Clearing customs in the Maldives is simple for most resort guests. Your clothes, gadgets and toiletries go straight through. A few everyday holiday items, though, are not allowed, and some surprise first-time visitors.
This guide summarises the official rules from the Maldives Customs Service and other official sources. Rules can change, so check the official customs website before you travel. Links are at the end.
Why the rules are different
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and its import laws reflect that. Some goods that are normal in other countries are restricted or banned here.
At the same time, resorts hold special licences. Resort guests can still enjoy many of these things on the resort island. You just cannot bring them yourself.
Items that are completely banned
Maldives Customs lists these goods as prohibited for travellers. They are banned completely.
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances
- Pornographic material of any kind, including sex toys
- Religious materials offensive to Islam
- Idols for worship
- Live pigs
The Maldives High Commission in the UK also lists firearms among the items tourists may not bring. Penalties for illegal drugs are strict.
Alcohol
This is the rule that surprises most travellers.
Under Maldivian law, importing alcohol without prior approval is prohibited. Maldives Customs specifically advises travellers not to buy alcohol on the flight or in duty-free shops on the way. It will be taken from you on arrival.
Customs also notes that alcohol is available at tourist resorts, which import it under a special licence. So you can enjoy a drink at your resort. You simply cannot carry your own bottle through the airport.
Alcohol must also stay on the resort. It is not allowed on inhabited local islands.
Pork and pork products
Importing pork and its by-products without prior approval is also prohibited. This includes items such as ham, bacon, salami and some snacks that contain pork.
Many resorts serve pork dishes, which they import under licence. Do not pack your own.
Vapes and e-cigarettes
Vaping devices are banned in the Maldives. According to the Maldives High Commission in the UK, the ban covers the import of vape devices, accessories and parts, including those brought by visitors for personal use. Possession and use are also banned across the country, for residents and visitors.
If you arrive with a vape, you will not be refused entry. Customs will keep it and give you a receipt. You can collect it with the receipt when you leave.
The simplest choice is to leave vapes at home.
Tobacco allowance
Under a Maldives Customs circular, travellers on a tourist visa aged 18 and over may bring in one of the following for personal use:
- 200 cigarettes, or
- 25 cigars, or
- 250 grams of tobacco
This is an either-or allowance. You choose one category, not all three.
Anything above the limit is held by customs for up to 30 days. You can collect it from the customs counter in the departure terminal at Velana International Airport before you leave.
Tobacco products must also meet the Maldives health labelling rules.
Medicines
You can bring the personal medicines you need for your trip. Keep them in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, and pack them in your hand luggage.
Some medicines are controlled in the Maldives even if they are common at home. If you take anything unusual or strong, check the official customs guidance or ask your nearest Maldives embassy well before you travel. Your doctor can advise on the medicine itself.
Personal items that are fine
Maldives Customs lists everyday personal items that tourists can bring duty free for their own use. These include:
- Clothes, jewellery and watches
- Phones, cameras and other portable gadgets
- Toiletries
- Books, magazines and newspapers
There is also a limit on the value of other personal goods. If you are bringing unusually valuable goods that are not for personal use, check the customs website and declare them.
What happens at the airport
After immigration and baggage reclaim, you pass through customs. Most resort guests walk straight through. Bags may be scanned.
If customs keep an item, ask for a receipt. Keep it safe with your passport. You will need it to collect the item when you leave.
Quick checklist
Leave at home:
- Alcohol, including duty-free
- Pork products
- Vapes, e-cigarettes and their parts
- Anything on the banned list above
Check first:
- Medicines that may be controlled
- Tobacco above the allowance
Bring freely:
- Clothes, toiletries, gadgets, books
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring alcohol into the Maldives?
No. Importing alcohol is prohibited, including duty-free bought on the way. Resorts serve alcohol under their own licence.
Can I bring a vape to the Maldives?
No. Vapes are banned. If you arrive with one, customs will keep it and return it with a receipt when you leave.
How many cigarettes can I bring to the Maldives?
Tourists aged 18 and over may bring 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. Extra is held until departure.
Can I bring pork products?
No. Importing pork and pork products without prior approval is prohibited.
Can I bring my medicines?
Yes, for personal use. Keep them in original packaging with a prescription. Check controlled medicines with the Maldives authorities before travelling.
What happens if customs takes something from me?
For items such as vapes or extra tobacco, you receive a receipt and can collect them at the departure terminal before you fly home.
