maldives security travel

Caution November 14, 2023

Worldwide caution, update november 14, 2023, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

Maldives - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.   

If you decide to travel to Maldives:

• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Maldives.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist  plan for emergency situations.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid Must be valid for six months from expected date of departure from Maldives.

One page required for entry stamp

Visitor visa available at the airport for stays up to 30 days

Required for yellow fever if arriving from an infected area

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy colombo.

210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500 Fax: +(94) (11) 249-8590 [email protected] Maldives Virtual Presence Post

Destination Description

Republic of Maldives consists of 1,190 islands (approximately 200 are inhabited) in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is a presidential republic and has a population of approximately 340,000, with more than 100,000 people residing in the capital city of Malé, and an estimated 110,000 to 120,000 foreign workers. Beautiful atolls, inhabited by over 1,100 species of fish and other sea life, attract about a million visitors each year. Tourism facilities are well developed on the resort islands.  Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid passport, along with an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds, is required for entry. A no-cost visitor visa valid for 30 days is issued upon arrival.

The  Department of Immigration and Emigration  routinely approves requests for extension of stays up to 90 days for travelers who present evidence of sufficient funds and who stay in a resort or hotel or present a letter from a local sponsor. Anyone staying more than 60 days without proper authorization faces heavy fines and deportation.

Travelers need a yellow fever immunization if they are arriving from an infected area. Visit the  Republic of the Maldives, Department of Immigration and Emigration  for the most current visa information.

Arrival by private boat:  Travelers arriving by private yacht or boat are granted no-cost visas, usually valid until the expected date of departure. Vessels anchoring in atolls other than Malé must have prior clearance through agents in Malé. Maldivian customs, police, and/or representatives of Maldivian immigration will meet all vessels regardless of where they anchor. Vessels arriving with a dog on board will be permitted anchorage, but the dog will not be allowed off the vessel. Any firearms or ammunition on board will be held for bond until the vessel’s departure.

Specific inquiries should be addressed to  Maldives High Commission  in Colombo, Sri Lanka, at No. 25, Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 4, telephone (94) (11) 2587827 / 5516302 / 5516303, or the  Maldives Mission to the United Nations  in New York, telephone (212) 599-6195.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Maldives.

Information about  dual nationality , or  prevention of international child abduction  can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page . For a list of prohibited items from entry into the Republic of Maldives, visit the  Maldives Customs Service website  for the most current information.

Safety and Security

There is a global threat from terrorism to U.S. citizens and interests, including from groups or individuals motivated by the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners and “soft targets” such as restaurants, hotels, recreational events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, and aircraft. Concerns have significantly increased about a small number of violent Maldivian extremists who advocate for attacks against secular Maldivians and are involved with transnational terrorist groups. For more information, travelers may consult the State Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism . 

U.S. citizens traveling to Maldives should be aware of violent attacks and threats made against local media, political parties, and civil society.  In the past there have been several killings and violent attacks against secular bloggers and activists.  For more information, travelers may consult the State Department’s 2016 Human Rights Report.

Maldives has a history of political protests. Gangs of young men frequently stage spontaneous protests throughout Malé, often at night. Some of these protests have involved use of anti-Western rhetoric. There are no reports of unrest or demonstrations on the resort islands or at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. Travelers should not engage in political activity in Maldives. Visitors should exercise caution, particularly at night, and should steer clear of demonstrations and spontaneous gatherings. Those who encounter demonstrations or large crowds should avoid confrontation, remain calm, and depart the area quickly.  While traveling in Maldives, travelers should refer to news sources, check the  U.S. Embassy Colombo  website for possible security updates, and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. 

U.S. Embassy employees are not resident in Maldives. This will constrain the Embassy’s ability to provide services to U.S. citizens in an emergency. Many tourist resorts are several hours’ distance from Malé by boat, necessitating lengthy response times by authorities in case of medical or criminal emergencies. 

Crime:  Maldives has a moderate crime rate, although crime on resort islands is rare. Valuables may be stolen when left unattended on beaches or in hotels. Drug use is on the rise among young Maldivians and the penalty for drug use is severe. The capital city of Malé saw a spate of gang violence in August 2014, with several attacks involving the use of edged weapons. Gang activity and gang violence in Malé appears to be on the rise  

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Maldives is 119. Note: This number is only for the police, not for emergency medical services.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

When transiting Maldives, travelers should ensure their luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, which include weapons, ammunition, alcohol, pornography, and religious material offensive to Islam, among other items.  In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.  

Arrest notifications:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Religious Laws:  Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. Religious gatherings such as Bible study groups are prohibited; however, a family unit may practice its religion, including Bible readings, within its residence. It is against the law to invite or encourage Maldivian citizens to attend these gatherings. Offenders may face jail sentences, expulsion, and/or fines. Although Maldivian law prohibits importing “idols for religious worship,” tourists traveling to the resort islands are generally allowed to bring in items and texts used for personal religious observances.

Currency: Credit cards are increasingly accepted outside large hotels and resorts; cash payment in dollars is accepted at most retail shops and restaurants and by taxi drivers.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers .

LGBTI Travelers: See   our   LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  While in Maldives, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The Maldivian constitution provides for the rights and freedom from discrimination of persons with disabilities, and parliament passed a Disability Act in 2010. The new law requires public places such as supermarkets and parks to have facilities that will enable access for people with disabilities. Despite the law, most public places do not yet have access for the disabled, and implementation of the law may take some time.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.  

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Medical Emergencies:  There is no 911 equivalent for medical emergencies in Maldives; 119 is for the police only, and the Coast Guard responds to 191 calls for maritime emergencies. A patient would have to call an individual hospital for ambulance services. The quality of medical care in such instances may be uncertain, and most ambulances are ill equipped.

Medical Facilities:  Maldives has limited medical facilities. There are two hospitals in Malé: the government-owned Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and the privately owned Abduarahman Don Kaleyfan Hospital (ADK). ADK accepts some insurance plans, but IGMH does not. The hospitals perform limited general and orthopedic surgery, but Maldives has no trauma units and a small number of ICU beds. Persons needing treatments not offered in Maldives require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility, such as in Singapore. 

Five recompression chambers are available in Maldives. The largest and longest operating recompression chamber is on Bandos Island (15 minutes by speedboat from Malé). The others are located on Cinnamon Alidhoo Resort, Villingili Resort in Addu, Kuramathi Resort, and Kandholhudhoo Islands.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Traffic Safety, Road and Aviation Conditions:   While in Maldives, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Maldives is provided for general reference only, and may vary by location or circumstance. 

Only a few of the islands are large enough to support automobiles. Most transportation in Maldives is by boat or seaplane (air taxi). Maldives has good safety standards for land, sea and air travel. Roads in Malé and on the airport island are brick and generally well-maintained. Dirt roads on resort islands are well-kept by the resorts. Transportation in Malé is either by foot, by bus, or by readily-available taxis that charge a fixed fee for any single journey. Transportation between the airport and Malé, as well as to nearby resort islands, is by motorized water taxi and speedboat. Trans Maldivian and Maldivian Air Taxi provide charter seaplane service to outlying islands during daylight hours. Maldivian and Fly Me run fixed-wing domestic service to some of the atolls with land runways during night hours as well. Many resorts stop boat transfers between the airport and the resort island after sunset. Visitors to distant resorts arriving in the country at night can expect to stay overnight at a hotel in Malé or at the airport hotel and should confirm transfer arrangements in advance. 

