The Maldives is not the only nation that take a hard-line stance against alcohol, but it certainly is one of the more paradoxical examples. While the nation maintains a strict Islamic façade, it looks the other way as dozens of luxury resorts scattered across its sprawling atolls not only import alcohol, but make no effort to even hide it.
I just returned from five nights at the Park Hyatt Maldives and alcohol was free flowing…with a fully-stocked bar, minibars in each room, and even a manager’s reception on Saturday evening that includes free alcohol for all guests, you would be hard-pressed to conclude that the nation seriously enforces its anti-alcohol laws. But it does.
I was in India prior to the Maldives. As my Diamond amenity at the Park Hyatt Chennai, I received a nice bottle of Italian red wine which I had packed away in my suitcase. After landing in the Maldives, my bag did not show up on the conveyor belt. Finally, after nearly all others had been delivered, it rolled out with “red lane” customs stickers all over it, indicating that my baggage required further inspection (obviously, it was already scanned to find the wine bottle).
From my previous reading on the Maldives, I knew I was not allowed to enter the country with alcohol, but could “check it in” upon arrival and pick it upon departure. I pulled out my red wine from my bag and handed it to the customs agent. He was angry.
“Did you not read the landing card?”
I did, but just stared at him blankly.
He pulled it out and pointed to the alcohol prohibition.
He asked for my passport, scowled when he saw it was USA, then turned around and walked off with my wine.
I hope he enjoyed it, because I never got it back.
My Diamond amenity at the Park Hyatt Maldives was a bottle of French Champagne. To be honest (an anathema to the luxury travel community, I realize), I don’t really like champagne. I would have actually preferred the 1,000 Gold Passport points, but wasn’t given the choice and it was a nice touch to have a chilled bottle of Champagne waiting in my room when I checked in.
Anyway, guess what happened? I thought bringing the champagne out would not be a problem because I was leaving the country, but upon check-in at Kooddoo airport for my flight back to Male, my baggage was again scanned and the champagne immediately confiscated. I offered it to my escort from the hotel, but he stated that he would be arrested if found in procession of it because he was a native.
The moral of the story is that while you can get all the alcohol you’d like on resorts, don’t think about trying to personally import or export alcohol in the Maldives, for it just is not worthwhile.
What was your experience with alcohol in the Maldives?
Just like getting on a cruise ship 🙂
Never intend to patronize the Maldives. Anyhow, how is it that tons of alcohol seemingly makes its way into the country to the resorts? Bribery? Probably. The guy who swiped your alcohol is just following the ruling elite mantra of ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’ It’s part and parcel of the fringe benefits, akin to Mexican cops earning 80 percent of their take home pay from robbing motorists. Endemic in many third/fourth world countries. That’s why I avoid them. Who needs it. Visit Reunion, Tahiti, Mayotte or Nouvelle Caledonie instead.
There are strict importation laws for alcohol. You must have an import permit and show where you are taking it. Checkout Maldives Customs Services and you can read up on everything.
Alcohol is legal in the Maldives, just highly, highly restricted.
1) You can buy it if you’re a resident non-Muslim foreigner and have a permit, or if you’re leaving the country at duty-free
2) It doesn’t “look the other way” on resort importation–the resorts all have (expensive) permits to bring in booze, on condition it doesn’t leave their premises…
http://www.customs.gov.mv/travellers/restricted_items
Hey it’s simple math…they don’t turn a blind eye, they don’t tolerate, they don’t accommodate or acquiesce…THEY TAX THE SHIT OUT OF IT …and don;t want to miss out on the their revenues
I don’t begrudge them, but be honest, it’s not religion, culture or any other moral pillar…it’s pure ugly greed!!
Holy hell, the place sounds awful.
I truly believe that they think only sinners drink so you should pay extra heavy tax if you drink,especially champagne; it is taxation by lottery in Muslim countries for tourists. PS Don’t break any non publicized local laws or be fined! There are tons of ways to be fined esp Dubai! But I will tell you if it is worth it or my 3 trips to French Polynesia were way better! I was just in Dubai Jordan and Egypt, Mexico and other countries, best bang for your buck is Egypt,3/4 less tourists and strong Canadian /American dollar!
I did not know about the restrictions when I landed in the Male Airport. We had brought 2 bottles of alcohol with us and they were immediately confiscated before we left the airport. We were told we could pick them up when leaving the country. To my surprise, both bottles were given back to us before taking off 2 weeks later. I will not be returning to the Maldives again. I am an American and was warned NOT to tell anyone this fact by the locals working at our resort. We were told to say we were Australian. Obviously if locals were telling us this, there was danger if we were to tell the truth. I have traveled the world in search of the most beautiful beaches and water. The Maldives were nice but not as nice as some islands in the Caribbean. French Polynesia is also a must on your bucket list.
Sitting at the Conrad Maldives Rangali as I write this, and as a counterpoint to Allison’s experience I must say that we had NO issue at all being known as “American’s” and we’re welcomed warmly thought our trip here. Don’t let her comments dissuade experiencing the lovely people, scenery & culture!
100% concur. We have been twice now, and planning to back next year (2026).
Well, my conclusion is: you’re a complete (lucky) moron.
The Maldives are stunningly beautiful, and its people warm, welcoming and gentile. There is no “Islamic facade,” as you so sardonically describe. Maldivians abide by Sariatu (Shariah) law as per the Islamic faith, which includes the prohibition of alcohol. However, this applies only to the Islands and Atholls classed as ‘inhabited,’ ie those with governed Maldivian settlements/towns/villages. Resorts that serve or allow alcohol are on islands which are classified as ‘uninhabited,’ and usually the only buildings on the island are those belonging to the resort, with transient guests and staff. This information is easily found on the internet.
I am a well travelled Brit, working and living out of the Middle East. Wherever I decide to travel I make sure I have as much information about my destination- for safety, to maximise my enjoyment and so I don’t make ill informed, insulting remarks on a public forum.
What is pricing for buying duty free spirits at the airport in Male?
I don’t know. Maybe someone else can comment.
I am wondering this too as I will be traveling to the Maldives in 2 weeks.
So glad I found this.. incredibly helpful and most definitely saved what would’ve been an embarrassing and time consuming interaction upon arrival.
Brilliant site.. will be quite handy as I explore the globe annually.
I appreciate this discussion. Going to Male in Jan 2020. it sucks I can’t take my single malt with me..
Old post, but you were very very unlucky. Usually they confiscate on arrival and give it back on departure. Intact. I guess some customs guy really liked the wine from Chennai. As for leaving, your experience was more typical as they have no proof it really was from a hotel and alcohol is technically forbidden outside of resorts, so that confiscation was more typical.
You can’t buy alcohol in the duty free in order to bring it inside the country.
You can’t bring alcohol inside the country.
You can buy alcohol in safari boats, private island resorts and floating bars near by local island.
It’s not allowed to drink in local island, but many people do it
What kind of freak imports and exports alcohol for a vacation?
Are you all really that stupid? Try bringing in Cannabis to the USA or UK (Or Netherlands or Spain, even) and see how they treat you.