Destinations / Maldives
Driving in Maldives as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Maldives accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Maldives expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| 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 | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| 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?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Maldives accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Maldives accept?
Maldives recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Maldives ask for one?
Car rental is minimal; transport is mostly by boat and seaplane.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.