For more information, please visit our  Road Safety  page. We suggest that you visit the  website of the Official Travel Guide of the Maldives  and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Maldives, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Maldives’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Maldives Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to the Maldives

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Maldives entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to the Maldives from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Maldives.

Can I travel to the Maldives if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the Maldives without restrictions.

Can I travel to the Maldives without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the Maldives without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the Maldives?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Maldives.

Can I travel to the Maldives without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the Maldives?

Mask usage in the Maldives is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the Maldives?

Restaurants in the Maldives are open. Bars in the Maldives are .

Updates on the Covid-19 Situation in the Maldives

Maldives Covid-19 Situation Updates

To get the latest updates on COVID-19 for Maldives please visit Health Ministry Covid-19 Dashboard

We recommend following these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

Velana International Airport (VIA) has implemented social distancing measures with clearly visible signs and floor markings in passenger terminals.

All visitors MUST keep a distance of at least ONE meter (3 FEET) between one another at all times, while in these spaces.

Measures at the Border

If an individual exhibits Covid-19 symptoms on arrival, they will have to undergo a PCR test. If you are travelling in a group, all members of the group must undergo testing.

Individuals who have been selected for PCR testing will be escorted to the testing area and then transferred to a transit facility until test results are received. Please note that the Government of Maldives will not bear the costs of these tests or stay at the transit facility.

Government will take every step to ensure that results of tests are available within a maximum period of 24 hours from time at which sample is taken.

Latest Updates

Need any more information on maldives.

COVID-19 Updates - 27th June 2022

Travel restrictions, restrictive measures within maldives.

• State of Public Health Emergency declared from March 12, 2020
• Travel between resorts. safaris and inhabited islands restricted from March 12, 2020
• All excursion activities within Maldives banned from March 13, 2020
• Tourist check in to guest houses and city hotels in Greater Malé Region (Malé, Villimalé and Hulhumalé) suspended from March 14, 2020
• Tourist check in to guest houses and city hotels nationwide suspended from March 17, 2020
• All non-essential travel between islands restricted from April 17, 2020
• Resorts, hotels and liveaboards located in uninhabited islands are to resume operations on 15th July 2020
• Hotels and guest houses located in inhabited islands are to resume operations on 1st August 2020

MAP OF MALDIVES

The islands and resorts are naturally self-isolated.

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 WHILE IN MALDIVES, CALL

• If a case of COVID-19 is identified in a tourist facility, procedures are set in place for the property to work with the government of Maldives to ensure safe return of unaffected tourists to their home country.
• The government of Maldives is closely monitoring and enforcing measures to prevent any effective community spread of the virus.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Maldives travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change.

Last updated: October 26, 2023 04:55 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, maldives - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Maldives due to the threat of terrorism.

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There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and resorts, and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Gang related violence

Populated areas such as Malé and Hulhumale may experience gang-related violence. Remain vigilant.

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, especially on the beach.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. There have been several diving injuries due to poor equipment and poor compliance to safety standards by local dive operators.

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Only a few islands in the Maldives have the infrastructure for automobiles.

Maritime transportation

Most transportation is by boat or seaplane. Motorized water taxis (dhonis) provide transportation between the airport, Malé and nearby resort islands.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Maldivian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry in the Maldives.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

You can get a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. You can extend a tourist visa for a total stay of no more than 90 days.

To obtain a tourist visa, you must also show an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Departure tax

You must pay a departure tax of US$50 before boarding an international flight. However, this fee is usually included in the airfare.

Special permissions

You must obtain permission from Maldivian authorities to visit uninhabited islands and islands outside of the tourism zone.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 31 August, 2023
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 31 August, 2023

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus   is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause   serious birth defects .

Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should   visit a health care professional   before travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country.

Travel recommendations:

• Prevent mosquito bites   at all times.
• If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the duration of your pregnancy.
• Women:   Wait 2 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy. If your male partner travelled with you, wait 3 months after travel or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer).
• Men:   Wait 3 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy.

For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:  Zika virus: Advice for travellers

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

There are three hospitals in Malé that provide adequate service for routine medical problems. Some more isolated islands may be several hours away from medical facilities. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect life imprisonment.

It is illegal to import alcohol. Alcohol is available on resort islands. Travellers are advised not to take any alcohol outside of resorts.

Useful link

• Drugs, alcohol and travel

It is illegal to import weapons and ammunition.

It is illegal to export tortoise shell and coral.

Pornography

Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Maldivian laws prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Maldives.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively, especially outside major cities and coastal resorts
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Religious proselytism

It is illegal to import non-Islamic religious materials or to promote religions other than Islam.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Maldives.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Maldives, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the Maldives.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Maldives by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the Maldives to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left. A local driving permit is required to drive in the Maldives. International driving licences are not permitted.

The currency is the rufiyaa (MVR). Major credit cards are accepted at resorts and hotels. You can exchange U.S. dollars at the airport, banks and hotels. ATMs accept certain foreign bank cards, however, they are only available in Malé and the more populated non-resort islands.

The Maldives are located in an active seismic zone and may be prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning. 

The rainy (monsoon) season extends from November to April in the northeast, and May to October in the southwest.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 119 or +960-332-2111
• medical assistance: 102
• firefighters: 118

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Maldives. The High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka, in Colombo, has consular responsibility for Maldives.

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• English (EN)
• Español (ES)
• Português (BR)

How Safe Is Maldives for Travel?

• Maldives : Safety by City

The Maldives is a country that’s actually an archipelago made up of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 coral atolls right in the Indian Ocean.

The islands that are a part of this country are located south-southwest of India and are considered part of Southern Asia.

The capital, Male, is where you get most of the facilities, so a lot of people living in islands move to Male, even though the islands are way more peaceful, to get better health facilities or better education.

This is probably why Male is considered one of the most densely populated capital cities of the world.

• Warnings & Dangers in Maldives

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Generally speaking, the Maldives are safe for tourists since they mostly travel to its isolated islands usually meant for tourists. However, you shouldn't relax as it definitely isn't without its dangers. Be cautious and apply all precaution measures that you would stick to in your own country.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

You won't use transport much in the Maldives, except from one resort to another maybe, but in general, it's pretty safe, reliable and very well maintained.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpockets do operate here and there, mostly in the capital of Male, but tourists are rarely targeted - because they usually aren't located in Male. Still, you should be careful. Don't flash your belongings in public or leave your valuables in plain sight.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

Tsunamis are the biggest natural threats in the Maldives. The Tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused extensive damage to the Maldives. More than 90 people were killed and there was serious damage to a number of islands, including 19 resort islands.

MUGGING RISK : LOW

There have been very few cases of tourists being mugged or kidnapped. Maldives is a safe country when it comes to violent crime. Still, avoid dark and deserted areas after dark.

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

Terrorist attacks are likely to happen in the Maldives, including in places frequented by tourists. The Maldivian authorities confirmed in 2017 and 2018 that several men had been arrested on terrorism charges relating to terrorism in the Maldives.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

There are scammers in the Maldives but are easily avoided, only if you use your common sense. Like in other touristy places in Asia, the street or store vendors are pretty persuasive and tiring, so if you feel pressured into purchasing goods, leave the store.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Maldives is mostly a safe country for women. However, if you are a woman and plan on going there alone, make sure you don't wear anything of value when leaving your resort. Apply all precaution measures you would in your own country.

• So... How Safe Is Maldives Really?

