Maldives

Recommended Vaccinations For Maldives

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in Maldives for more than 3 months.

Polio Vaccine

There is no risk of polio in this country. However, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for some travellers.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Maldives

There are no recommendations for Maldives at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Maldives

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country. **The risk may vary across different atolls (regions)**

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in the Maldives, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Zika Fever

Zika fever has occurred in this country. Pregnant women should reconsider travel to this country.

Safety & Security in Maldives

Personal Safety

Resort islands maintain strong security and experience low crime rates, but you need to prepare for risks beyond basic property crime. Gang violence, including knife crime, has increased in Male and Hulhumale, with drug-related incidents affecting these urban centers. Petty theft happens in crowded areas like markets and ferry terminals. More than 8 tourists have drowned since 2021 due to strong tidal currents and rips around the islands. Many beaches lack safety information or lifeguard services. Drink spiking can occur, so monitor your beverages. The country follows Islamic law, making public displays of affection offensive regardless of sexual orientation. Terrorism remains a concern, with authorities disrupting plots since 2017. In 2021, an improvised explosive device injured a politician and bystanders in Male. In 2020, knife attacks injured three foreigners in Hulhumale. You should avoid political demonstrations in Male and inhabited islands, as these can turn violent. The Maldives uses desalinated seawater for most tap water, which locals drink but may cause stomach issues for visitors unaccustomed to it.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime rates remain low overall, with most incidents concentrated in urban areas rather than tourist zones. Gang-related violence involving knives occurs primarily in Male, Hulhumale, and Addu, linked to drug trade and poverty. These incidents typically affect people within gang circles rather than tourists. The intentional homicide rate was 1 per 100,000 people as of 2019, though a spike occurred in 2017 partly due to terrorist activity. Since most tourists stay in isolated resorts, they rarely encounter areas where violent crime happens. Resort islands maintain tight security, making mugging and violent robbery extremely rare in these locations. In Male, isolated street robberies can happen late at night, though tourists are not common targets. Drug abuse is increasing, with the country located near the Golden Triangle opium producing region, making it vulnerable as a drug trafficking transit point. The terrorism threat persists despite government efforts. Authorities have disrupted numerous terrorist attack plans since 2017, making arrests related to attack planning and recruitment. Groups linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda have threatened attacks on tourist sites. The country operates countering violent extremism programs and works with international partners to strengthen counterterrorism capacity.

Political Unrest

Political protests and demonstrations occur occasionally in Male and inhabited islands, sometimes turning violent. Police have used excessive force against protesters, including pepper spray and riot shields. In October 2025, police arrested eight protesters for deviating from agreed protest routes. In 2023 and earlier, police assaulted journalists covering opposition rallies and protests. The government uses the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act to restrict demonstrations, requiring prior approval and limiting locations. In August 2024, authorities arrested two women for peacefully protesting outside diplomatic missions. Protests in 2025 focused on perceived government corruption, democratic backsliding, media restrictions, and constitutional changes expanding presidential powers. The ruling party holds 79 of 93 parliamentary seats, allowing passage of controversial legislation including a media bill that would enable fines and license suspension for journalists. Former officials and opposition figures face arrests during demonstrations. In April 2025, youth protests erupted over a woman’s unexplained fall from a building in Male, forcing removal of two police chiefs. Political tensions occasionally spike around elections and government actions. Civil unrest primarily affects Male and nearby inhabited islands, while resort islands and tourism facilities typically operate normally during protests. You should monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations even when they appear peaceful.

Areas To Avoid

Male presents the highest risk for visitors, with gang violence, drug-related crime, petty theft, and occasional political demonstrations concentrated in the capital. You should avoid walking in Male after dark and stay away from isolated or poorly lit areas. The densely populated neighborhoods of Henveiru and Maafannu warrant extra caution. Hulhumale has seen increased gang-related violence including knife crime. Addu City experiences higher crime rates than other areas. Inhabited local islands enforce strict Islamic laws, requiring modest dress and prohibiting alcohol. These islands may lack tourist infrastructure and medical facilities. You should avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark in Male and Hulhumale. Political protests concentrate in Male near government buildings including Parliament, the President’s Office, and the Supreme Court. During periods of political unrest, demonstration areas should be avoided entirely. Some remote atolls in the south and east have less developed facilities and may pose challenges for emergency medical evacuation. Islands without proper medical services create risks if health problems arise, especially for those planning diving activities. Beaches throughout the country can have dangerous currents, with safety information often unavailable. The monsoon season from mid-May to November brings strong winds, rough seas, and torrential rain, making certain areas and boat transfers more hazardous. Uninhabited islands require special permission from authorities to visit.