Maldives🇲🇻
The Maldives is an archipelago state in the Indian Ocean, located in South Asia, around 700 kilometers southwest of Sri Lanka. It's famous for its 26 atolls, which comprise 1,192 coral islands that are known for their vibrant reef ecosystems and crystal-clear waters. Being an island nation, the Maldives doesn't have any neighboring countries, but it maintains strong diplomatic relations with nations worldwide, especially those in Asia. Top attractions include its exotic beaches, underwater coral beauty, adventurous marine activities, and luxury resorts. Maldivian culture, which is a blend of Sinhalese, Arab, and South Indian influences, is unique, with traditional Maldivian music and dance forms such as Boduberu and Thaara drawing tourists. The Maldives is also the world's lowest country in terms of average ground level.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid disrespecting the local culture and beliefs, as the Maldives is a devout Muslim country.
- Avoid engaging in public displays of affection, which may upset local sensibilities.
- Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas or beaches.
- Do not engage in any activities that harm the marine environment, such as stepping on coral reefs.
- Avoid illegal activities including homosexuality and drug use, which are punished under local laws.
- Avoid consuming alcohol anywhere except at licensed venues, typically resort islands, as it is illegal elsewhere.
- Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings in Malé, where violent incidents have occurred.
- Avoid wearing swimwear away from the beach and remember to dress modestly.
- Avoid carrying any religious materials offensive to Islam into the Maldives.
- Avoid discussing topics that might incite racial or religious tensions.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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In general, the Maldives is considered a safe country with a low level of crime. However, crime rates have risen in recent years, particularly in and around the capital city Male, which has seen a surge in theft, assault, and gang violence. The tourist resort islands, which are usually separate from local communities, have lower crime rates, and visitors rarely experience serious trouble.
Terrorism 💣
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The overall threat from terrorism in the Maldives is low. However, instances of homegrown terrorism have surfaced. Most notably, in 2007, a bomb explosion in Sultan Park in Male injured 12 foreigners which was the work of religious extremists. The region remains at risk from terrorist groups, although the government is proactive in dealing with such threats.
War ⚔️
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The Maldives has been a peaceful nation with no recent history of war or severe skirmishes with any countries. There isn't any active conflict or tension on the international front. Therefore, it receives a high score for being peaceful and being unaware of any significant war incidence.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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The Maldives' biggest environmental threat comes from climate change and sea-level rise. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused significant damage. Another concern is the increasing frequency of severe weather events, such as cyclones and flooding. As a result, tourists are advised to monitor local and international weather updates.
Medical Care 🏥
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The Maldives has limited health care resources outside Male. Further, Male's health care quality isn't high compared to Western standards. While modern medical facilities are available on resort islands, serious conditions will likely require evacuation to a country with higher-quality medical facilities.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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In most populated areas like Male, the tap water is desalinated and safe to drink. However, the quality of tap water varies depending on the area and isn't always reliable. In resort islands, they usually provide bottled water.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Dengue fever and Chikungunya fever, both transmitted by mosquitoes, are the main health threats existing in the Maldives. Serious virus outbreaks were reported in 2006 and 2011. However, the nation's overall disease burden is low, especially compared to neighboring countries.
Corruption 💸
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As in many countries, corruption remains a significant problem in the Maldives. Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index 2019 ranked the Maldives 93rd out of 198 countries. Notably, in 2015, a corruption scandal involving the Maldivian government and a tourism business led to a series of public protests.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Generally, the Maldives is a safe destination for solo female travelers. However, female travelers should dress conservatively to respect the local tradition, especially while visiting local islands. While serious incidents are unusual, women are advised not to roam alone during the night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Same-sex activity is illegal in the Maldives due to Sharia Law. This makes it a challenging environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Discrimination against queer individuals can exist, and discretion is highly advised.
Censorship 📺
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The Maldives has experienced issues concerning press freedom and censorship. Widespread self-censorship exists due to threats and harassment against journalists. For example, the mysterious disappearance of a journalist in 2014 caused a significant outcry against the government and raised international concerns.
Public Transportation 🚌
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The Maldives doesn't have an extensive public transportation system due to its geographical setup. Most of the transport means involve boats and seaplanes connecting the islands. While they are commonly used and are generally safe, accidents and incidents to happen, mainly due to bad weather.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Overall, the Maldives is a relatively safe place for tourists, particularly on resort islands. However, like any other destination, you should beware of petty crimes, and follow local regulations and customs. Most importantly, respect the local Islamic beliefs and avoid areas with political unrest.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several countries have embassies in Malé, such as India, Bangladesh, China, and the United Kingdom. However, many other countries provide consular services to the Maldives through their embassies in nearby countries such as Sri Lanka and India.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
It's recommended to have routine vaccines up to date before traveling to the Maldives. The WHO recommends vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
The Maldivian waters do host some dangerous animals like the stonefish, lionfish, stingrays, and sharks. However, incidents involving them are extremely rare. Meanwhile, on land, you may encounter bothersome pests like mosquitoes.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Maldives has a very liberal visa policy. It offers a free 30-day visa-on-arrival to all nationalities, which can be extended up to 90 days at the Immigration Head Office in Malé. However, you must have a confirmed return ticket and enough funds to cover your stay.
💲 Currency
The official currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). However, US dollars are widely accepted. Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and licensed money changers.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in the Maldives, especially in resorts, hotels, and many shops and restaurants in Male. However, in smaller islands, it's advised to carry cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While it's not unknown, the work-and-travel scheme isn't very popular in the Maldives. The country's primary attraction for foreigners is a luxurious resort vacation. Job opportunities for travelers are also limited.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Traveling to the Maldives can be expensive, primarily due to the high cost of resorts and water transportation between the islands. However, “guesthouses” on local islands provide cheaper alternatives. The cost of living is relatively high due to import dependence.