state department travel maldives

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Maldives Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in the Maldives. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Chikungunya in Maldives May 28, 2024 There is an outbreak of chikungunya in the Malé and Hulhumalé regions of Maldives. Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in the Maldives within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

• People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in the Maldives, OR
• People planning to stay in the Maldives for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the Maldives.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to the Maldives.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in the Maldives.

If rabies exposures occur while in the Maldives, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the Maldives, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the Maldives. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the Maldives include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the Maldives’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of the Maldives may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in the Maldives, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in the Maldives.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Maldives for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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News & press releases

Travel advisory to the maldives.

07 March 2022

Latest Updates:

• Effective from March 5th, 2022, the following changes have been brought regarding the PCR requirement;
• Vaccinated travelers are  NO LONGER  required to present a PCR test result upon arrival to the Maldives. 
• Vaccinated tourists who stay on the inhabited islands are  NO LONGER  required to present the PCR test result during departure. 

Common requirements for all travelers;

• All arriving and departing passengers via airports and seaports are required to complete the Traveler Health Declaration form within 48 hours to the flight time.
• Vaccinated travelers are no longer required to present a PCR test result upon arrival to the Maldives. 
• If the passenger makes a transit during the journey, the initial PCR test will be valid if the transit time does not exceed 24 hours. Hence, if a passenger makes a transit exceeding 24 hours, the passenger must repeat the PCR test, within 96 hours prior to embarkation at the port of transit.
• The PCR test document containing the test result should state the name of the passenger (name as in passport), name and address of the testing laboratory, type of test stated as PCR test, date of sampling and test result.
• If the traveller is unable to meet the entry requirement of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done 96 hours prior to departure to the Maldives, owing to the COVID-19 positive status within the 60 days of initial positive sample collection, please follow please follow the instructions stated in  Guidance for Positive recovered Travellers .

On-arrival Quarantine Exemptions

Passengers under the following categories are exempt from quarantine requirements upon arrival;

• Passengers entering the Maldives under a Tourist Visa.
• Fully vaccinated Maldivian citizens and their non-citizen dependents.
• Fully vaccinated Diplomat Visa holders and their dependents.
• Fully vaccinated Work Visa holders and their dependents.
• Quarantine exempted travelers are required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test between the 3rd and 5th day from date of arrival.
• Passengers who have recently recovered from COVID-19 (previous infection within 60 days prior to date of departure) and got a positive PCR test result from the sample tested for travel.

COVID-19 vaccination is deemed complete if 14 days have passed since completion of prescribed doses of COVID-19 vaccine approved by Maldives Food and Drug Authority or WHO for emergency use (Emergency Use Listing).

Travelers subjected to mandatory quarantine on-arrival

• Maldivian citizens and long term visa holders (except tourists) who have not received all the prescribed doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that has been approved by Maldives Food and Drug Authority or is mentioned in WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL, Status of COVID-19 Vaccines within WHO EUL/PQ evaluation process) are required to quarantine for 14-days (fourteen) after arrival to Maldives.
• Maldivian citizens and long term visa holders (except tourists) who have not completed 14 (fourteen) days (prior to date of arrival) after receiving the prescribed dose(s) of a vaccine, are required to quarantine for 14-days (fourteen) after arrival to Maldives.
• Such individual(s) must obtain a negative PCR test result on completion of the 14 days, before they are released from quarantine. Children under the age of 12 (twelve) years are exempted from quarantine.
• Please visit www.tourism.gov.mv for tourist related COVID-19 updates
• Please visit www.covid19.health.gov.mv for more national updates on COVID-19
• Please visit https://bit.ly/3wwVgXJ  for air travel requirements

News & Press releases

03 June 2024

EU-Maldives: 5th Senior Officials Meeting takes place in Malé

Read more...

02 June 2024

Foreign Minister Zameer meets the Deputy Managing Director of the European External Actions Service, Ms. Paola Pampaloni

01 June 2024

Maldives to host the “Fifth Maldives – European Union Senior Officials Meeting”

29 May 2024

Minister Zameer calls for stronger public-private partnerships to drive transformational change in SIDS

Top US diplomat Lu headed to Maldives to advance opening of embassy

The US’ Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu is set to travel to the Maldives this starting week.

In a statement on Friday, the US State Department said that Lu will travel to India and Maldives from January 26-31.

He began his trip with a stop in India to attend the India-US Forum in New Delhi.

