🛑 What is not allowed in Maldives?
Knowing what is not allowed in the Maldives is essential for a stress-free trip. As an Islamic nation, the Maldives has strict laws regarding what enters the country and how visitors should behave on local islands.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the items and actions prohibited in the Maldives.
🛑 Prohibited Items: What You Cannot Bring
The Maldives Customs Service is very thorough. All luggage is X-rayed upon arrival. If you are found with these items, they will be confiscated, and in some cases, you may face heavy fines or legal action.
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Alcohol: You cannot bring any alcohol into the Maldives, even if it was bought at a duty-free shop.
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Note: Alcohol is only available at licensed tourist resorts and on safari boats.
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Vaporizers and Vapes: As of late 2024, the Maldives has implemented a strict ban on the import, sale, and use of all vaping devices, including accessories and parts.
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Pork Products: Bringing bacon, sausages, or any food containing pork is strictly forbidden.
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Religious Materials: Items that are offensive to Islam or non-Islamic religious idols for worship are not allowed. (Personal Bibles are usually tolerated for private use but should not be distributed).
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Pornographic Material: This includes sex toys, erotic magazines, and adult films.
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Dogs: Unlike cats (which are welcome), dogs are generally not allowed in the Maldives, even as pets for tourists.
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Spearguns: Harpoons and spearguns are prohibited to protect the local marine life.
🚫 Restricted Activities: What You Cannot Do
Once you arrive, there are specific local laws and customs you must follow, particularly when visiting inhabited (local) islands or the capital, Malé.
1. Dress Code Violations
While bikinis and swimsuits are perfectly fine on resort islands and designated "Bikini Beaches" on local islands, they are not allowed elsewhere.
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On local islands: You must keep your shoulders and knees covered.
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Topless sunbathing: This is strictly prohibited throughout the entire country, including on private resort islands.
2. Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
The Maldives is conservative. While holding hands is generally okay, public kissing or excessive physical affection is considered disrespectful on local islands and can lead to trouble.
3. Harming Marine Life
The ecosystem is the Maldives' greatest treasure, and the laws reflect that:
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Do not touch or stand on coral: This can kill the reef and is illegal.
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Do not collect shells or sand: Taking dead coral, shells, or sand from the beach to take home as souvenirs is prohibited.
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Do not feed the fish: Unless part of a regulated resort activity, feeding marine life can disrupt the natural balance.
4. Public Observance of Other Religions
It is illegal to publicly observe any religion other than Islam. This means no public religious gatherings or proselytizing for other faiths.
⚖️ A Note on Drugs and Tobacco
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Drug Laws: The Maldives has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs. Penalties are extremely severe, including life imprisonment or, as of 2026, the potential for the death penalty for trafficking.
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Tobacco Limits: Travelers over 18 can bring a limited amount: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
Summary Table: Maldives Quick Guide
| Category | Not Allowed | Exceptions |
| Alcohol | Importing any amount | Allowed only at licensed resorts |
| Vaping | All devices and e-liquids | None (Total Ban) |
| Dress | Nudity/Topless sunbathing | Swimwear okay at resorts/bikini beaches |
| Souvenirs | Coral, turtle shells, sand | Only items with a certified receipt |
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