Resorts and inhabited islands
Inhabited islands, Malé included, follow local custom, which is different from life at a resort. The guidance here is for visits to them, and for stays in guesthouses there. Some laws, below, apply everywhere.
What to wear
Swimwear is fine at resorts. On inhabited islands, Malé included, it is not acceptable, except on a beach set aside for it, often called a bikini beach. There are none in Malé or Hulhumalé.
Behaviour
- Keep public displays of affection to a minimum on local islands and in Malé.
- In some places it is against the law to photograph certain buildings.
- Ask before you photograph people.
Alcohol and pork
Alcohol is not sold on local islands; resorts serve it, under a special licence. Neither alcohol nor pork may be brought into the country without approval.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, it is polite not to eat, drink or smoke in public during the day outside the resorts. Resort islands generally do not follow the rules of Ramadan, though guesthouses on local islands do. If you travel then, ask your resort what changes.
Laws that apply everywhere
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned for everyone: buying, having and using them.
- Tobacco may not be sold to, bought or used by anyone born on or after 1 January 2007.
- Most coral, turtle shell and some shells may not be taken out of the country without a permit. Responsible travel explains.