Visitors to distant resorts arriving at night normally stay at hotels in Male overnight. Travelers should confirm all transfer arrangements in advance. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced in Maldives. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. It is prohibited by law to bring alcohol into Maldives because it is an Islamic Republic.
Alcoholic beverages are available, however, to tourists on resort islands.
There is no U.S. Embassy in Maldives but the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka is also accredited to Maldives. The Consular Agency in Male closed on August 9, 1995. Any inquiries concerning Maldives should be directed to the American Embassy in Sri Lanka. U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, can obtain updated information on travel and security within Maldives. Facilities for tourism are well developed on the resort islands.