Emergency Help Abroad – Maldives

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting The Maldives — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs carries extremely harsh penalties, including long prison sentences.

• Some prescription medications are banned or controlled — bring documentation if needed.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful authority is prohibited.

• Alcohol is available only in certain licensed venues; public drunkenness is penalised.

• Drink-driving and boating under the influence are strictly illegal.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• The Maldives is a Muslim country; modest dress is required outside resort areas.

• During Ramadan, alcohol consumption and public behaviour are stricter.

• Littering on beaches or in marine areas is prohibited.

• Disrespecting Islamic practices or cultural norms may result in police intervention.

• Vandalism or damage to resort property, marine life or coral reefs is illegal.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Petty theft and bag-snatching are uncommon in resorts but possible in ferry areas — stay alert.

• Avoid walking on isolated beaches after dark without accompaniment.

• Political gatherings or demonstrations are discouraged for tourists.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal and carries heavy penalties.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Sea-plane transfers and boat rides require reputable operators; ensure safety standards.

• Drug-tests for boat operators and drivers of domestic flights may occur.

• Overstaying a visa or resort permit can result in fines or deportation.

• Using unlicensed water-taxis, speed-boats or “jam boats” is risky.

• Driving around local islands requires a valid licence and awareness of local rules.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Flying drones requires official permission and is often restricted near resorts and airstrips.

• Photographing government buildings, mosques or military areas is prohibited.

• Be respectful when photographing local island communities; ask first.

• Fishing or marine-life photography in some protected zones may require permits.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or sand from beaches or atolls is strictly illegal.

• Swimming outside designated safe zones or in strong currents is dangerous.

• Feeding marine animals, including reef fish or manta rays, may be banned in some resorts.

• Starting fires or barbecues on islands may require permission or be prohibited.

• Ignoring tsunami, cyclone or monsoon-season advice is unsafe and may be risky.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging coral reefs, marine ecosystems or protected atoll zones is illegal.

• Removing artefacts or religious items from islands or mosques is strictly prohibited.

• Entering abandoned historic buildings or unmarked islands without guide may be unsafe.

• Buying items made from endangered species is illegal and items may be seized.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels acceptable or low-key in the UK may be considered abrupt, disrespectful or inappropriate in the Maldives.

• Don’t wear bikinis or revealing swimwear on local (non-resort) islands, except on clearly designated “bikini beaches.”

• Don’t show public affection in villages or on local ferries, as conservative norms apply outside private resorts.

• Don’t drink alcohol on local islands, where it is prohibited; alcohol is generally restricted to licensed resorts and liveaboards.

• Don’t remove shells, sand or coral, which is illegal and harms delicate ecosystems.

• Don’t stand or walk on coral reefs, even in shallow water, as this damages living coral.

• Don’t feed reef fish, rays or sharks, which disrupts their natural behaviour.

• Don’t ignore currents when snorkelling or diving, as channels between islands can have strong flows.

• Don’t swim far from your resort or boat without informing staff, especially where boat traffic is present.

• Don’t fly drones without permission, particularly near resorts and inhabited islands.

• Don’t disrespect prayer times or call to prayer, for example by playing loud music in local communities.

• Don’t wear shoes and sandy clothing inside certain indoor areas, where barefoot norms apply.

• Don’t assume medical facilities on small islands can handle all emergencies, and avoid unnecessary risks.

• Don’t dispose of rubbish carelessly, as waste management is a major challenge on small islands.

• Don’t snorkel or dive without appropriate briefing, especially if you’re new to currents and reef conditions.

• Don’t collect or buy items made from turtle shell, black coral or other protected species, even as souvenirs.

• Don’t ignore sun protection, as reflection from water and white sand intensifies UV exposure.

• Don’t wander into staff-only or private island areas, where access is restricted.

• Don’t use fresh water wastefully, as many islands rely on desalination.

• Don’t treat local Friday prayers as a tourist spectacle, and avoid intrusive photography.

• Don’t forget that dress codes and rules differ between your resort and local inhabited islands, and adjust accordingly when you travel between them.