Even though the crime rates have been increasing in the Maldives for the past couple of year, the fact is that the Maldives are extremely safe for tourists, and here’s why: you will not be staying or even passing in the capital city Malé where all the criminal activities take place.

As a tourist, you will probably be staying in a resort (on a tiny island that has one hotel) and therefore you will be surrounded by other tourists in a leisure and relaxing environment.

A particularly helpful piece of advice here would be not to get involved with any protests that might happen.

Maldives Police Force is often ordered to separate the tourists from any unrest that might happen.

Recently, there have been some political unrest in this country, which is why tourists have been wondering if going to the Maldives is safe at all nowadays.

The situation in the Maldives is a political situation related to the people of the country and not the travelers or the guests, so yes, it is definitely safe to travel there.

The restriction of guns and harmful weapons has definitely contributed to making this place relatively safe, but if you do end up in a dangerous situation, keep in mind that you can absolutely trust the police here.

• How Does Maldives Compare?
• Useful Information
• Visas - You don't need a visa to enter the Maldives, and a thirty-day free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities. Make sure your passport is valid at least six months from your departure and if you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Maldivian embassy for further information.
• Currency - The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the currency of Maldives. Credit cards can be used in resorts and most guesthouses. ATMs can be found in Male and the bigger islands. Bargaining is not part of Maldivian culture so don't try it!
• Weather - The best weather – and the best time to visit the Maldives – is between November and April. The high season falls between December and March. The monsoon runs from May to October, peaking around June.
• Airports - Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport, is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island, close the capital island Malé.
• Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to the Maldives, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Maldives Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Maldives - Safety by City

Explore maldives.

• Are There Sharks in the Maldives?
• Top 6 Beaches in The Maldives
• Where to Next?

2 Reviews on Maldives

Looking forward to visiting.

Being from the Caribbean, a visit to the Maldives is on my travel list as I’m curious to see how the islands compare to ours in the Caribbean. I really appreciate this post providing a great summary of safety in Maldives. It is comforting to know the common tourist spots on the islands are relatively safe.

Resorts are super safe

Truly one to visit at least once in your lifetime. I thought this was a destination for the snotty rich, with chances of me actually enjoying myself slim to nonexistent. I was so, so wrong!

As for safety, if your idea of a vacation is spending your day in the sun with cocktail after cocktail in a 5 star resort, you’ll have zero issues. Resorts are kept separate for a reason; by minimizing the contact you have with the rest of the island they make sure they can.

If you want to visit Male, Maldives’ capital city, you have to be a bit more careful than you normally would if you were in a resort. There’s a ton of traffic so the risk of pickpockets is quite high. We stayed there for one night while waiting for our friends so we could all leave for the resort; it was overpriced and way smaller than our initial estimates. The food was ok, we had a lot of specific restaurants to choose from and the people seemed extremely friendly, no matter where we went. Not an exciting city, by all means, at least for us, we didn’t click at all. We spent one day there and it was more than enough…

Their resorts, on the other hand, even the budget-friendly ones, are something else. If you feel like it, island hopping could be a huge hit, especially if you’re traveling with a bigger crowd; this will keep everyone satisfied and you get access to more water sports than if you had stayed on one island.

The weather is a tricky card though… Be careful to check for monsoon weather, July is a no from what I’ve read. I would hate to have to spend most of the time indoors…

We had the best time there, I couldn’t recommend it enough!

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

Maldives (PDF 260.15 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.31 MB)

Local emergency contacts

General emergency, fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 102 or go directly to the hospital.

Call 3322111.

You can also call the tourist police on 979 0070.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives.

Malé has frequent protests and demonstrations. There are Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 2024. Avoid affected area and follow the advice of local authorities. 

• Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local officials.
• Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including Malé. Petty theft happens on beaches and in hotel rooms. Leave your valuables in a secure location. Monitor local media to avoid trouble spots.
• The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas and torrential rain can occur. Tsunamis can also occur. Keep in contact with friends and family. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• The sea around Maldives can have strong tidal currents and rips. A number of tourists drown every year. There may not be safety information at beaches. Take appropriate precautions.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Insect-borne diseases are a risk, including dengue, Zika virus and chikungunya. Use tropical strength insect repellent.
• Hepatitis and rabies are also a risk. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water.
• Medical services, including emergency services and decompression chambers, are limited. It can take several hours to reach medical facilities. If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. This can be very expensive.

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include life imprisonment.
• Serious crimes, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.
• It's illegal to import or drink alcohol unless you're on a resort island.
• It's illegal to publicly observe any religion other than Islam. Don't import pornography or pork products. 
• Maldives recognises dual citizenship. 
• Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Malé and non-resort islands. Dress modestly in Malé and non-resort islands. Take care not to offend.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You can get a tourist visa on arrival to Maldives, provided you meet all entry requirements. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives  for details about visas, currency, and customs.
• All travellers to Maldives must complete a  Traveller Declaration  within 96 hours before departure to and return from Maldives. 
• Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel.
• Maldives may implement curfews, travel restrictions between islands, and entry restrictions at short notice. If you're in Maldives, follow the Maldivian tourism and health guidelines.
• The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though $US is accepted at most resort islands.
• You can change money and use ATMs in Malé and many larger islands. Take cash if you're travelling to other areas.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Contact the Australian High Commission in Malé, Republic of Maldives for consular help.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in Maldives and can turn violent. 

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid all protests and large public gatherings
• monitor the media for planned or possible unrest
• obey curfews and seek local advice on safety and security
• follow the instructions of security personnel and local authorities

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorism can occur anywhere in Maldives at any time. Possible targets include government institutions and tourist areas.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist attack:

• avoid crowded areas
• always be alert
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other sources

Since February 2020, there have been several terrorism offences, including a stabbing attack on three foreigners in Hulhumalé, where an Australian was injured. Other incidents include an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Malé in May 2021, which injured a high-profile politician and bystanders.

Terrorist threats

Drug-related crime occurs in Malé and other cities in Maldives.

Gang-related violence, including knife crime, has increased in urban areas, including Malé and Hulhumalé.

There is an ongoing risk of petty crime in Maldives, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crimes. Be careful of theft in crowds and these locations:

• hotels and guesthouses

To protect yourself from petty theft:

• carry only what you need
• leave valuables, including your passport, in a secure location
• follow local media for new security risks
• avoid trouble spots

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as water sports.

If you plan to do an adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check the operator credentials and safety equipment before you book
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Climate and natural disasters

The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas, torrential rain and flash flooding can happen.

If there is a natural disaster or severe weather :

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location or carry it on you at all times (in a waterproof bag)
• keep in contact with friends and family
• consult your tour operator about disruptions to your travel plans

Tsunamis can occur in Maldives. These are caused by nearby or distant earthquakes .

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance .

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Maldives. Take enough legal medicine for your trip and consider bringing an extra supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

There is a risk of insect-borne diseases in Maldives. These include:

• chikungunya

Zika virus is a risk to pregnant women. Read the Australian Department of Health's Zika virus bulletin for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself against insect bites:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use tropical strength mosquito and insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other diseases are common. These include:

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Medical care

Hospital services, including rescue and emergency services, are limited.

There are two general hospitals in Malé. They offer general medical and some specialist services. The larger private hospital in Malé offers a wider range of services.

It can take several hours to reach a hospital from resort islands.

Facilities are limited for scuba-diving injuries. There are limited decompression chambers in Maldives. It may take several hours to reach these in an emergency. Dive within safety limits.

You may need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for carrying or using illegal drugs offences are severe and can include mandatory jail sentences and life imprisonment.

