Travel advice for Maldives

Avoid travel to Malé unless essential because recurring terror threats create a high security risk. Elsewhere in the Maldives, a general security risk applies, and travellers should regularly reassess the local situation. A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival if the required conditions are met, but travellers must carry a passport, proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Minors travelling without both legal representatives need parental consent.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Maldives.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Maldives due to the threat of terrorism, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings that could turn violent or disrupt transport. Be vigilant about gang-related violence in Malé and Hulhumale, petty theft on beaches, card and ATM fraud, and dangerous riptides. Several fatal diving accidents have occurred in the South Ari Marine Protected Area and at whale shark tourism sites, where rescue services and operator safety standards may be inadequate.

Exercise extra caution in the Maldives because demonstrations and terrorist attacks may occur. Guard against pickpockets and bag theft, especially in Malé, drink spiking, payment card scams and hacking on open WiFi. Middle East tensions may cause fuel shortages and flight disruption, while heavy rain risks flooding and natural disasters. Observe local laws, including severe drug penalties and alcohol restrictions, and use authorised taxis or reputable ride services.

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to the Maldives because of possible civil unrest, terrorism, petty crime and gang violence. Take extra care in Malé and avoid protests and large gatherings, while gang violence has not been reported on resort islands. Be alert to dangerous currents, poor dive safety standards and limited medical facilities, and check airlines for disruption linked to the Middle East and Gulf.

Exercise caution in the Maldives because terrorism is possible but not an acute threat. Watch for theft, especially in Malé, avoid remote streets, and refuse strangers' food or drink in bars or taxis. Obey laws on drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, LGBTQ+ conduct, religious expression and photographing military sites; note that monsoon rain can cause floods, landslides and mudslides, while earthquakes or tsunamis may occur. Avoid crowds and follow official guidance.

Exercise increased caution in the Maldives. Malé demonstrations can become violent, so avoid crowds, follow security instructions, remain alert to terrorism, and take extra care outside tourist resorts due to occasional theft. Carry a passport copy, comply with laws including severe drug penalties and limits on alcohol outside tourist settlements, avoid swimming in dangerous currents, and obtain insurance covering medical evacuation from isolated islands. Health risks include dengue and Zika.

Exercise increased caution in the Maldives because of the risk of terrorist attacks, including attacks with little or no warning. Terrorists may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls and local government facilities; attacks on remote islands may delay authorities' response.

Take normal precautions, but postpone travel if possible because Middle East conflicts disrupt flights, complicating returns. During monsoon, strong winds, high waves and poor seas may suspend transport, so avoid small boats. Malé requires increased caution; terrorism may affect tourist sites, while gang violence and knife crime occur especially in Malé, Hulhumale and outside resort islands. Avoid gatherings and political events, and use organised sea travel because piracy rises offshore.

Belgian citizens can generally travel to the Maldives safely if usual precautions are followed. Tourists can obtain a visa on arrival by presenting a hotel reservation for their full stay in registered tourist accommodation. No specific risks or regions requiring different advice are identified.

Normal precautions apply, and travellers should familiarise themselves with local traditions and customs, especially during Ramadan. Estonia has no embassy or other EU member state representation in the Maldives, so consular assistance may be extremely difficult if a passport is lost or stolen or a traveller is detained. Estonian citizens need a visa, available on arrival.

Germany advises normal precautions for Maldives.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Maldives.

Japan advises normal precautions for Maldives.

Take normal precautions in the Maldives, where drug crime and gang crime occur, as does petty theft such as pickpocketing in beach areas. Protests occur, especially in Male, so avoid protest areas and follow local instructions. Pack your own luggage, respect Islamic laws and customs, observe strict import and export restrictions, and consume alcohol only in resorts. Do not swim unless confident, as strong ocean currents can lead to drowning.

Normal precautions apply. British citizens get a 30-day visa on arrival for tourism, but need a work visa before travelling. Passports must be valid for one month after arrival, and goods contrary to Islam, including alcohol and pork products, are prohibited. Medical facilities are limited, with fully equipped hospitals only in Malé and Hulhumalé, while many resort islands are hours from emergency care. Check health risks, vaccines and insurance.