Documents needed
All it takes is what’s already in your wallet
- Valid domestic driver’s license
- Passport-style photo
- Valid government-issued ID
- Completed online application
Get your International Driving Permit for Maldives in 8 minutes
Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.
- Digital + Printed International Driving Permit – Always have a backup while traveling
- Accepted in 189+ Countries – Drive legally, stress-free
- Free English ID Card – Helps with language barriers
- Meets Global Driving Standards – Recognized internationally
- Perfect for Non-English Countries – No translation issues
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An International Driving Permit is not officially recognized in this country. Please check local driving regulations.
Limited Coverage
Digital Only | 1-Year Validity
$49
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Global Coverage
Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity
$79
$149
Does Maldives require an International Driving Permit?
- Original license
- Always required
- Format accepted
- Printed & digital
- Issuer matters
- Verify authority recognition
- Valid from entry
- Up to 3 years
Maldives allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.
| Driver type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist / short-term visitor | Required in most cases | Carry original license at all times |
| Rental car driver | Commonly required | Verify issuing authority with your rental company |
| Long-term foreign resident | Different rules apply | After 1 year, a local license may be needed |
| Mutually recognized license holder | May be exempt | Depends on home country agreement |
What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in Maldives?
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.
Eligibility
You must meet every condition below
- 18 years or older
- Valid home country license
- License not suspended
- Applicable from home or abroad
Top Destinations in the Maldives
The Maldives is known for its fascinating views of the Indian Ocean with spectacular glistening beaches. Known as a country abundant with natural wonders, Maldives catches and allures the attention of travelers worldwide. The country is considered one of the best travel and honeymoon destinations, making it perfect for family and intimate getaways. So come, visit, and discover Maldives' beauty.
Hulhumale Island
Hulhumale is one of the main reasons the great nation of Maldives ranks as among the top destinations and most visited tourist spots globally. The island of Hulhumale is accessible and has different brackets of a budget-friendly vacation, where you can still feel a luxurious holiday in the Maldives.
If you're a traveler who wants to relax and idle under the sun, Hulhumale is the best destination for you. Hulhumale is a blessed destination in the Maldives, where it has immense natural wonders and beautiful beaches to explore and discover that every travel enthusiast is thrilled to see.
When is the best time to go?
The ideal time to travel and explore the beauty of Hulhumale is from July to October, the months of summer and mid-fall, wherein the weather is perfect for swimming, excursion, and other outdoor activities in Hulhumale.
When is the worst time to go?
It's not advisable to visit Hulhumale from September to November, due to moderate to heavy rains where the outdoor activities are impossible to do. However, since tourism in Hulhumale is also slow these months, the hotel rates during this time are very affordable and budget-friendly.
Gan
If you're looking for an island that offers a luxurious resort stay that is not isolated and far from the locals, Gan is the best spot for you. Here, you can try and enjoy a luxury vacation while experiencing the fascinating local culture of the Maldives at the same time.
The tourism Gan island gets is due to the islands' history of being an old Word War II military base. Gan's history and historical spots add up to the reasons why tourists want to visit and spend their holiday on the island aside from its beautiful beaches.
When is the best time to go?
The ideal time to visit Gan island is between January to April and July to August because of its temperature and humidity. With the perfect weather, you can do many activities as you visit the island in the mentioned months and maximize the days of your holiday on the island.
When is the worst time to go?
It's not advisable to visit the island from September to November because of the heavy rains on the islands during these months. The rain will hinder all the outdoor activities you can try as you visit Gan island, but the accommodation cost is cheaper around these months.
Male
Male is the capital city of the Maldives, and it's the perfect destination for those who want to experience and drive in the busy streets that are surrounded by towering pleasant infrastructures. The city is rarely visited due to its crammed or narrow streets, but the city is filled with historical and cultural tourist spots that you don't want to miss!
When is the best time to go?
The ideal time to travel and explore Male's beauty is from July to October, which is the summer and mid-fall season in the Maldives. These months, the weather is similar to Hulhumale, wherein the weather is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, strolling on the beach, and other outdoor activities.
