Can you bring alcohol to Maldives?

• Alcohol

  prohibited

  The airport operator's customs page states: "All alcohol is confiscated on arrival, including duty-free purchases from departure airports or in-flight"; prohibited items other than narcotics are released to foreign nationals only when they leave. The Maldives consulate page adds that prior licences are required to import alcohol and that alcohol is only available at tourist resorts and hotels (none is sold in Malé or on inhabited islands). UK FCDO warns you can be arrested and deported for possessing or drinking alcohol, or being intoxicated, outside resorts and on inhabited islands — do not take alcohol out of your resort.

  Also covers: alcohol, liquor, wine, beer, spirits, duty free alcohol

  Checked 2026-09-21 — Source: Maldives Airports Company — Velana International Airport: Customs & Security, Prohibited & Restricted Items

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history