Alcohol in the Maldives

This article is a must-read if you’re heading to the Maldives on holiday. You’ll learn everything there is to know about alcohol in the Maldives —what the rules are, where (and if!) you can buy it, what it costs, and most importantly, how people try to sneak it in via luggage. Consider this your complete alcohol survival guide for the Maldives.

It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Maldives without these websites

Alcohol in the Maldives: General Information

Here are a few key facts that will answer most of your initial questions:

• The Maldives is an Islamic republic, and 100% of the population is Muslim. Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout the country. More information about religion in the Maldives can be found in the link.
• There are no local homemade spirits or infusions like you’ll find in many other countries (e.g., mamajuana in the Dominican Republic or herbal liquors elsewhere). You won’t find anything even remotely alcoholic produced locally—not even beer.
• The legal alcohol import limit is 0 liters. Any alcohol you bring will be confiscated at the airport. No fines, just seizure. And in the article by the link, everything about the visa and entry rules into the country.

Inportant:

Bringing alcohol into the Maldives is forbidden—regardless of the amount. Even a 50ml miniature will be taken.

There are no alcohol manufacturers, breweries, or distilleries in the country. Unlike some other Islamic countries where you can buy expensive alcohol from specialty shops, the Maldives has none. Money won’t help you here—you’ll be sipping juice or tea, no matter your budget.

The only thing remotely alcoholic you might find in local shops is non-alcoholic beer (0.33L bottles), and even that comes with a very limited selection—usually just one or two brands.

Despite strict laws, there are always loopholes—and the Maldives is no exception. Read on to find out where and how you might still enjoy a drink during your holiday. But be prepared—it won’t be cheap.

An interesting article about the Maldives on the world map: learn that the Maldives is part of the Laccadive Sea and much more.

Where to Buy Alcohol in the Maldives: Duty-Free, Alcohol Boats (Safari Boat), and Resort Islands

People often ask me about the duty-free in Male International Airport and if you A common question I get is: Can you buy alcohol at Male airport duty-free?
The answer: yes, but only when leaving the country. There’s no duty-free shop on arrival. More details about Male airport and domestic flights in a separate article.

Now let’s dive into the only two legal options for obtaining alcohol in the Maldives:

• Alcohol Boats (also known as safari boats)
• Resort Islands

Alcohol at Resort Islands

Resort islands are the only places legally allowed to serve alcohol, thanks to special licenses issued for tourism development.

• Find out more about what an island-resort is and how it differs from local islands in the article linked above.

To clarify: A resort island is a privately owned island with a single hotel. No locals live there—it’s a tourist-only zone.

Things to know:

• All-inclusive packages (with alcohol) on resort islands are pricey. Full guide on Maldivian all-inclusive tours available via link.
• Some packages do not include alcohol—drinks are extra. A single bottle of whiskey could cost upwards of $100.
• Many resorts offer day passes for visitors staying on nearby local islands. These typically include access to the pool, beach loungers, meals, and sometimes drinks. Prices range from $100–$150 per person per day, including transport. Some include one cocktail, others offer unlimited drinks—but always check in advance.

Important:

You cannot take alcohol off a resort island. Whatever you buy or drink there stays there. It’s illegal to transport alcohol to your local island, and this rule is strictly enforced.

The Alcohol Boat (a.k.a. Safari Boat)

Also known as the safari boat, this floating bar exists because Maldivian law prohibits selling alcohol on land, except at resort islands. However, selling it at sea isn’t explicitly banned.

Clever local entrepreneurs came up with the idea of a large yacht that docks offshore from local islands, where alcohol is banned. Here’s what to expect:

• From the beach, it looks like a boat anchored 300 meters away, usually near the local island’s “bikini beach” (the only beach where tourists can wear swimwear). To learn more about what a bikini beach is and all about beach vacationing, see the link in the article.
• A small boat ferries people between the shore and the barge.
• There’s no fixed schedule. The alcohol boat appears at random—if there’s demand, it may stay for weeks; if not, it sails away.
• It doesn’t enter harbors, and you cannot take alcohol back with you. It’s more of a floating bar than a shop.

They often have music, tables, a bar counter, dart boards, inflatable slides into the sea, and other entertainment. You’ll frequently see the boat near Thoddoo Island (Alif Alif Atoll), a popular local island.

• A comprehensive guide to the island of Thoddoo: beaches, where to stay, how to get there.

Tip:

If you’re staying on a local island and didn’t manage to bring alcohol, the alcohol boat might save your evenings. But don’t count on it—it may never show up during your stay. When it does, expect to spend a couple hundred dollars.

How to Smuggle Alcohol into the Maldives (at Your Own Risk!)

This is by far the most frequently asked question.
Note: I’m not encouraging this. Never drink in public or on the beach—it’s deeply offensive to locals. If you do manage to bring alcohol, drink discreetly in your room without bothering anyone.

Here’s how airport security works:

• After landing, your luggage is scanned before it reaches the carousel. If alcohol is detected, they stick red stickers on your bags.
• If you spot red stickers, try to quietly peel them off before staff notice—they signal your bag should be inspected.
• There’s now an additional luggage scanner in the “green channel” of the exit zone. Even bags without stickers may be randomly checked.

Important notes:

• Flights from Europe and CIS countries are inspected more thoroughly (they’re known to smuggle alcohol).
• Flights from India, Malaysia, and the Gulf are less scrutinized.
• Alcohol in glass bottles has a 99% chance of being confiscated.

Pro Tips: How People Sneak Alcohol In

The best method?
Pour your alcohol into juice or ketchup pouches, or into wine bags (like boxed wine bladders). You can also buy liquid storage pouches online.
These are invisible to scanners and hard to detect even during manual checks.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide was helpful. When it comes to alcohol in the Maldives, it’s best to know all the rules before your vacation begins—because once you’re there, it’s usually too late. In most cases, you won’t be able to buy it even if you’re willing to spend a fortune.

Wishing you a slightly less sober—but respectful—holiday! And remember, drink responsibly!

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to the Maldives

• Flight tickets and the best deals
• Vacation packages (from budget to luxury): CheapOair
• Hotels and guesthouses on any island:
  • TripAdvisor compares prices among a dozen other services and platforms and offers to choose the best one.
  • Trip.com – the most popular service for booking accommodation.
• 12go is the largest Asian ferry and speedboat reservation service. It gathers all Maldivian carriers, even the small ones that operate between local islands.
• Tours and excursions: GetYourGuide and Viator – a limited selection of excursions, but convenient and reliable.
• Comprehensive insurance: EKTA
• eSIM at the same price as in telecom office in Male airport.