How Does Alcohol Rules Work in Maldives?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Africa & Oceania
1The Quick Answer
Alcohol is completely banned on all local islands and is only legally available at resort islands, liveaboards, and the international departure terminal.
2What You Need to Know
This is one of the strictest alcohol regimes in any tourist destination — consumption or possession on any inhabited local island is illegal with no exceptions. Resorts operate under special licences that allow alcohol service to tourists within their island boundaries, and liveaboard dive boats are similarly licensed. Prices at resorts are extremely high, often USD 10–20 per beer and USD 15–25 per cocktail. The international departure terminal in Malé has a duty-free area where alcohol can be consumed before departure.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1If alcohol is important to your trip, book a resort island rather than a local island guesthouse — guesthouses cannot legally serve it.
- 2Budget carefully for resort alcohol costs, as they can significantly inflate your total holiday spend.
- 3Never attempt to carry alcohol from a resort to a local island — even sealed bottles in your luggage are prohibited.
Important Warning
Possession of alcohol on a local island is a criminal offence — the prohibition is absolute and enforced.
How does this compare?
Alcohol Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drinking age is 18; alcohol sold widely including Sundays; drinking in public is prohibited; strict 0.05% BAC drink-driving limit.
The legal drinking age is 18; alcohol is sold in supermarkets and bottle stores; many public spaces have liquor bans in place.
Legal drinking age is 18; Tusker lager is the iconic national beer; avoid chang'aa home-brewed spirit; alcohol widely available except in strict Muslim areas.
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More About Maldives
Most resorts automatically add a 10% service charge, but small additional tips in USD are appreciated by housekeeping and boat staff.
Updated 2025-06
There are no roads between islands — transport is by seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight, with no rideshare apps available.
Updated 2025-06
Medical facilities are very limited outside Malé, and medical evacuation insurance is absolutely essential for all visitors.
Updated 2025-06
Islam is the state religion and its laws apply strictly — alcohol, pork, gambling, drugs, and LGBTQ relationships are all illegal on local islands.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 119; Ambulance: 102; Fire: 118; Coast Guard: 191.
Updated 2025-06
Swimwear is fine at resort beaches and private sandbanks, but on local islands you must cover shoulders and knees at all times.
Updated 2025-06
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