How to bring alcohol to the Maldives?

Alcohol is sold in the Maldives only on resort islands. You cannot bring it in without a permit, and you cannot drink it on an inhabited island such as Thoddoo. Here is what the official sources say and how to plan your trip.

Where alcohol is allowed

• Resort islands sell and serve alcohol to their guests.
• Inhabited islands, including Thoddoo, do not. The UK government warns that possessing or drinking alcohol, or being intoxicated, outside resorts and on inhabited islands can lead to arrest and deportation.
• Do not take alcohol off a resort’s property, the same UK advice says.
• Licensed tourist vessels such as liveaboards may serve alcohol on board. We have not checked the rules of any particular vessel, so ask the operator.
• Floating bars and party boats operate near some local islands. Our guesthouse can arrange a trip to one for guests. Ask us for the current price, hours and transfer terms, because we do not publish them here and they can change.
• Do not bring alcohol back to the island. The UK government warns that possessing alcohol on inhabited islands can lead to arrest and deportation.

Bringing alcohol into the country

• The Maldives Customs circular AT 01/2024 says alcohol and pork products need a permit or licence to be imported. The duty-free allowance for adult tourists lists cigarettes, cigars and tobacco, not alcohol.
• The circular does not describe what happens to alcohol found in luggage. Older stories about a storage locker and a token are not confirmed by it, so do not count on getting a bottle back.
• Our advice: do not buy alcohol at duty free for the Maldives, and ask the Customs office or your airline if in doubt.

If you want a drink on holiday

• Choose a resort or a liveaboard for the part of the trip where you want alcohol. Check their prices and rules in advance.
• A guesthouse stay on a local island such as ours is alcohol-free. Many guests combine both: some days on Thoddoo, then a resort.
• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public outside resorts.

Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.