When is the worst time to go?
As the weather in Male and Hulhumale is pretty similar, it isn't recommended to visit the city from September to November or during the fall. This is because of the moderate to heavy rains experienced during these months, so it is not advisable to travel or have outdoor activity.
Most Important Rules of Driving in the Maldives
Going to the best places in the Maldives by car is a fun idea. But before you start your journey in your hired car, it's important to follow the Maldives driving rules. These rules are set by the government of the Maldives to make sure your trip is easy, trouble-free, and safe.
Avoid driving in the winter or rainy seasons
Maldives’ winter is the rainy season from the months November to April, and it is best to avoid driving in heavy rains because it is hazardous that you might get into an accident. After all, the roads are slippery, and there may be a chance of zero visibility due to the heavy rains.
Drive below the speed limit
The general speed limit in the Maldives is 25 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour). This may change, depending on where you're driving. It's best to be mindful and keep an eye on the speed limit signage to avoid breaking a traffic law and get into an accident.
Wear a seatbelt when driving
Wearing a seatbelt is not written on the Maldives rules, but it is a piece of common knowledge and courtesy to always to wear a seatbelt. If you're driving in the Maldives with a child, using a child seat restraint is advisable. Most car rental companies offer to add car accessories and charge an extra fee.
Drive on the left
In the Maldives, the left side of the road is your driving side. If you're from the countries that drive on the right side of the road, it will be confusing and new to you. Do not worry, and you can get used to driving on the left side of the road by practicing driving on the left in your car rental company's parking.
Top Destinations in the Maldives
The Maldives is known for its fascinating views of the Indian Ocean with spectacular glistening beaches. Known as a country abundant with natural wonders, Maldives catches and allures the attention of travelers worldwide. The country is considered one of the best travel and honeymoon destinations, making it perfect for family and intimate getaways. So come, visit, and discover Maldives' beauty.
Hulhumale Island
Hulhumale is one of the main reasons the great nation of Maldives ranks as among the top destinations and most visited tourist spots globally. The island of Hulhumale is accessible and has different brackets of a budget-friendly vacation, where you can still feel a luxurious holiday in the Maldives.
If you're a traveler who wants to relax and idle under the sun, Hulhumale is the best destination for you. Hulhumale is a blessed destination in the Maldives, where it has immense natural wonders and beautiful beaches to explore and discover that every travel enthusiast is thrilled to see.
When is the best time to go?
The ideal time to travel and explore the beauty of Hulhumale is from July to October, the months of summer and mid-fall, wherein the weather is perfect for swimming, excursion, and other outdoor activities in Hulhumale.
When is the worst time to go?
It's not advisable to visit Hulhumale from September to November, due to moderate to heavy rains where the outdoor activities are impossible to do. However, since tourism in Hulhumale is also slow these months, the hotel rates during this time are very affordable and budget-friendly.
Gan
If you're looking for an island that offers a luxurious resort stay that is not isolated and far from the locals, Gan is the best spot for you. Here, you can try and enjoy a luxury vacation while experiencing the fascinating local culture of the Maldives at the same time.
The tourism Gan island gets is due to the islands' history of being an old Word War II military base. Gan's history and historical spots add up to the reasons why tourists want to visit and spend their holiday on the island aside from its beautiful beaches.
When is the best time to go?
The ideal time to visit Gan island is between January to April and July to August because of its temperature and humidity. With the perfect weather, you can do many activities as you visit the island in the mentioned months and maximize the days of your holiday on the island.
When is the worst time to go?
It's not advisable to visit the island from September to November because of the heavy rains on the islands during these months. The rain will hinder all the outdoor activities you can try as you visit Gan island, but the accommodation cost is cheaper around these months.
Male
Male is the capital city of the Maldives, and it's the perfect destination for those who want to experience and drive in the busy streets that are surrounded by towering pleasant infrastructures. The city is rarely visited due to its crammed or narrow streets, but the city is filled with historical and cultural tourist spots that you don't want to miss!
