The Maldives is the epitome of the island paradise and almost everyone's dream vacation — honestly, ask everyone around you right now if they'd like to visit the Maldives. These clean, lovely islands in the Indian Ocean are a refuge of natural beauty and one of those destinations that live up to the reputation. The recurring question among tourists is: Is alcohol legal in the Maldives?
In resorts, the only area in the Maldives where alcohol is legal, there are plenty of opportunities to drink at any time of day, with exquisite wines, cocktails, beers, and champagne all accessible, albeit at a premium unless you're on an all-inclusive package. However, with the exception of a few resorts with clubs, the country lacks nightlife.
Is Alcohol legal in the Maldives?
It's a little strange that you can't always have a glass of champagne or a mixed drink in paradise. Nonetheless, the Maldives is a Muslim country with unique constraints. Alcohol is only permitted in a limited number of sites. In public settings, you may face repercussions for violating the rules.
Alcohol is not available for purchase in the Maldives; it is not offered in stores as alcohol illegal in the Maldives. The only exceptions are island resorts and floating bars, which sell alcoholic beverages at inflated costs.
Can I take Alcohol to the Maldives?
Many tourists, upon learning about the Maldives' alcohol policy, want to bring it with them. However, we do not recommend bringing alcoholic beverages to the paradise islands, as alcohol will be confiscated at customs. This also applies to alcoholic beverages purchased at duty-free establishments. It must be left at the airport's luggage room. As a result, purchasing alcohol at duty-free makes little sense if you are going to the Maldives. Unless you intend to consume alcohol during the flight, which the airline's policies may also prohibit.
There was once an expatriate alcohol permit that permitted expats residing in the Maldives to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. However, it has since been discontinued. The lone exception is the Hulhule Island Hotel, colloquially referred to as HIH or the airport hotel. Tourists are mostly isolated from Maldives life on a daily basis, where drinking is prohibited and scant beachwear is frowned upon. This is true.
Because they are whisked directly from the airport to the resort, where they can instantly begin drinking alcohol in the Maldives. They will then spend the remainder of the week in blissful ignorance of the surrounding country. This has been the case for many years, the outcome of a deliberate policy of segregating wealthy visitors, the majority of whom are Westerners and many of whom are newlyweds, on deserted islands from the indigenous Muslim population.
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