If you're caught with even a small amount of illegal drugs, you can be charged with trafficking. 

Carrying or using drugs

The death penalty can apply for serious crimes, such as murder.

In Maldives it's illegal to:

• import alcohol
• drink alcohol — unless you're on a resort island
• import pornography
• import pork products — see Maldives Customs

It is illegal to:

• publicly observe any religion other than Islam
• import non-Islamic religious material

LGBTI travellers

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Maldives.

Non-resorts islands

A permit is no longer required to visit a non-resort island.

Provided you have entered Maldives with a valid visa, you have permission to travel to any part of the country.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Maldives recognises dual nationality.

Dual nationals

Local customs

Dress and behaviour.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in most parts of Maldives.

Dress modestly in Malé (covering shoulders and knees for women) and on non-resort islands.

Take care not to offend. Public displays of affection outside of resorts are likely to cause offence.

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Maldives. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. 

Resort islands generally don't need to follow the rules of Ramadan, though guesthouses on inhabited local islands will. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You can get a tourist visa on arrival to Maldives, provided that you meet all entry requirements. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel. You must complete a  Traveller Declaration  form 96 hours before departure to and return from Maldives.

Tourists must have a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility before entering Maldives. 

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Maldives if you're coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever .

Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

You can change money at resorts, though many will accept $US. You can also change money and use ATMs at banks in Malé and many larger islands.

Carry cash if you're travelling to other areas.

Most hotels and major tourist facilities accept credit cards.

Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in Maldives.

Local travel

Travel between islands is by boat or seaplane.

Driving permit

To drive in Maldives, you'll need both:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a current Australian driver's licence

If you drive without an IDP, you may not be covered by your travel or vehicle insurance.

Road travel

There are few roads and vehicles in Maldives.

Road traffic accidents are common. Pedestrians and those travelling on motorcycles are at high risk of accidents. Follow road safety regulations and stay alert at all times.

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer to see if you're covered to use a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Most helmets you can buy or rent in Maldives don't meet Australian standards.

Taxis and water taxis

Only use licensed taxis and limousines. Ask your hotel to arrange taxis.

Many resorts operate water taxis between the airport and other islands.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Public transport

Public transport options are limited on land.

Ferries operate between major islands.

Contact your hotel for details.

Travelling by boat

Cruise ships and foreign flagged yachts arriving in Maldives must adhere to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and guidelines.

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Maldives' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Malé.

Australian High Commission, Malé

Level 5, JEN Maldives Malé

Ameer Ahmed Magu

Malé 20096, Republic of Maldives

Phone: +960 334 0080

Website:  Australian High Commission, Maldives

Facebook:   Australia in Maldives

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Is Maldives Safe? Travel Advice and Things to Know

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As per the rule (updated on August 23, 2021), travellers can enter Maldives upon presenting negative RT-PCR test results for a sample taken 96 hours prior to departure and first point of embarkation.

Health Risks in the Maldives

Maldives Safety While Travelling

Crime in the Maldives: Is Maldives Safe?

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Laws and Customs of Maldives

Emergency Numbers

• Emergency: 119
• Police Hotline: 332 2111
• Family and Child Protection Department: 979 0163 Fire: 118
• Ambulance: 102 

This post was published by Sonali Garg

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Current travel advisories for Maldives

Hinweis: der Gesamtscore für dieses Land gibt aktuell einen falschen Wert aus. Bitte prüft die Quellen. Note: the total score for this country shows a wrong value. Please check the sources.

Last Update: Wednesday, 15. November 2023 at 07:23

• World Overview
• Southern Asia

Please reconsider your need to travel to Maldives.

Current situation : 3.4 / 5, bordering countries: 0 / 5.

This country does not share any land based borders with another country.

Current informationen on Covid-19

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control currently reports of no cases of COVID-19 (infection with SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus).

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Single advisories / travel warnings

New zealand government.

Quelle: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/maldives

National warning: This advisory covers the whole country.

Brief summary: Exercise increased caution in the Maldives, including on Malé Island, due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Danger level: 2

Exercise increased caution / Some Risk.

US American government

Quelle: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/maldives-travel-advisory.html

Brief summary: Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.   

Finnish government

Quelle: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/MV

Brief summary: Iaktta normal försiktighet -

Travel is usually safe. .

Canadian government

Quelle: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/maldives

Brief summary: The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution.

Danger level: 3

Exercise a high degree of caution.

If there is more than one advisory/message of a single government for a given country, it indicates regional differences in means of security for your personal health and well-being. Single messages can indicate specific regions to be safer or less safe as mentioned in the main advisory. In these cases it's advisable to consult your own governments information. Additional Disclaimer: Since the evaluation is an automated process, it can only provide first steps for your own research. Please make sure to consult the sources.

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Basic facts

Airports in Maldives (extern)

Frequently asked questions

This section gives some brief answers to common questions regarding travel safety in Maldives.

Is Maldives safe to travel in 2020?

We see a slighty raised risk with traveling to Maldives. The risk index is at 3.4 (out of 5). We recommend you check the single sources.

How many countries have issued advisories for Maldives?

We currently know of 7 countries having issued advisories for Maldives.

What countries does Maldives share land borders with?

Travel Advice for Maldives

Going to Maldives and need to know about the latest government travel advice for Maldives? Find the updated travel advice and travel warnings for Maldives from governments around the world, here.

General Travel Advice and Warnings for Maldives

The decision to travel to Maldives is your choice and you are in charge of your individual health and safety whilst in Maldives.

The web content on this page is given information only and compiled from travel advice and warnings for Maldives by authorities around the globe to their citizens.

While we strive to offer you correct travel advice details, it is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.

This owners of this site does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information given.

Standard Cautions You Need to Bear In Mind Whilst Taking a Trip in Maldives

Crime – Petty criminal activities such as pick pocketing in a jampacked surrounding to sexual assault and robberies do happen in bigger cities of Maldives. Ensure that all your personal valuables, including passports and other traveling documents, are safe at all times.

Terrorism – Constantly be aware of your surroundings when in public areas. Be particularly vigilant if participating in sporting occasions and during religious holidays and various other public celebrations, as terrorists frequently make use of such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations and Protests – Demonstrations might take place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. It is in your interest of safety and security to stay away from locations where demonstrations and huge gatherings are taking place and comply with the directions of local authorities. Monitor local media in Maldives for details on on-going demonstrations in Maldives.

Scams – Exercise caution in crowded tourist locations in Maldives, where scammers target tourists. If you have actually been scammed in Maldives, get to a safe area immediately; take note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; notify the cops in Maldives and obtain a record and if your credit card is used by the scammer call your credit card company to inform the scam; they will likely ask for a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction.

Spiked Food and Drinks – Never leave food or beverages unattended or in the care of strangers whilst travelling in Maldives or anywhere else. Be wary of accepting snacks, drinks, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items might have drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and mugging.

What is the entry/exit requirements for Maldives?

Every nation or territory determines who can get in or leave through its borders, in the same manner Maldives decides exactly who enter its borders. The Government of your home country cannot interfere on your behalf if you do not fulfill your Maldives’s entry or exit requirements.

For more information concerning the entry/exit requirement for Maldives see visa requirements for Maldives or obtain the most up to date information with the visa office at the Maldivian consulate in your home country.

Travel insurance policy for Maldives

Travel health cover is one of the major factors visitors obtain travel insurance. It will not stop you getting sick or seriously injured, though it can avoid you suffering financially. Medical assistance overseas can be really expensive.

