Maldives customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Maldives enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on alcohol imports, pork products, and proselytizing religious materials, reflecting its Islamic laws. All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form and use the red channel for any goods to declare.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol import is strictly prohibited for all individuals. Any alcohol found in luggage will be confiscated and destroyed. Alcohol is only available at licensed resorts, hotels, and liveaboard vessels.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
MVR 154,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Declare on the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) at the red channel. Failure to declare risks seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 (approx. MVR 12,320). Above this, duty is charged at 25% on the excess value. Commercial quantities are not allowed.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcoholic beverages (any amount)
  • Pork and pork products
  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
  • Pornographic materials
  • Religious materials for proselytizing (e.g., Bibles, pamphlets intended for distribution)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including replicas)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol, diazepam) — require prior approval from MFDA
  • Drones and UAVs — require a permit from the Ministry of Defence and National Security
  • Satellite phones and radio communication equipment — require a licence from the Communications Authority of Maldives
  • Live animals, plants, seeds, and soil — require an import permit from the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture
  • Currency over MVR 154,000 (or equivalent) — must be declared on the CDF

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF), which is handed to an officer at the customs checkpoint. There is a red channel for goods to declare and a green channel for nothing to declare. If you have prohibited or restricted items, or goods exceeding the allowance, use the red channel.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Maldives does not offer a tourist VAT refund scheme. Goods purchased locally are generally consumed on the islands and not taken out.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in reasonable quantities for the duration of stay are allowed. Carry a doctor's prescription or medical certificate. Narcotics, psychotropic substances, and certain painkillers (e.g., codeine, tramadol) are strictly controlled — bring only with prior approval from the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA).

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and plant materials are generally prohibited without a permit due to biosecurity risks. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable snacks for personal consumption are usually allowed in small quantities. Declare all food items.

Rules worth knowing

Zero alcohol import — no exceptions

Unlike many countries that allow a duty-free alcohol allowance, Maldives bans all personal alcohol imports. Even a single mini-bottle in your bag will be confiscated and destroyed. Alcohol is only available at licensed resorts and liveaboard vessels.

Pork and religious items strictly banned

Pork and pork products are prohibited. Additionally, importing religious materials for the purpose of proselytizing (e.g., Bibles, religious pamphlets) is illegal. Personal religious items for private use are generally tolerated but may be questioned.

Drones require a military permit

Drones and UAVs are restricted. You must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Defence before arrival. Without it, your drone will be confiscated at customs. Even with a permit, flying is banned near airports, government buildings, and resorts without permission.

Strict drug laws — life imprisonment

Maldives has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Possession of even small amounts of narcotics can lead to life imprisonment. Do not attempt to bring any illegal substances, including cannabis, cocaine, or ecstasy.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, personal snorkelling and scuba gear for your own use is allowed duty-free as part of your personal effects. No permit is needed.
No. Even if you are staying at a resort, you cannot bring alcohol into the country. It will be confiscated at customs. Resorts sell their own alcohol.
It is recommended to declare any medication at the red channel, especially if you have a large quantity. For non-controlled meds, a doctor's prescription is sufficient. For controlled substances, you need prior approval from MFDA.
Yes, personal use vapes and e-cigarettes are allowed. However, the import of nicotine-containing e-liquids may be restricted. It is best to declare them. There is no specific duty-free allowance for vapes — they fall under personal goods.
Prohibited items will be confiscated and destroyed. You may face a fine or legal action depending on the item. For example, alcohol is simply confiscated, but drugs lead to arrest. Always declare if unsure.
Personal electronics (laptop, camera, phone, tablet) for your own use are allowed duty-free. If you bring multiple units of the same item (e.g., 5 smartphones), customs may consider them commercial and charge duty. Stick to one of each type.
There is no limit on bringing Maldivian Rufiyaa in or out, but amounts over MVR 154,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared. In practice, most travellers use USD or credit cards.

Official source

Maldives Customs Service

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Maldives Customs Service before travelling.