Maldives customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Maldives, a Muslim nation, strictly prohibits the import of alcohol, pork products, and narcotics. In 2026, arriving travelers have a duty-free allowance of MVR 6,000 (approx. USD 390) for personal goods, and cash amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared. Tobacco allowances are 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco for those 18+.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol import is strictly prohibited for all travelers. All alcohol will be confiscated and destroyed upon arrival. Alcohol is only available at licensed resort bars and restaurants.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or equivalent monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form upon arrival. Failure to declare may result in confiscation and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$390
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is MVR 6,000 (approx. USD 390). Items exceeding this value are subject to a flat 25% duty on the excess amount.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcoholic beverages and any alcohol-containing products
  • Pork and pork products (including ham, bacon, sausages)
  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin)
  • Pornographic materials (including magazines, videos, digital files)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including replicas and air guns)
  • Live animals (except with prior permit from Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior approval from Maldives Food and Drug Authority)
  • Plants, seeds, fruits, and vegetables (require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require prior approval from Maldives Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones and communication equipment (require a license from the Communications Authority of Maldives)
  • Currency exceeding USD 10,000 (must be declared on arrival)

Rules worth knowing

Strict Alcohol Ban

Maldives is a Muslim country and prohibits the import of alcohol by individuals. All alcohol found in luggage will be confiscated and destroyed. Alcohol is only available at licensed resort bars and restaurants.

Pork Products Forfeited

Pork and pork-derived products are banned. Any such items discovered during customs inspection will be seized and destroyed without compensation.

Duty-Free Allowance in Local Currency

The duty-free allowance for personal goods is MVR 6,000 (approx. USD 390). This is a combined allowance for all items. Exceeding this value incurs a flat 25% duty on the excess amount.

Cash Declaration Threshold

Any traveler carrying cash or monetary instruments equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must complete a Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

No. Alcohol import is strictly prohibited for all arriving travelers. Any alcohol found in your luggage will be confiscated and destroyed. You can purchase alcohol at licensed resorts and hotels.
The duty-free allowance is MVR 6,000 (approximately USD 390) per person for personal items and gifts. Items valued above this are subject to a 25% duty on the excess amount.
You may bring up to 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco duty-free. You must be at least 18 years old. These allowances are combined, not separate.
Yes, if you are carrying cash or monetary instruments equivalent to USD 10,000 or more, you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to do so can lead to confiscation and fines.
No. Pork and all pork-derived products are strictly prohibited. They will be confiscated and destroyed upon arrival.
Drones require prior approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Without a permit, they will be confiscated. Contact the authority well before your trip.

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.