According to the US State Department, Lu is leading a delegation of US government officials that includes Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey R. Pyatt.

While in New Delhi, the delegation will engage with Indian government officials and members of the private sector, academia, and media to discuss and enhance opportunities for partnership between the US and India.

The delegation will next travel to Maldives, where they will meet with senior Maldivian officials.

According to the US State Department, the main focus of the visit is to “build US-Maldives cooperation and to advance the establishment of a permanent US embassy space in Male.”

The delegation will also engage with members of civil society and higher education officials.

Maldives and the US established official diplomatic relations in 1965.

The Maldives opened an embassy in Washington DC in 2007, before shutting it down in 2008.

It was reopened in June 2023, in a move to strengthen relations between the two countries.

A month later, the US appointed Hugo Hue-Ho Yon, as the first US resident ambassador to the Maldives.

The Maldives and US have also been engaged in talks to open a permanent US embassy in Male’.

Source(s): sun.mv

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China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations on Friday urged the United States to stop using the Ukraine issue as an excuse to smear China.

Geng Shuang said the U.S. side has spread the lie that China has supported Russia in its war efforts. “This is unacceptable,” he told a UN Security Council briefing on arms supplies to Ukraine.

China is neither the creator of the crisis in Ukraine, nor a party to it, he said, adding that China has always been pushing for a political settlement and for peace talks.

China has not provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and has always strictly controlled dual-use items, Geng stressed.

He said that economic and trade cooperation between China and Russia complies with WTO and market rules, is not targeted against any third party and does not run counter to international law.

“As a matter of fact, since the outbreak of the war, the trade between the U.S. and Russia has also never stopped,” said Geng.

“This is nothing but hyping up,” he said. “It is an attempt to divert people’s attention on the conflict and creating differences.”

China urges the U.S. to stop using the Ukraine issue as an excuse to smear China and to impose unilateral sanctions and unreasonable suppression on Chinese companies, he said.

Geng also urged the U.S. to make real and positive efforts to end the war and restore peace.

The Ministry of Education has announced that the seventh International Teachers Conference will be held in Ukulhas, Alifu Alifu Atoll, this September.

Since 2012, the National Institute of Education has organized this biennial conference to foster a culture of research among teachers and education professionals. The upcoming conference is scheduled for September 28 to 30.

The event will provide a platform for teachers to discuss the challenges faced by educators, explore solutions, and exchange ideas on various ways to improve teaching. The education ministry emphasised that such conferences are crucial for attracting foreign education professionals to the Maldives and expanding academic tourism.

This year’s conference will feature presentations on topics such as inclusive education, curriculum development, professional teaching standards, the use of technology and modern tools in education, strengthening the teaching of Indigenous Islam and culture, addressing environmental changes, and educating students on personal responsibility.

Submissions for presenting papers are open until July 31.

The last conference, held in 2022 in Kulhudhuffushi, saw participation from over 220 teachers and scholars from both the Maldives and abroad.

Source(s): PsmNews

Attorney General Ahmed Usham, underscoring the passage of bill that has been submitted to the parliament proposing amendments Immigration Act to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives verbatim pose complications, states the government will propose amendments to the bill.

Ruling PNC backed the bill submitted by opposition MDP’s South Galolhu MP Ahmed Meekail Naseem and voted in favor of accepting the bill on Monday’s sitting following which it has been forwarded to the National Security Services Committee (241 Committee) for review.

The government has come under intense scrutiny over the delays in the passage of the bill.

Responding to a question by a journalist during a press conference held by the Attorney General’s Office on Thursday to publicize the government’s legislative agenda – AG Usham underscored the possibility of certain complications if the Israeli passport ban bill is passed verbatim. Henceforth, he said amendments will be submitted in his capacity as the Attorney General following discussions with the Committee.

He also responded to another question from the journalist, stating Israeli passport cannot be banned through a presidential decree, adding it is not a power bestowed upon the president by the constitution.

“I don’t know who exactly said this, that it was a power bestowed upon the president by the constitution. The president is not bestowed such a power by the constitution. This can only be achieved by amending the law,” he said.

The bill submitted by MP Meekail proposes to add a provision to Article 8 of the Immigration Act, which lists individuals who are barred from entering the Maldives.

If it passes the final vote, the legislature will bar the entry of all Israeli passport holders, including those who have dual citizenship.

During the debate on whether to accept the bill, Deputy Speaker Nazim called for a more cautious approach.

