Local Laws & Customs
Essential Information For Maldives
Islam is the predominant religion in Maldives and although dress is casual on the resort islands, beachwear is not acceptable away from the resorts. Visitors should dress respectfully when visiting a mosque by keeping arms, shoulders and legs covered.
According to religious values, locals do not eat pork, and alcohol is only available to foreigners within resorts. In fact, Maldives prohibits tourists from importing alcohol, and any alcohol you bring into the country will be impounded and kept in bond before being returned to you on departure.
Certain items may not be imported into the Maldives, including: pornography of any kind, pork and all products containing pork, firearms, explosives, poisons and hazardous or industrial chemicals.
Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe and can lead to life imprisonment.
There are restrictions on the export of many items that originate from the sea such as coral, fish products and turtle shells.