You should shell out for all healthcare you get overseas. You can’t expect to get free or subsidised treatment through your Maldives’s public health system, like you would in your home country.

If you can’t pay, local authorities might detain you. The government from your home country can’t pay you health care expense for you, loan you cash or get you out of jail.

You require travel insurance coverage for travelling to Maldives . You also need to make certain you pick a plan that is right for you.

Read the small print of your travel insurance policy.

Declare all pre-existing conditions to your travel insurance company upfront. If you don’t, you may invalidate your travel insurance policy.

Inform your travel insurance company the activities you intend to do, before you go. Many common activities like snowboarding are left out in standard policies. You may require to pay extra.

Check if you have complimentary credit card travel insurance. Some cards include travel insurance cover. However, they typically have different conditions than paid policies. Be aware of the differences.

If you’re visiting Maldives from a country that has a reciprocatory health care agreement, you still require travel medical insurance. Agreements are restricted in what they’ll will cover.

If you have a terminal disease, you might not have the ability to get standard travel insurance. Nonetheless you may be able to get a specialised insurance company that covers you for health, accidents or property problems unconnected to your ailment. Speak with your insurance firm to learn.

Learn more about obtaining global travel insurance policy for Maldives before you go.

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Your Trip to the Maldives: The Complete Guide

Made up of nearly 1,200 coral islands strung north to south in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the most popular beach destinations on the planet. Known for world-class diving, miles of empty white-sand beaches, and resorts oozing with luxury, the Maldives isn’t always the most budget-friendly destination (though bargains can be found). But if you’re looking for mind-blowing sunsets, sugary sand, and the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen, break out your credit card and book a flight. Read on for our complete Maldives visitor’s guide, and learn the best places to stay, eat, dive, and explore in this spectacular tropical locale.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time To Visit: In true tropical island style, temperatures in the Maldives average 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) year-round, and there are only two main seasons; dry and wet. The dry season comes in fall and winter, from November through April, with temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The low, monsoon season runs from May through October, with the wettest month usually falling in June. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

Getting Around: As an island nation spread across hundreds of miles of the ocean, it’s only natural that boats are the country’s transport mainstay, so prepare your sea legs (or Dramamine). For those staying near the capital or attempting a more budget holiday, ferries are offered between some of the more populated islands in the Malé Atoll capital area. Speedboat taxis can be hired for short-distance island hopping, and private resort speedboats whisk guests away to properties in the immediate vicinity. For resorts set in distant atolls, further transport will be via seaplane or a domestic flight to one of the more far-flung airports followed by speedboat transfer to the resort.

Travel Tip: Many visitors to the Maldives must travel by seaplane to reach their final destination, so it’s important to note that seaplanes only operate during daylight hours. If your flight arrives after dark, consider staying at a nearby hotel on either Hulhulé Island or in nearby Malé city.

Things to Do

This is a country surrounded by water, water, and more water, so it's only natural that water sports have emerged as the leading activity in the Maldives. Landlubbers can bask in the sun on deserted sandbanks, or perhaps spend the day in one of the dozens of spas dotted at upmarket resorts throughout the nation.

• Diving: Some of the world's best diving can be found in the Maldives' coral atolls. Spot whale sharks and manta rays from May through November in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or dive deep with octopi and reef sharks to explore some of the area's famed shipwrecks.
• Water sports: Snorkeling, stand-up paddle, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and every other water sport imaginable are available year-round. Most resorts include access to non-motorized water sports equipment, and the larger populated islands generally have water sports rental facilities.
• Spa experiences: The Maldives is home to some of the most indulgent hotel spas in the world. These havens of tranquility offer everything from Thai massages set in overwater villas, to underwater treatment rooms, to complete detox, rejuvenation, or restoration packages. Most resorts have a spa on the property, so it's only a matter of choosing which will best suit your budget and relaxation desires.
• Nothing: Perhaps the ultimate activity of all in the Maldives is doing absolutely nothing. This definition of "nothing" means laying on a sun lounger on one of the country's best beaches , staring into the sea-green distance while sipping ice-cold coconut water and reading a novel.

What to Eat and Drink

Maldivian cuisine borrows mainly from India and Sri Lanka, which both highlight hot, spicy flavors. But in the Maldives, what you’ll eat largely depends on where you stay. High-end resorts offer a variety of a la carte local and international fare in a host of luxurious settings, including in overwater and underwater restaurants .

Budget resorts are more likely to provide buffet meals with both Western and Asian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also small local eateries and cafes on many of the inhabited islands, purveying specialties such as fish cakes, soups, and curries.

Alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives (except for tourists at licensed hotels and resorts), so don’t expect to wash down your curry with a beer in any of the local establishments. Many of the more upmarket resorts, however, have full bars, and even wine cellars with hundreds of vintages to choose from.

Where to Stay

If visitors stay in the city of Malé, it’s rarely for more than one night, as there’s not much going on in the capital other than commerce, a few restaurants, and a museum or two. Most visitors stay in one of the dozens of resorts, which are often set on private islands in one of the country’s myriad coral atolls.

Accommodations vary widely in the Maldives, from rustic local guesthouses to some of the world’s most expensive resorts. If you’re on a budget, there are a handful of guesthouses and small hotels in many of the inhabited islands, such as in the North Malé Atoll or Ari Atoll.

There are also a variety of all-inclusive resorts, which range widely in quality. Check out Adaaran Prestige Vadoo , which is only 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and has overwater villas with private pools, or the chic design and five restaurants at LUX* South Ari Atoll .

The Maldives’ lineup of five-star resorts are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Postcard-perfect beaches, overwater villas, serene spas, and private butlers are only a taste of what to expect should you choose to splurge. Some of the most popular (and expensive) options include chains such as the Four Seasons , St. Regis , and the Six Senses , plus properties like Soneva Jani , which features massive overwater villas with private pools and waterslides, or Huvafen Fushi Maldives which has the world’s first and only underwater spa.

Getting There

The gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), formerly Malé International Airport, which is set on an island adjacent to the capital city of Malé. Upon arrival, the best transport mode depends on where you’re staying. A bridge connects the airport (on Hulhulé Island) to adjacent Malé city, or there are taxis, speedboat taxis, and regularly scheduled (though not always on time) ferries.

The Maldives’ seafaring past and Indian Ocean location means the remote country has been heavily influenced by its closest neighbors, India and Sri Lanka, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. Many visitors will only see the surroundings of their chosen resort, but the Maldives possesses cultural treasures on the local islands and in Malé that are also worth exploring.

• One of the oldest mosques in the Maldives is the Malé Hukuru Miskiy, or Old Friday Mosque, which was built from ornately carved coral in 1658. The mosque is set on Hulhulé Island, an easy taxi ride from the airport.
• The Maldives National Museum in Malé is a compact yet illuminating repository for the country’s prized artifacts. Displays range from ancient to modern times and contain everything from religious carvings to whale skeletons to lacquered wood boxes handmade by Maldivian craftspeople.
• Across Sultan Park from The Maldives National Museum is The National Art Gallery. Established in 1999, this relatively new museum houses collections of Maldivian art from both past and present.