He said the Parliament must consider potential economic and national security repercussions when changing the country’s laws.

Qasim, the leader of Jumhoory Party (JP), also urged caution.

Qasim said the Maldives shouldn’t ban Israeli passports without giving it “thorough consideration”, and suggested the MDP hadn’t given it proper thought before submitting the bill.

The war in Gaza erupted after Hamas’s October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 Israelis. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 37,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children.

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Elections Commission grants approval to form Maldives Solidarity Party.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed revokes support for the current administration in an open letter.

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Leaked documents show India refused to withdraw military personnel and helicopters from the Maldives even after their Visa’s expired.

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President Abdulla Yameen officially calls for the removal of Indian military personnel in the Maldives.

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Vice chairman of China’s political advisory board arrives in Maldives

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Maldives Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to the Maldives

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Maldives entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to the Maldives from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Maldives.

Can I travel to the Maldives if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the Maldives without restrictions.

Can I travel to the Maldives without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the Maldives without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the Maldives?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Maldives.

Can I travel to the Maldives without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the Maldives?

Mask usage in the Maldives is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the Maldives?

Restaurants in the Maldives are open. Bars in the Maldives are .

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Maldives Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, maldives - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.   

If you decide to travel to Maldives:

• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Maldives.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist  plan for emergency situations.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Entry Requirements for Maldives: A Comprehensive Guide for US Citizens

The Maldives, renowned for its pristine beaches and lavish resorts, is open to visitors, and understanding its entry requirements is vital to smooth travel plans. This article aims to answer all your questions concerning the necessary documentation, travel restrictions, local advice, and rules for traveling to this tropical paradise.

Can US citizens travel to the Maldives right now?

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Always travel well-informed with CIBT

Yes, US citizens can currently travel to the Maldives. The island nation is open to international tourism, with some COVID-19 precautions still in place.

Travelers should note that the US State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the Maldives, recommending travelers exercise increased caution due to ongoing risk of terrorist attacks targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks could occur on remote islands, lengthening the response time of local authorities. Monitor local media to stay abreast of the situation and adhere to local law.

Travelers to the Maldives should read up on the State Department's guidance on travel to high-risk areas and sign up for the SMART Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ). You will receive critical alerts, and the US embassy can locate you more quickly in an emergency.

There is no US embassy in the Maldives. Instead, US citizens visiting the Republic of the Maldives are referred to the US embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Embassy’s ability to provide services to US citizens in an emergency may be delayed or limited. Many tourist resorts are several hours’ distance from Malé by boat. Thus local authorities may also have a delayed response to medical or criminal emergencies.

The essential documents for American citizens traveling to the Maldives include a passport with at least one month's validity  from the date of expected departure and a filled-out Travel Declaration Form submitted within 72 hours of departure. A 30-day visitor visa is available upon arrival at the airport.

No, a valid passport is mandatory for US citizens to gain entry into the Maldives. Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity from your expected departure date from the Maldives.

Yes, US citizens can avail of a free 30-day visa on arrival, available at the airport.

Tourists, including US citizens, can travel to the Maldives without a pre-arrival visa. They are granted a 30-day free visa upon arrival.

As a US citizen, you don't need to apply in advance. You'll receive a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at no charge.

The Maldives provides a free 30-day visa on arrival for US citizens, meaning there's no cost involved. For longer stays, any mandatory government fees will apply, in addition to CIBTvisas' handling fee.

The visa given upon arrival to US citizens is valid for 30 days.

Overstaying your tourist permit in the Maldives can result in penalties, including fines and potential bans from future travel to the country. It's crucial to plan your travel dates to stay within the timeframe allowed.

The Travel Declaration Form, which acts as an entry and exit form, should be completed and submitted within 72 hours of departure. You can find further information about this form on the Maldives Immigration website.

This information is subject to change. For the latest guidance, always check government sites directly as noted below.

Vaccinations

Travelers are no longer required to present vaccination certificates, but visitors must fill in a health declaration form within 96 hours of arrival and departure.

Prescriptions and medical records

It's advisable to keep a copy of your vaccination records and any prescription medicines you may need during your stay. Access to medical facilities may be limited on resort islands, and pharmacies may not be easy to reach. Check the CDC's Maldives Packing List before you go.

The Maldives has limited medical facilities and emergency services. Those medical services that are available may be remote. Travelers are advised to have medical insurance or travel insurance that covers overseas medical costs during medical emergencies, including any medical evacuation that might be necessary.

