South Asia

Is Maldives safe?

Capital: MaleDhivehi, EnglishUpdated October 2026

L2Exercise increased caution

Is Maldives safe?

Resorts are very safe. Malé has petty crime and gang activity that rarely touches tourists. The biggest risks are ocean currents, diving accidents and sunburn.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-10-06.
Homicide rate: 0.6 per 100,000 people (2019, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 1.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 119 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 118.
Solo women: Safe at resorts. On local islands and in Malé, dress modestly away from bikini beaches; occasional harassment in Malé.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Strong currents in channels while snorkelling or diving
Decompression illness; few chambers and long transfers
Rough seas and transfer delays in the May–November monsoon

Laws visitors break by accident

Alcohol is legal only on resorts and liveaboards, never on local islands or in Malé.
Bikinis only at resorts or designated bikini beaches on local islands.
Public worship of other religions and criticism of Islam are illegal.

Safety by place in Maldives

Place	Safety
Malé	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Maafushi	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Thulusdhoo	4/5 · Safe with normal care

Quick answers

Is Maldives safe for tourists?

Resorts are very safe. Malé has petty crime and gang activity that rarely touches tourists. The biggest risks are ocean currents, diving accidents and sunburn.

Is Maldives safe for solo female travelers?

Safe at resorts. On local islands and in Malé, dress modestly away from bikini beaches; occasional harassment in Malé.

What is the emergency number in Maldives?

Police 119 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 118.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.