Alcohol Laws in Maldives

From my previous readings in the Maldives, I knew that I was not allowed to enter the country with alcohol, but that I could “check” it on arrival and pick it up on departure. I took my red wine out of my pocket and handed it over to the customs officer. He was angry. What experiences have you had with alcohol in the Maldives? Never the intention to frequent the Maldives. Anyway, how come tons of alcohol seem to find their way around the country to the resorts? Corruption? Probably. The guy who cut you down the alcohol simply follows the mantra of the ruling elite: “Do what I say, not the way I do.” This is part of the benefits, much like Mexican police officers, who earn 80% of their salary by stealing from motorists. Endemic in many Third/Fourth World countries. That`s why I avoid them. Who needs it. Instead, visit Reunion, Tahiti, Mayotte or New Caledonia. However, almost all resorts and cruise ships are allowed to serve alcohol, usually with a high margin. The expatriate liquor license, which allowed expats to buy alcohol for their own consumption, has been abolished.

The only place near Male, apart from the resorts, where people can drink alcohol, is the Hulhule Island Hotel, commonly known as HIH or the airport hotel. The moral of the story is that even if you can get all the alcohol you want to get from the resorts, don`t think about personally importing or exporting alcohol to the Maldives, as it`s just not worth it. Alcohol seized at the airport is placed in a locker. Indigenous peoples in India or Pakistan sell alcohol in floating bars. Residents are prohibited from touching alcohol. Airport: Your international flight is to Male (MLE). It is officially called Velana International Airport (formerly Ibrahim Nasir International Airport) and is not really located in the capital Male, but on a separate island called Hulhule, a 10-minute ferry ride or a short ride over a bridge on the island of Male. It`s quite a sight to approach from the air and looks like a huge aircraft carrier sitting in the sea. It is a small but modern air-conditioned airport with all the usual facilities such as cafes, lounges and duty-free shops in the departures area. You can buy alcohol in duty-free shops when you leave the country, but you can`t drink alcohol at the airport. Summarize. If you are planning a cheap trip to the local islands of the Maldives, it is worth preparing for an alcohol-free holiday.

Alcohol is not found except in floating bars. Enjoy an all-inclusive spirit in the island`s chic resorts. However, you will have to pay extra for elite alcohol. If you are not willing to pay too much for alcohol, choose the full board system and buy alcohol in the hotel bars at discounted rates during happy hours. You should practically abstain from drinking alcohol; except for visits to the floating bar, there is no place to take them with you. Difficulties will occur even when drinking. If locals notice that you drink alcohol on the beach or on the street, they can hand you over to the police. Therefore, you can drink it only in your room or in special bars. It is also illegal to promote religions other than Islam.

The importation of alcohol and non-Islamic religious material may result in confiscation. Violators may be subject to deportation or heavy fines. The Maldives is stunningly beautiful and its people are warm, welcoming and non-Jewish. There is no such thing as an “Islamic façade” as you so sarcastically describe it. Maldivians adhere to the Sariatu (Sharia) law according to the Islamic faith, which also includes the prohibition of alcohol. However, this only applies to islands and atholls that are classified as “inhabited”, i.e. those that have governed Maldivian settlements/towns/villages. Resorts that serve or allow alcohol are located on islands classified as “uninhabited,” and generally the only buildings on the island are those that belong to the resort, with temporary guests and staff. This information is easy to find on the Internet. Other examples include: Equator Village on Addu Atoll, a former RAF base that has been converted into a 78-room hotel. The cost is about 100-150 USD per day all inclusive (including regular brand alcohol). Another unique place is the Keyodhoo Guest House, this guest house is located on a leisure centre built by Australians after the tsunami (USD 20 per person/night).

Most travelers to these places are divers for divers or adventure travelers. Other hostels/B&Bs can also be found on Vaavu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, North and South Male Atoll. Few of these hostels have their own private pool. Be sure to inquire if bikini is allowed on the local beach. Traveling between the hostel and the beach is usually very close, but be sure to dress according to Maldives customs. What kind of monster imports and exports alcohol for a vacation? Guest Houses: Until recent years, holidaymakers from the Maldives only stayed on the resort islands, but now there are also hotels and guest houses on the local islands where maldivians live. These are usually much cheaper than resort islands, but they offer a completely different holiday experience. Local islands are subject to local Sharia law, so there is no alcohol (although some islands bypass this by having boats moored nearby that serve alcohol), beaches won`t be intact like resort islands, and you`ll also have to abide by local law regarding clothing, which means thighs and shoulders must be covered and women can`t wear swimsuits or bikinis. There may be a “bikini beach”, a mesh beach area where swimsuits are allowed, but this area is probably quite crowded. As long as you are aware of these laws, staying on a local island can be interesting.

In the Maldives, you can find any alcohol, and even an elite. As a rule, alcohol is imported from India and Sri Lanka. From there come elite brands of wine, champagne and spirits from different parts of the world. You can try them in specialized bars. There are also deliveries from Europe. The importation into the Maldives of explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, material deemed contrary to Islam, including “idols for worship” and Bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol, and all luggage will be X-rayed on arrival. When going out, note that the export of sand, shellfish or corals is also prohibited. For more information, visit the Maldives Customs Service website. The Maldives has very strict anti-drug laws. Importing or possessing drugs can result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment.

Residents and police are likely to take the possession and consumption of alcohol seriously, and it is strictly forbidden to be intoxicated outside of resorts. The state religion of the Maldives is Islam. .