Safety and security

Unrest

Caution should be exercised on Malé Island where political protests have been ongoing and there remains a possibility of civil unrest.

Irish citizens travelling within the Maldives are advised to take extra care, follow the advice of local authorities and avoid any large gatherings, protests or rallies.

Crime

Petty crime is rare; however, there are reports of theft of personal items from beaches and in hotel rooms.

Gang-related violence, including knife crime, has increased in populated areas, including Malé; however, there are no reports of any such violence on resort islands.

Terrorism

There is a risk of terrorism in the Maldives. We advise you to be aware of your surroundings, avoid any demonstrations that may occur and monitor the media and other local sources for information about possible safety or security risks.

Safety

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. There have been several diving injuries and deaths due to poor equipment and poor compliance to safety standards by local dive operators.

Be careful when swimming in the sea, as several people drown each year because of strong and dangerous currents. 

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal. 

Natural disasters and climate

Practical advice

• If you’re travelling to this country, make sure you know what to expect – then plan and pack so that you’re prepared
• Get local advice on how to manage in the case of a serious incident or dangerous conditions
• Co-operate with local authorities and emergency services in the case of serious incidents

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

The visa-on-arrival service is available to Irish tourists travelling to Maldives, provided that the entry requirements are met. The entry requirements include: a passport with at least 1 month’s validity (please note that most airlines require at least 6 months’ passport validity from the date of entry); a complete travel itinerary including onward travel from Maldives; and completed Traveller Declaration form. For the full entry requirements, you should consult the Maldives Immigration website.

If you have further immigration queries, you should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in London, or the Maldives Department of Immigration.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country. We advise you to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.

Maldives has limited medical facilities. There are two hospitals in Malé that deal with routine medical problems, but some island resorts can be several hours' travel away from Malé. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury, so make sure your travel insurance covers this eventuality.

Zika Virus

In the past there have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in the Maldives. Infection with Zika virus has been increasingly linked with a serious birth condition called microcephaly where the baby is born with an abnormally small head and/or brain damage. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and plan to travel to areas affected by the Zika Virus, you are advised to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider and to consider postponing your travel to affected areas. Irish Citizens are advised to follow the advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.