Is a COVID-19 test required for the Maldives?

Tourists and Maldivians returning to the Maldives are no longer required to present a pre-departure negative PCR test for entry. However, other travelers are advised to undertake a PCR test between days three and five of arrival.

Travelers who present symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival will be required to take an antigen test. For groups traveling together, anyone identified as having contact with travelers who are symptomatic for COVID-19 will also be tested.

Can I travel to the Maldives without quarantine?

Yes. Travel-related quarantine is no longer a requirement for tourists entering the Maldives or for Maldivians returning home. Non-tourist visitors traveling to an inhabited island must undergo self-quarantine of 14 days upon arrival at the island. Specific rules apply if you are identified as having direct contact with a positive COVID-19 case.

Do I need to wear a mask in the Maldives?

A mask is not necessarily mandatory but is advised in crowded places and on public transport. It is compulsory in health facilities and outbreak areas.

Are restaurants and bars open in the Maldives?

Yes, restaurants and bars in the Maldives are open. Remember that alcohol is not sold and should not be consumed outside tourist resorts, as local laws follow a religious ban on alcohol.

Will my phone work in the Maldives?

Most foreign phones will work in the Maldives if compatible with international roaming.

What kind of plugs do I need in the Maldives?

Power outlets vary in the Maldives and you could find C, D, G, J, K and L plugs, depending on your island resort. Visitors from the US will want to pack an adapter with multiple plug heads. The power supply voltage is 230V/50Hz. Visitors may need to pack a power converter for any devices that cannot accommodate dual voltage.

What should I wear in the Maldives?

Lightweight clothing suitable for a tropical climate is recommended. Shorts, short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts, and swimwear are suitable on the resort islands, but modest attire is advised on local islands. Opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers the body. Nude sunbathing is prohibited everywhere.

Can I drink alcohol in the Maldives?

Alcohol is available to tourists at the resorts but is prohibited outside of resorts due to religious regulations. Possession and consumption of alcohol outside tourist areas is against local laws and could lead to prosecution. It is also illegal for visitors to bring alcohol into the country.

Is it safe for LGBTQ+ travelers in the Maldives?

By local laws, homosexuality is illegal in the Maldives. However, while the local culture is conservative, resort islands are generally welcoming and accommodating to all travelers. Avoid public displays of affection.

• Information for US citizens traveling to Maldives: US State Department
• Maldives travel advisories: US State Department
• Maldives health alerts: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Updates on COVID-19: Maldives Ministry of Tourism
• LGBTQI+ travel information: US State Department
• Visas to Maldives for US citizens: US Embassy in Sri Lanka
• Visa and travel information: Republic of Türki̇ye Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Maldives travel facts: CIA World Factbook
• Guidance on international travel for US citizens: US State Department

Always travel well-informed with CIBTvisas

Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip to the Maldives by familiarizing yourself with these travel requirements and guidelines. An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border crossing requirements. Contact CIBTvisas for a quote today.

Bon Voyage—Safe Travels!

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Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 24, 2024, saudi arabia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to  the threat of missile and drone attacks.   Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to  terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of  missile and drone attacks  and  terrorism :

• Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
• Abha airport;
• Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary : U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission responsibility must adhere to the above travel restrictions.  As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.

Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups have occurred as recently as September 2023.  The Islamic Republic of Iran has in the past supplied Yemen-based Houthis and regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes.  Past attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Jizan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also represented a significant risk to civilian areas and populations in the recent past.  Militant groups have threatened to conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia.  U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk if missile, drone, or rocket attacks reoccur.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia.  Attacks can occur with little or no warning.  Past attacks have targeted tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.  Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations.  Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens.

Be advised that social media commentary – including past comments – which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest .  This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life.  U.S. citizens have been convicted for social media activity under Saudi laws concerning cybercrime, terrorism, and disrupting public order.  Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years in some cases.  Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts or the location from which they were made to be material to these cases.

The importation of drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, pork, or any materials that could be considered pornographic or suggestive, is prohibited.   Penalties for drug possession, consumption, and trafficking are severe by U.S. standards.  An extensive list of banned items is available on our Saudi Arabia country information page .

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).  For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

• Visit our website for information on  travel to high-risk areas .
• Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report   for Saudi Arabia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets .  Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk.   Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.

Visit our website for information on  travel to high-risk areas

Travel Advisory Levels

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