Money-Saving Tips

• May through October is monsoon season in much of Southeast Asia, and the Maldives is no exception. Although summer can sometimes bring heavy rainfall and severe storms, most often there are only afternoon showers, and risking a visit during these monsoon months (particularly June, considered the wettest month) means deep discounts compared to visiting the country during the peak season.
• Since alcohol is heavily taxed and marked-up in the Maldives, a drinks bill at the end of your trip can pose a hefty surprise. To keep the holiday stress-free and the umbrella drinks coming, consider choosing an all-inclusive package if you plan to indulge in adult libations during your stay.

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Maldives:  UNODC strengthens officials’ capacities to prevent and respond to IED threats

Male, Maldives/12 October 2023 : Enhancing inter-agency coordination and collaboration, as well as the sharing of best practices, is a critical imperative in the ongoing global effort to combat the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for terrorist purposes. The ever-evolving nature of terrorism, coupled with the destructive potential of IEDs, necessitates a unified and proactive approach among law enforcement, security agencies, and international organizations. By fostering cooperation and disseminating effective strategies, nations can better prepare, respond, and ultimately mitigate the threats posed by IEDs.

In this backdrop, UNODC trained over 20 officials from key institutions within the Maldives’ public administration engaged in preventing and countering terrorism at a workshop in Male. Participants included officials from the Maldives Customs Service, Financial Intelligence Unit, Attorney General’s Office, Prosecutor General’s Office, Aviation Security Command, Criminal Court, Maldives Police Service, National Counter Terrorism Centre, as well as the Defence Intelligence Service and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal units within the Maldives National Defence Force.

Covering over ten thematic sessions, the training was delivered in person and in a hybrid format by experts from UNODC, INTERPOL and the World Custom Organization among others. Discussions focused on technical aspects of inter-agency coordination and collaboration and the financial disruption of terrorism and related IED networks. The legal aspects and criminal justice responses linked to the applicable normative framework in preventing and countering IEDs were also examined in depth.

With the training, participants increased knowledge and understanding of inter-agency cooperation and collaboration between national officials in the Maldives. They also displayed an enhanced awareness in the effective use of international databases and evolving responses to counter IED in terrorism-related offenses through upstream network disruption.

The workshop took place within the framework of the project “Support to Addressing the Risk of Terrorism and to Increasing Security in the Maldives”, carried out with funding by the European Union. The workshop was designed in line with the findings of the ‘Counter-IED Capability Maturity Model and Self-Assessment Tool Report,’ drafted in 2021 under a previous UNODC project also funded by the European Union.

Taking forward this capacity-building initiative, UNODC will organize a follow-up course, tentatively scheduled for the last quarter of 2023. Building on the outcomes of the workshop, the following event will address aspects linked to cross-regional and international cooperation, and good practices in the disruption, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of offences involving the use of IEDs.

This activity contributed to SDG 5, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Funded by the European Union)

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https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/india-china-fight-for-influence-over-tiny-archipelago-nation-e7dca8ca

India, China Fight for Influence Over Tiny Archipelago Nation

New delhi’s foothold in the maldives faces test after president-elect vows to oust indian security forces.

Listen to article

(8 minutes)

NEW DELHI—The fierce rivalry between India and China for influence in the Indian Ocean is on display in the tiny archipelago nation of Maldives, better known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters than as a strategic military outpost.

The Maldives is already awash with Chinese loans, which have helped fund new high rises on an artificial island, roads and a landmark bridge. Now Indian loans and grants are behind a $500 million bridge project connecting three islands to the capital city of Malé.

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CBP Releases October 2023 Monthly Update

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection today released monthly operational statistics for October 2023, which show an overall decrease in migrant encounters along the southwest border, even as we continue to see the largest displacement of individuals globally since World War II.  CBP Monthly reporting can be viewed online.

“In conjunction with our resumption of removal flights to Venezuela consistent with delivering consequences for those who cross the border unlawfully, CBP saw a 65 percent decrease in southwest border encounters of Venezuelans in the second half of October, compared to the second half of September. In October, CBP also saw an overall decrease of 14 percent between ports of entry, as well as an overall decrease of family units. We continue to enhance our border security posture and remain vigilant,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “CBP’s narcotics seizures in October highlight our work on the frontline in the fight against fentanyl and other dangerous substances entering the United States – but we need more resources to sustain and increase these efforts. The President’s supplemental budget request is critical to funding the frontline, and would provide much-needed personnel, resources, and technology to go after transnational criminal organizations, enhance border security – including the enforcement of consequences for those who break the law – and support state and local partners, all to keep Americans safe.”  

Below are key operational statistics for CBP’s primary mission areas in October 2023. View all CBP statistics online. 

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration 

CBP remains steadfast in enforcing our immigration laws: increasing operational capabilities as needed, deploying new technology, and fielding additional resources to support our border security mission and to act as a force multiplier for our agents and officers on the ground. Recognizing that transnational criminal organizations continue to prey on vulnerable migrants, we are actively working to combat the spread of disinformation by smugglers. We are working closely with foreign governments, including in particular our partners in Mexico, to ensure a regional approach to addressing and curtailing irregular migration.  

CBP is processing all noncitizens under Title 8 immigration authorities, and placing noncitizens who cross the border unlawfully into Expedited Removal or Section 240 Removal Proceedings. Noncitizens who cross between the ports of entry or who present themselves at a port of entry without making a CBP One™ appointment and have traveled through another country without claiming asylum are subject to the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. This rule presumes asylum ineligibility for those who fail to use lawful pathways, with certain exceptions.  

Individuals and families without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. are subject to removal pursuant to CBP’s longstanding Title 8 authorities. These individuals and families are subject to a minimum five-year bar on reapplying for admission and potential criminal prosecution if they subsequently re-enter without authorization. Through coordination, planning, and execution that includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, since May 2023 and through October 31st, DHS removed or returned over  355,000  individuals, including more than  54,000  individual family members. DHS has removed or returned more individual family members in the last six months than in any previous full fiscal year.  

In October 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 188,778 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border, a decrease of 14% from September 2023. CBP’s total encounters along the southwest border in October were 240,988 , a decrease of 11% from September 2023.  

Among CBP’s 240,988 total southwest border encounters in October 2023, encounters of family unit individuals decreased by 14% and encounters of unaccompanied children decreased by 16% from September. Additionally, encounters with single adults also decreased by 7% .  

On October 5, DHS announced that the United States would begin to return Venezuelans back to their home country. On October 18, DHS conducted the first removal flight to Venezuela and flights have been taking place regularly since then. CBP encounters of Venezuelans at the southwest border dropped 65% from October 15-30, compared to September 15-30. 

CBP’s message for anyone who is thinking of entering the United States illegally along the southwest border is simple: don’t do it. When noncitizens cross the border unlawfully, they put their lives in peril. The U.S. Border Patrol has undertaken significant efforts in recent years to expand capacity to aid and rescue individuals in distress. To prevent the loss of life, CBP initiated a Missing Migrant Program in 2017 that locates noncitizens reported missing, rescues individuals in distress, and reunifies decedents’ remains with their families in the border region. In October 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol conducted 1,198 rescues.  

View more migration statistics and rescues statistics .  

CBP One™ App 

The CBP One™ mobile application remains a key component of DHS’s efforts to incentivize noncitizens to use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways and disincentivize attempts to cross between ports of entry. In October, CBP processed more than 44,000 individuals at ports of entry utilizing advanced information submitted in CBP One™. 

Since the appointment scheduling function in CBP One™ was introduced in January 2023 through the end of October, nearly 324,000 individuals have successfully scheduled appointments to present at a port of entry using CBP One™. The top nationalities who have scheduled appointments are Venezuelan, Mexican, and Haitian.  

