
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas, torrential rain, and flash flooding can happen.

If there is a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location, or always carry it on you (in a waterproof bag)
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other sources
• keep in contact with friends and family
• consult your tour operator about disruptions to your travel plans

Tsunamis can occur in Maldives. Nearby or distant earthquakes cause these. Know your accommodation's evacuation plan and local evacuation points. 

Follow the advice of your resort or local authorities if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. If possible, move away from the beach to a higher place and monitor local media.

If you're on a boat at sea during a tsunami, this may be a safe place to remain until further advised.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you leave to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Maldives. Take enough legal medicine for your trip and consider bringing an extra supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

There is a risk of insect-borne diseases in Maldives. These include:

• dengue
• Zika virus
• chikungunya

Zika virus is a risk to pregnant women. Read the Australian Department of Health's Zika virus bulletin for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself against insect bites:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use tropical strength mosquito and insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other diseases, including hepatitis are common. 

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea. Most resorts have on-site clinics and local islands have public hospitals.

Rabies may be present in wildlife, particularly bats. Avoid contact with animals.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There are three hospitals in greater Malé (Malé, Hulhumalé, Villimalé). They all offer a range of primary care and specialist services.

Resorts and local islands have smaller health clinics and hospital services. Rescue and emergency services are limited. You may need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. It can take several hours to reach a hospital from resort islands.

Facilities are limited for scuba-diving injuries. While increasing, there are limited decompression chambers in Maldives. It may take several hours to reach decompression chambers in an emergency. Dive within safety limits.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for carrying or using illegal drugs are severe and can include mandatory jail sentences and life imprisonment.

If you're caught with even a small amount of illegal drugs, you can be charged with trafficking. 

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

The death penalty can apply for serious crimes, such as murder.

In Maldives it's illegal to:

• import alcohol or pork products — see Maldives Customs
• consume alcohol or pork products — unless you're on a resort island
• import pornography
• 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

Religion

It is illegal to:

• publicly observe any religion other than Islam
• import non-Islamic religious material

LGBTQIA+ travellers

In greater Malé and inhabited islands, Islamic concepts of modesty are observed. Public displays of same-sex affection are not welcomed.

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Maldives and same sex couples are not recognised. However, LGBTQIA+ travellers should not encounter any problems in greater Malé and inhabited islands unless there are outward displays of affection.

Resort islands are more tolerant of public displays of same-sex affection.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Non-resorts islands

A permit is not required to visit a non-resort island.

Provided you have entered Maldives with a valid visa, you have permission to travel to any part of the country.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Maldives recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Dress and behaviour

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in most parts of Maldives, where Islamic concepts of modesty are observed. Take care not to offend. Public displays of affection (same-sex and opposite sex) are generally not welcomed in greater Malé and inhabited islands. Dress modestly in greater Malé and inhabited islands (covering shoulders and knees for women). 

Many local islands have a “bikini beach”, where tourists can swim wearing their preferred swimwear. Wear modest swimwear if swimming on a “local” beach. Police may be called to escort people wearing inappropriate swimwear away from local swimming areas.

Standards of dress and behaviour are much less restrictive at resorts.

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Maldives. Respect religious and cultural customs especially at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Some restaurants and guesthouses on local islands will provide services for tourists, generally in more private settings. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Resort islands generally don't need to follow the rules of Ramadan. 

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

You can get a free tourist visa 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, customs, and quarantine rules. Fake websites exist requesting payment for visas. 

Fines for exceeding your visa are expensive and you will not be able to leave Maldives until the fine is paid.

Border measures

Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel. You must complete a Traveller Declaration form within 96 hours before arrival in Maldives. The Airline may ask for a copy of this declaration.

Tourists must have a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility before entering Maldives. 

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Maldives if you're coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Passport with 'X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

You can change money at resorts, though many will accept $US. You can also change money and use ATMs at banks in Malé and many larger islands.

Carry cash if you're travelling to other areas.

Most hotels and major tourist facilities accept credit cards.

Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in Maldives.

Travel between islands is by boat or plane/seaplane.

Driving permit

To drive in Maldives, you'll need both:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)

If you drive without an IDP, you may not be covered by your travel or vehicle insurance.

Road travel

Heavy congestion and road traffic accidents are common in greater Malé (Malé and Hulhumalé). Pedestrians and those travelling on motorcycles are at high risk of accidents. Follow road safety regulations and always stay alert.

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer to see if you're covered to use a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Most helmets you can buy or rent in Maldives don't meet Australian standards.

Taxis and water taxis

Only use licensed taxis. Ask your hotel to arrange taxi or airport transfers.

Many resorts operate water taxis between the airport and other islands.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Public transport

Public transport is available on larger inhabited (non-resort) islands.

Ferries operate between major islands.

Contact your hotel for details.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Sea travel

Cruise ships and foreign flagged yachts arriving in Maldives must adhere to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and guidelines.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Maldives' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Malé.

Australian High Commission, Malé

Level 5, JEN Maldives Malé

Ameer Ahmed Magu

Malé 20096, Republic of Maldives

Phone: +960 334 0080

Website: Australian High Commission, Maldives

Facebook: Australia in Maldives

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the High Commission, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia