Destinations / Maldives
Driving in Maldives as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Maldives drives on the left, but with resorts spread across islands there is little driving; an IDP is rarely needed beyond Malé.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Maldives expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 119 (police), 102 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 30 km/h Malé; Sinamalé Bridge 50 km/h |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in MVR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Motorbikes dominate the capital. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.0% alcohol tolerance. |
| Roads | Most islands have no roads to drive. |
On the road in Maldives
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at a small number of stations (mainly Male, Hulhumale and Addu/Gan); fuel is imported and relatively expensive. Stations are typically attended; carry rufiyaa cash as card acceptance can be limited.
After a crash
Dial 119 for police and 102 for ambulance. Report any accident to the Maldives Police Service and do not move vehicles in a serious or injury collision until police attend.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Maldives?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Maldives drives on the left, but with resorts spread across islands there is little driving; an IDP is rarely needed beyond Malé.
Which translation format is used for Maldives?
Maldives uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Maldives ask for a translation?
Car rental is minimal; transport is mostly by boat and seaplane.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Maldives?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.