The Strict Alcohol Law Tourists Need To Know Before A Vacation To The Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean. Travelers know the dream destination for its stunning beaches, like Vaadhoo, which glows in the dark. Of course, a vacation to the Maldives would not be complete without staying in one of its luxurious resorts, many of which are family-friendly. Alternatively, you could book an overwater bungalow or villa for an unforgettable trip. Regardless of the accommodations, tourists can expect to experience seclusion, serene ocean views, and the option to drink alcohol.

Visitors might not know that the Maldives is an Islamic nation that has existed for centuries. As such, it practices sharia law. Thus, the island country has banned alcohol for everyone except tourists. In other words, the Maldives only allows the purchase and consumption of alcohol in resorts that hold a special license. Visitors can also not bring alcohol into the Maldives; even if they purchased it at an airport outside the country during their departure or layover, authorities will seize it once they land. Similarly, do not make the mistake of providing alcohol to locals. Breaking these rules can put you and everyone else involved in a sticky situation.

The best thing to do in the Maldives for a smooth vacation is to remain conscious and respectful of the Islamic culture and alcohol regulations. If the authorities catch a foreigner carrying or drinking alcohol outside a resort in the Maldives, they may arrest them or kick them out of the country. In May 2023, authorities arrested and held three individuals from India in custody for days for having 23 bottles of alcohol with them on a public bus. Locals may face a much more severe punishment. In 2021, one unnamed man who admitted to drinking alcohol received a sentence of 40 lashes via flogging and jail time.

If you purchase alcohol at a resort or hotel, drink it or keep it there to avoid any mishaps. If you leave your accommodations for any reason, you should not be publicly intoxicated, as this could also lead to an arrest. Note that some reviewers on Tripadvisor say that alcoholic drinks are expensive in the Maldives, with one individual writing in January 2024 that they spent $53 on three drinks. However, some resorts do include alcohol in their all-inclusive packages. Keep in mind that tourists can purchase alcohol as they depart the country. For example, Velana International Airport (MLE), or Male International Airport, has duty-free shops selling alcohol. And while travelers can't order a drink during boarding, they can once the plane departs the country.