Living in Maldives
Official information British people moving to and living in Maldives need to know, including residency, healthcare and driving.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Maldives for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
See moving or retiring abroad.
Visas and residency
See entry requirements for Maldives in our travel advice.
The on arrival visa service continues as normal for all tourist arrivals, but the Traveler Health Declaration is an additional requirement, which has to be submitted online via IMUGA within 24 hours prior to departure. However, if a British national intends to work in the Maldives, you will need to get a work permit before you arrive.
For further information and advice on entry requirements, you should contact the High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in the UK or Maldives Immigration.
Passports and travel
See:
- our travel advice for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies
- moving or retiring abroad
- overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport)
Healthcare
Maldives and the UK do not have reciprocal healthcare agreements.
You should ensure that you have adequate medical insurance as free medical care is not generally available for foreigners and cost of hospitalisation in private hospitals can be very expensive. Medical facilities are limited. There are only a handful of fully equipped hospitals on the capital island, Male’ and in Hulhumale. Most resorts have in-house medical facilities that can provide basic medical care.
You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you enter the country.
You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
You should check your prescriptions are legal in Maldives.
Births, deaths and getting married
If someone dies in Maldives you can:
- read guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
- read guidance for UK nationals on bereavement in Maldives
Find out how you can get married abroad.
For notarial and documentary services for British nationals in Maldives, see our list of lawyers.
Emergencies
You can call the British High Commission 24/7 on +94 11 5390639 and choose option 2 for consular assistance from the caller menu or use our online contact form for consular enquiries.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice.
The FCDO and the British High Commission will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.