If you fail to stick to them, you could end up in trouble and “you may get a prison sentence” says the Foreign Office
The Foreign Office is advising all travellers to a popular holiday spot to familiarise themselves with the latest regulations before leaving for the airport. As stated on the GOV.UK website, visitors to the Maldives – and other destinations – are expected to respect “local standards,” as failing to do so could cause offence.
In their warning, they say: “You should be sensitive to local dress standards when outside holiday resorts, including on beaches used by locals.” When you are in these areas, you need to stick to three rules.
Men and women should:
- have shoulders covered
- avoid short or tight-fitting shorts
- have arms and upper legs covered when bathing
They warn: “Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere.” This includes when you’re “on resort islands.”
The reason for these restrictions is that the Maldives is an Islamic country. Because of this, it’s “illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam.”
When holidaying in these destinations, you must ensure “your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques. If you break local laws, you may get a prison sentence.
“Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol out of your resort. You can be arrested and deported for possessing and drinking alcohol, or being intoxicated outside resorts and on inhabited islands.”
The Maldives isn’t the only destination with specific rules, so it’s a good idea to check the Foreign Office website before booking your trip, packing your bags, and heading to the airport. This helps ensure you don’t unintentionally cause offence.
Rules of driving in the Maldives
If you’re planning to drive in the Maldives, you’ll need the appropriate version of the International Driving Permit (IDP), along with your UK driving licence. Make sure to obtain the IDP before you travel, as it’s not available for purchase outside the UK.
Keep in mind that rental car companies in the Maldives often have “stricter requirements”. These include a minimum age of 20 or 21 and at least one year of driving experience.