When is the best time to go?
The ideal time to travel and explore Male's beauty is from July to October, which is the summer and mid-fall season in the Maldives. These months, the weather is similar to Hulhumale, wherein the weather is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, strolling on the beach, and other outdoor activities.
When is the worst time to go?
As the weather in Male and Hulhumale is pretty similar, it isn't recommended to visit the city from September to November or during the fall. This is because of the moderate to heavy rains experienced during these months, so it is not advisable to travel or have outdoor activity.
Most Important Rules of Driving in the Maldives
Going to the best places in the Maldives by car is a fun idea. But before you start your journey in your hired car, it's important to follow the Maldives driving rules. These rules are set by the government of the Maldives to make sure your trip is easy, trouble-free, and safe.
Avoid driving in the winter or rainy seasons
Maldives’ winter is the rainy season from the months November to April, and it is best to avoid driving in heavy rains because it is hazardous that you might get into an accident. After all, the roads are slippery, and there may be a chance of zero visibility due to the heavy rains.
Drive below the speed limit
The general speed limit in the Maldives is 25 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour). This may change, depending on where you're driving. It's best to be mindful and keep an eye on the speed limit signage to avoid breaking a traffic law and get into an accident.
Wear a seatbelt when driving
Wearing a seatbelt is not written on the Maldives rules, but it is a piece of common knowledge and courtesy to always to wear a seatbelt. If you're driving in the Maldives with a child, using a child seat restraint is advisable. Most car rental companies offer to add car accessories and charge an extra fee.
Drive on the left
In the Maldives, the left side of the road is your driving side. If you're from the countries that drive on the right side of the road, it will be confusing and new to you. Do not worry, and you can get used to driving on the left side of the road by practicing driving on the left in your car rental company's parking.
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Pricing
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Full refund if not accepted anywhere, plus unlimited free replacements.
Best Value
Print + Digital International Driving Permit
Maximum coverage – includes everything you might need abroad
-
Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
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Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
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Includes a free ID card with English license details
-
Globally recognized & meets international standards
-
Essential for non-English speaking countries
Digital International Driving Permit
Instant Peace of Mind – Ready for Download in Minutes
-
Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
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Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
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Accepted widely, but not in all countries
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Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.
To obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) for the Maldives through the International Drivers Association, you need a valid driver’s license from your home country, a recent passport-sized photo, and a completed online application. The process is simple and can be done entirely online, with a digital International Driving Permit available within minutes and a printed copy shipped worldwide if needed. An International Driving Permit is highly recommended for tourists planning to drive in the Maldives, as it helps authorities verify your credentials.
The legal minimum driving age in the country is 18 years old. And as for the maximum age requirement is 65 years old.
Although a 16-year-old can still drive in the country, you must know that the minimum age to rent a car is 20-21 years old, with a driver’s license that’s held for over a year.
Indian nationals can obtain a visa-on-arrival, issued free of charge and valid for up to 30 days, to travel to the Maldives from India. To ensure a smooth entry, travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages. A Traveler Declaration form must be completed online at least 96 hours before departure. Visitors should also provide proof of accommodation, a confirmed return ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay—approximately $100 plus $50 per day—or a prepaid hotel booking.
The Maldives can be considered expensive for Indian travelers, depending on the type of experience they seek. Accommodation, dining, and activities can vary widely in price. Luxury resorts often charge high rates, particularly guesthouses on local islands, while budget options are available.
Overall, travelers should budget accordingly to enjoy their stay comfortably, considering that costs can accumulate quickly due to the destination's exclusivity and tourism focus.
More International Driving Permits in Asia
An International Driving Permit is a requirement to drive or rent a car in most foreign countries.
Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Indonesia
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
Cambodia
China
United Arab Emirates
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Macau
Malaysia
Mali
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Philippines
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Yemen
Get your International Driving Permit in 8 minutes
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Fast application process
Worldwide acceptance
Money-back guarantee
