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General Map

General map of Maldives

Medical Summary

The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).

General Information

Maldives is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. Located in southern Asia in the Indian Ocean (off the southern tip of India), the climate is classified as predominantly humid equatorial (no dry season).

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

See also: Library article for Yellow Fever

Although yellow fever does not occur in Maldives, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.

  • Requirement: A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged ≥ 9 months coming from countries with risk of YF transmission. This also applies to airport transit stops (no exit through immigration checkpoint) longer than 12 hours in risk countries.

Other Vaccines

Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, typhoid fever, or a one time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Malaria

See also: Library article for Malaria

The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)

No statement given.

CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)

Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.

Other Concerns

Travelers' Diarrhea

See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea

Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.

Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.

Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.

Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Chikungunya, dengue, scrub typhus, Zika may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.

Other Disease and Health Risks

Additional concerns include helminths, leptospirosis, marine hazards, tuberculosis.

Consular Advice

The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.

Terrorism Risk

Low risk of attack by domestic and/or transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.

Crime

Moderate risk of violent crime (gang-related violence) exists in cities, including Male.

Moderate risk of petty crime exists, mainly on beaches outside of resorts.

Theft of valuables from unattended accommodations is common.

Civil Unrest

Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country, especially in Male, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.

Water Safety

Hazardous water conditions (including currents, tides, and undertows) may occur. Heed posted warnings and avoid beaches that are not patrolled. Do not swim alone or after dark, and do not walk on any beach after dark.

Basic safety standards for recreational water activities (including scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, and tubing) may not be in place. Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.

Transportation Safety

Low risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is less than 7 per 100,000 population, the lowest risk category.

Seat belt laws are poorly enforced.

There are no drunk driving laws.

Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.

Natural Disasters

The monsoon season is from May through November. Floods, mudslides, and landslides may occur.

Consular Information

Selected Embassies or Consulates in Maldives

  • United States: The U.S. does not have an embassy or consulate in Maldives.
  • Canada: Canada does not have an embassy or consulate in Maldives.
  • United Kingdom: U.K. does not have an embassy or consulate in Maldives.
  • Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Maldives.

Maldives's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries

  • In the U.S.: maldivesmission.com
  • In Canada: Maldives does not have an embassy or consulate in Canada.
  • In the U.K.: www.maldivesembassy.uk
  • In Australia: [+61] 3-9349-1119

Visa/HIV Testing

HIV and hepatitis testing are required to obtain a work or residence visa.