Maldives

Government advisories

• ☐ United States: level 2/4 — Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
• ☐ United Kingdom: level 1/4
• ☐ Canada: level 2/4 — Exercise a high degree of caution

Health notices

• ☐ Global Dengue (level 1)
• ☐ Global Measles (level 1)

Entry requirements

☐ The Maldives grants a free 30-day visa on arrival to citizens of all countries, excluding those who are visa-exempt. However, entry is denied to Israeli passports.

Practical

• ☐ Plug type D/G/J/K/L, 230V — bring an adapter if yours differs
• ☐ Drives on the left
• ☐ Emergency (police): 911
• ☐ Emergency (ambulance): 911
• ☐ Emergency (fire): 911
• ☐ Money: The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, denoted by the symbol "Rf" or "MRF" (ISO code: MVR). It is divided into 100 laari. However by law, resorts price services in US dollars and require payment in hard currency (or credit card). Most hotels have a shop but this is limited to diving and holiday essentials (sun cream, sarongs, disposable cameras, etc.) Some excursions from resorts will take y
• ☐ Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory in the Maldives as a 10% service charge is added to everything, although it is not certain that the money is passed on to the staff.

Laws that could get a tourist arrested

• ☐ Severe drug penalties — Importing or possessing drugs carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty.
• ☐ Alcohol restrictions — Possession, consumption, or being intoxicated outside of resorts and liveaboards is taken seriously by police.
• ☐ Same-sex relations — Same-sex relations are illegal and carry the risk of lengthy prison sentences and fines.
• ☐ Religious restrictions — Blasphemy, criticism of Islam, and proselytizing by non-Muslims are illegal. This includes public possession or distribution of non-Muslim religious materials like the Bible.

Before you go

General trip-prep, not specific to Maldives — the same short list applies anywhere.

• ☐ Register with your embassy's traveler program if one exists
• ☐ Check your passport's validity and blank-page requirements on your destination's official entry-rules page
• ☐ Photograph/screenshot your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents
• ☐ Download offline maps for your destination
• ☐ Confirm your bank/card issuer knows you're traveling
• ☐ Check whether your phone plan needs a travel add-on or a local SIM