Maldives is an Islamic nation and there are several local laws and customs of which travellers ought to be aware. While most of the luxury hotels Maldives has to offer, are quite lax with some of these regulations, beyond the resorts, they are strictly observed. If you are staying at a top notch resort such as the PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi Maldives, you will get to enjoy a great holiday without having to encounter most local rules and customs. However, if you are venturing into the main island or visiting a local’s home, be sure to keep these rules and regulation in mind.
The violation of local laws can not only lead to offending the locals but even go as far as imprisonment. If you are arriving in the islands, take note that you cannot bring any alcohol, pork products, pork, and any religious literature or items if they are not Islamic. As with most Islamic nations, the public observance of any religions other than Islam is prohibited. If you are visiting during Ramadan, which starts on 27th May and ends on 25th June, you may have to be especially careful about eating and drinking in public as well as respecting local customs. Take note that alcoholic beverages are only available in island resorts and cannot be taken out of the islands. If you come across any tortoise shell or coral or items made with these materials, be sure to not purchase them as the export of coral and tortoise shell is prohibited. Travellers in same sex relations should also be particularly careful as they may be convicted if discovered. In the Maldives, same sex relations are illegal and offenders may face heavy fines or long prison sentences if convicted.
If you are staying within your resort island, your dress code should not be a problem. However, even in the resort islands, nudity and topless sunbathing is prohibited. If you are paying a visit to the main island or other inhabited non-resort islands, be sure to wear clothing that cover your knees, shoulders, stomach, arms and back.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
