Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
The Maldives is generally very safe, especially at the one-island resorts where most visitors stay. Take normal care in the capital Malé and on inhabited local islands, and respect local customs.
- Overall
- Very safe, especially at resort islands
- Getting around
- Seaplane or speedboat between islands
- Respect
- Muslim country with local customs
- Most trips are trouble-free, with resorts operating on a one-island-one-resort basis where security is high.
- Transfers are usually by speedboat or seaplane, so confirm arrangements with your resort in advance.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no widespread no-go areas for tourists, and resort islands are secure. Use normal care in crowded parts of Malé, and stay aware of your surroundings on inhabited local islands at night.
- No-go zones
- None widely for tourists
- Malé
- Take normal care in crowded areas
- Resorts
- Secure and well managed
- Most visitors move directly between the airport and their resort, so exposure to risk is limited.
- If visiting local islands, dress modestly and keep an eye on local guidance and the weather.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The monsoon season can bring high seas, strong winds and heavy rain, and cyclonic weather occasionally affects boat and seaplane transfers. Strong reef currents and intense sun are also everyday risks.
- Monsoon
- High seas, strong winds, heavy rain
- Sea
- Reef and rip currents when snorkelling
- Sun
- Intense sun and heat all year
- Rough weather can delay speedboat and seaplane transfers, so allow buffer time and follow resort advice.
- Check currents before entering the water, snorkel with a buddy and take sun and heat precautions.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Dengue fever can occur, so use mosquito repellent, especially on inhabited islands. Sunburn, dehydration and reef cuts are common. Resort clinics handle minor issues, but serious cases are usually transferred to Malé.
- Dengue
- Possible; use repellent
- Sun & water
- Prevent sunburn and stay hydrated
- Medical care
- Limited at resorts; serious cases to Malé
- Reef cuts can become infected, so clean and treat any coral or shell wounds promptly.
- Resort islands have basic clinics; confirm that your travel insurance covers medical evacuation to Malé or abroad.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Crime against tourists is rare, and resort islands are very safe. Basic valuables care still applies, and petty theft can occasionally happen in busy parts of Malé. Use the room safe and keep an eye on belongings.
- Resorts
- Very safe; rare crime
- Valuables
- Use room safe, watch belongings
- Malé
- Occasional petty theft when busy
- Keep passports, cash and jewellery in the in-room safe and avoid leaving items unattended on the beach.
- Confirm prices for excursions and extras in advance so there are no surprises on your bill.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
The Maldives is generally calm for visitors, who mostly stay at resorts away from political activity. Occasional demonstrations may occur in Malé; avoid protests and follow local news and official advice.
- Resorts
- Largely unaffected by politics
- Malé
- Occasional demonstrations
- Advice
- Avoid protests, check latest guidance
- Political events tend to be centred on Malé and rarely affect resort islands or airport transfers.
- Monitor reputable local news and official travel advice before and during your trip for any updates.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Alcohol is generally served only within resorts; on inhabited local islands and in Malé, alcohol, pork and revealing clothing should be avoided. Dress modestly off the resorts and always check the latest rules before you travel.
- Alcohol
- Resorts only; not on local islands/Malé
- Pork
- Not available outside resorts
- Dress
- Modest clothing off the resorts
- On local islands, cover shoulders and knees, and use designated bikini beaches where they exist.
- Rules on imports and behaviour can be strict, so confirm the latest official guidance before you travel.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
In an emergency, police is 119, ambulance is 102 and fire is 118. A general emergency line such as 911 may also be advertised, so confirm current numbers with your resort or official sources on arrival.
- Police
- 119
- Ambulance
- 102
- Fire
- 118
- At resorts, contact reception first, as staff can coordinate medical help and transfers to Malé.
- Numbers can change, so verify the current emergency lines with official sources when you arrive.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Because resort medical care is limited, make sure your policy covers medical evacuation to Malé or abroad, as well as water sports and diving activities.
- Medical evacuation
- Cover transfer to Malé or abroad
- Water sports
- Include diving and snorkelling
- Documents
- Keep policy and helpline handy
- Diving cover often has depth and certification conditions, so check the small print before you dive.
- Keep your policy number and 24-hour assistance line saved offline and with your resort details.