Maldives Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Maldives
General travel safety in Maldives on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Maldives
Updates
Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution
There are more or higher risks than what you would typically find at locations with level 1. You should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Only a few islands in Maldives have the infrastructure for automobiles.
Marine transportation
Most transportation is by boat or seaplane. Motorized water taxis (dhonis) provide transportation between the airport, Mala and nearby resort islands.
Women's safety
Maldives has a moderate crime rate, although crime on resort islands is rare. Maldives is generally safe for travellers, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.
Crime
Petty crime is common. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, especially on the beach. Populated areas may experience gang-related violence. Exercise caution and remain vigilant.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Terrorist targets could include government buildings, places of worship, schools, airports and other transportation hubs, as well as public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, however, keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police119
- Fire118
- Ambulance102
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Maldivian laws prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face fines, house arrest or lenghty imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Maldives.
Illegal or restricted activities
It is illegal to import alcohol, firearms, drugs and pornography. Alcohol is available on resort islands. It is also illegal to import non-Islamic religious materials or to promote religions other than Islam. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders face life imprisonment.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Maldives.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements
Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