A percentage of daily available appointments are allocated to the earliest registered CBP One™ profiles, so noncitizens who have been trying to obtain appointments for the longest time will be prioritized. CBP is continually monitoring and evaluating the application to ensure its functionality and guard against bad actors. 

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs 

As the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs before they enter our communities. CBP’s combination of interdiction and intelligence capabilities, complemented by its border search authorities, scientific services, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and canine detection teams, places it at the forefront of the U.S. government’s efforts to combat fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.  

In October CBP released an updated, comprehensive strategy to continue to fight fentanyl and synthetic drugs. The  CBP Strategy to Combat Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs drives a whole-of-CBP approach that feeds into the work taking place all across DHS as we lead interagency efforts against illicit synthetic narcotics. This 2023 strategy aligns resources, enhances partnerships, and builds on the successful enforcement intelligence and data-driven  operations  CBP has executed this year, while leveraging CBP’s vast expertise and data holdings to disrupt the transnational criminal organizations responsible for the illicit production, distribution, and trafficking of illicit fentanyl, its analogues, and other synthetic drugs in the United States. 

As an immediate first step in implementing the updated fentanyl strategy, CBP recently announced Operation Apollo: a southern California counter-fentanyl joint operation, with a focus on intelligence collection. The CBP-led operation will concentrate law enforcement efforts on disrupting drug and chemical supply, collecting and sharing intelligence, and leveraging valuable partnerships. Participating agencies, led by CBP, include state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies as well as federal agencies from within DHS including Homeland Security Investigations, and other federal agencies that have a nexus to narcotics trafficking as well as the intelligence community.    

Following the success of Operation Blue Lotus earlier this year, Department of Homeland Security announced the next phase of its surge campaign to target and prevent fentanyl from entering the United States. Operation Artemis, led by CBP, leveraged intelligence and investigative information derived from Blue Lotus to target drug traffickers’ fentanyl supply chains and interdict items required in the production of fentanyl. In four months of operation, Operation Artemis led to over 900 seizures, including over 13,000 pounds of fentanyl precursor chemicals, over 2,590 pounds of non-fentanyl precursor chemicals, 142 pill presses and 325 pill molds, more than 270 pounds of fentanyl pills and powder, and more than 210 pounds of Xylazine, more than 1,160 pounds of methamphetamine, and over 11,230 pounds of other finished synthetic drugs. 

CBP seized 1,661 pounds of fentanyl in October 2023. In FY 2023, CBP seized more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, compared with over 14,600 pounds in FY 2022. CBP’s fentanyl seizures in FY 2023 increased more than 860% compared to FY 2019.  

View more drug seizure statistics. 

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security  

As international travel rises, CBP continues to leverage technology to streamline efficiency and increase security at air and land ports of entry. Travelers arriving by air into the United States increased 17% from October 2022 to October 2023, and pedestrians arriving by land at ports of entry increased 8.5% over the same period. Passenger vehicles processed at ports of entry increased 2.6% from October 2022 to October 2023.  

CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible and to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. In October 2023, CBP processed more than $2.9 million entry summaries valued at more than $289 billion . CBP identified nearly $6.8 billion of duties to be collected by the U.S. government. In October, trade via the maritime environment accounted for 40% of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail. 

View more travel statistics , and trade statistics . 

CHNV Parole Processes 

Building upon the successful parole process established for Venezuelans one year ago in October 2022, the parole processes for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua announced by President Biden on January 5, 2023, have significantly reduced irregular migration and denied smugglers the opportunity to exploit individuals who have instead benefited from the expansion of safe, orderly, and humane pathways.   

Through the end of October 2023, 269,744 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole under the parole processes. Specifically, 57,243 Cubans, 107,697 Haitians, 48,840 Nicaraguans, and 77,021 Venezuelans were vetted and authorized for travel; and 55,568 Cubans, 99,110 Haitians, 43,267 Nicaraguans, and 71,801 Venezuelans arrived and were granted parole. 

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains  

CBP continues to lead U.S. government efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. In October, CBP stopped 504 shipments valued at more than $199 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor. 

Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers. In October, CBP seized 1,499 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $160 million if the items had been genuine. 

View more UFLPA enforcement statistics , and intellectual property rights enforcement statistics. 

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System  

Through targeting, detection, and interception, CBP agriculture specialists work to prevent threats from entering the United States. 

CBP issued 5,803 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States in October 2023. CBP conducted 94,931 positive passenger inspections and issued 630 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.  

View more agricultural enforcement statistics . 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

House passes temporary plan to avoid a catastrophic government shutdown heading into holidays: Recap

WASHINGTON — Bipartisan House lawmakers approved newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal to avoid a government shutdown − his first major test as the lower chamber’s leader.

Johnson pushed a two-tiered, short-term measure to fund the government, referred to as a “laddered” continuing resolution, until deadlines in January and February. It's an unusual approach compared to previous stopgap bills, which extended all government functions until one deadline.

A handful of ultraconservative GOP lawmakers said they would vote against the continuing resolution, which is called “clean” because it keeps government funding at current levels.

But a swell of Democrats supported the plan, ensuring its passage. While Democrats had reservations about the “laddered” approach, the bill included no spending cuts that conservatives demanded.

Catch up with USA TODAY's coverage as lawmakers work to avert a government shutdown.

What happens next?

The stopgap measure will now head to the Senate floor where leadership on both sides have indicated they will support it.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday he plans to bring the continuing resolution to the Senate floor “as soon as possible.” He said the proposal includes provisions Democrats have pushed for: Averting a shutdown without including Republican-backed cuts to federal programs. 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has also indicated he will support the stopgap measure when it comes to the Senate floor.

– Rachel Looker 

House passes continuing resolution, lowering government shutdown odds

The House approved the short-term stopgap measure to fund the government and avert a shutdown, kicking the can down the road once again for Congress to pass a longer-term deal to keep the government’s doors open.

The stopgap bill led by newly installed House Speaker Johnson – referred to as a continuing resolution – passed the lower chamber by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 336-95..

Johnson, R-La., and House Republican Leadership have touted the continuing resolution as a conservative victory, but the bill, which was Johnson’s first major test of his speakership, didn’t sail through the House without a lot of heartache from its hard-right members who were adamant that any funding plan include spending cuts or conservative policy additions.

Vote delayed to consider amendments to budget bill

The continuing resolution vote was delayed to consider 10 amendments to the House budget bill covering the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. Most of the amendments will be given two minutes for a vote. 

The House is expected to vote on the temporary funding measure shortly before 5:45 p.m.

– Riley Beggin

When was the last government shutdown?

The last government shutdown  lasted from  Dec. 22, 2018  to  Jan. 25, 2019 . Spanning 35 days, it was the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

It was also the third federal shutdown to occur during the Trump administration; the first  lasted three days  in January 2018, and the second lasted only a few hours in  February 2018 .

−Olivia Munson

House Democratic leaders back Johnson's continuing resolution

House Democratic leadership issued a joint statement supporting Johnson’s funding plan to avert a government shutdown, saying it is “devoid of harmful cuts and free of extreme right-wing policy riders.”

While it was expected for Democrats to support the measure, the official statement significantly lowers the chances of a government shutdown. House Democrats have insisted any continuing resolution to extend government funding be “clean.”

The joint statement from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California and Vice Chair Ted Lieu of California added that “it is time for House Republicans to finally work the Democratic Caucus and the Senate” on the appropriation bills ahead to fund the government long-term.

Ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus balks at plan to avoid a government shutdown

The House Freedom Caucus, a group of lawmakers that make up the House's right flank, vowed on Tuesday morning that they will not support Johnson's plan to temporarily avoid a government shutdown.

The measure "contains no spending reductions, no border security, and not a single meaningful win for the American People," the group said in a news release, adding "Republicans must stop negotiating against ourselves."

– Ken Tran and Marina Pitofsky

Government shutdown travel impact: Here's what to know

The deepest impact  would not be on your flight or cruise .

Funding to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection  would be on hold . However, the agents who you typically interact with at airports and seaports, and the controllers who oversee your flights  are considered essential and will be working without pay during the shutdown .

Impacts on those agencies have more to do with things like hiring and training. All the crucial safety functions like inspections and air traffic control continue.

Consular operations in the U.S. and internationally will also continue normally “as long as there are sufficient fees” collected to support them, according to the  most recent guidance  from the State Department. “This includes passports, visas, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad.”

There could be economic repercussions, though. A government shutdown is estimated to cost the country's travel economy as much as $140 million per day, according to an  analysis  for the U.S. Travel Association.

− Zach Wichter and Nathan Diller

What is a furlough?

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees would face furloughs if Congress can't avoid a government shutdown. But what is a furlough?

A furlough is a temporary leave of absence imposed by an employer, typically due to economic hardship, company expenses outpacing revenue or a lack of work. Affected employees are required to take time off work on a temporary basis, sometimes without pay.

Furloughs can come in the form of reduced hours of work per day, fewer days of work per week or month or no work at all for extended periods of time.

Furloughed employees are technically still employed and therefore do not qualify for things like severance pay but may be able to get temporary work elsewhere during their leave, depending on state rules and other policies.

– Mary Walrath-Holdridge

What happens during a government shutdown?

A government shutdown  takes place when Congress is unable to pass a dozen annual spending bills that funnel money to government programs and agencies.

A shutdown is likely when both chambers in Congress − the House and Senate − can’t come to an agreement on how much money to allocate to certain agencies or agree on certain spending provisions, putting federal agencies at risk. A partial government shutdown can occur if Congress is able to pass any of the 12 individual spending bills. 

When both chambers can't reach a compromise, funding levels expire and federal agencies must cease all non-essential function. 

−Rachel Looker

What are the chances of a government shutdown? Senate Republicans welcome temporary spending plan, prepare to support it

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., praised Johnson's leadership as the funding extension appears likely to pass this afternoon with bipartisan support. 

"It's nice to see us working together to end a government shutdown," he said. "I'm happy for him."

Asked what is the likelihood that Senate leaders will agree to bypass the right to a filibuster in order to approve the funding agreement quickly, GOP Whip Sen. John Thune of South Dakota said "there's a high level of interest in moving the process along" and indicated he thinks the measure will "pass fairly easily" in the Senate.

Will mail be delivered in a government shutdown?

The Postal Service is an independent entity generally funded by the sale of its products and services − not tax dollars − and it will not be impacted by a government shutdown, USPS said in a statement. Because it's not impacted, employees will be paid normally.

"Postal Service operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all Post Offices will remain open for business as usual," the statement said.

−Candy Woodall

When will the House vote today?

House lawmakers are expected to vote on the temporary plan to avoid a government shutdown at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

It's not clear whether Johnson or other Republican leaders will be able to gather enough support to pass the bill without help from Democrats, who haven't publicly confirmed whether they'll vote for the measure.

– Marina Pitofsky

When would a government shutdown start?

The current government funding deadline is Nov. 17. 

The original deadline was Sept. 30, but Congress kicked the can down the road with a continuing resolution. They extended funding to Nov. 17 in a bid to buy more time for lawmakers to pass a longer-term spending deal.

But time has run out for Congress to pass a more permanent deal by the November deadline, which is just three days away. That means members will have to kick the can down the road once again to avoid a shutdown.

Does Congress get paid during a government shutdown?

President Joe Biden and members of Congress will continue to work and get paid, but their staff members who aren’t considered “essential” will be furloughed. The Supreme Court will also stay open, but federal courts could have to scale back functionality.  

But what does essential mean? Think employees such as air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers. U.S. embassies and consulates would likely stay open, and you should still be able to get a passport and visa.  

If you’re planning a trip to Washington D.C. or a National Park, monuments and other areas will likely stay open. However, maintenance of those areas may be delayed or canceled altogether.  

And as the holidays approach, a government shutdown also likely won't impact NORAD's beloved Santa Tracker. 

Will schools be affected by a government shutdown?

Most K-12 schools won't be immediately impacted by a government shutdown. While schools across the country do receive some federal funding, the vast majority of their budgets come from their state and local governments.

Schools that do use federal funding have mostly already received money for the 2023-2024 school year,  Education Week reported.

But some programs for kids would be hit by a government shutdown. For example, Children from low-income families could lose access to Head Start preschool programs.

− Marina Pitofsky

Who is affected by a government shutdown?

If lawmakers can't reach a compromise to avoid a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed as the government stops all work deemed "non-essential."

When it comes to essential services, such as air traffic control and law enforcement, those employees keep working but do not get paid until the shutdown is over.

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits would continue under a shutdown, but some food assistance programs could be delayed, or even see federal funding run out for Americans.

– Marina Pitofsky, Ken Tran

Would a government shutdown affect air travel and TSA?

Flights will likely not be affected by a shutdown and  TSA screenings should proceed normally . Transportation Security Administration agents and air traffic controllers are considered essential and will continue working, though they won’t be paid.

However, during the 2019 shutdown, air traffic controllers started calling in sick at higher rates which might occur again this time around. The  White House warned  that a shutdown could risk delays for travelers.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also said in a press conference that air traffic controller hiring and training would be paused, which would impact the Department of Transportation’s efforts to address a shortfall in staffing.

− Zach Wichter and Sudiksha Kochi

Republican Rep. Tim Burchett says former Speaker Kevin McCarthy elbowed him on Capitol Hill

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., elbowed him in the back on Tuesday on Capitol Hill.

But the incident wasn't fueled by the looming government shutdown. Instead, Burchett said it may have been over his vote to oust McCarthy from his leadership post last month.

McCarthy told CNN that the hallway where he passed Burchett was tight, denying that he shoved or elbowed him.

– Marina Pitofsky and Ken Tran

What agencies are affected by a government shutdown?

All agencies could be affected by a government shutdown.  

From the Department of Homeland Security to the Department of Agriculture, each agency will have a plan to stop its nonessential functions, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed.  

Agencies also rely on each other during a shutdown. For example, the State Department’s  U.S. Passport Agency will remain open  during a government shutdown, so you should be able to get a passport if you need one. But if passport services are offered in a building near you that’s run by an agency that has shut down, you could have to look elsewhere.  

Progressive Democrat calls temporary spending plan a "very big win"

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., Chair of the House Progressive Caucus, said "it's a very big win" that the funding extension doesn't include any cuts from 2023 levels. 

Separating the extension into two tranches "makes no sense," she said, but it doesn't contain any conservative policies Democrats would immediately refuse, she said. Still, she plans to wait to hear from the rest of her caucus until she decides how she will vote on the measure.

Republican rebel who voted to oust Kevin McCarthy says it was ‘worth it’

Conservative rebels ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy R-Calif., in October in part because he worked with Democrats to avert a government shutdown with a clean continuing resolution.

But Johnson’s plan, which is also clean, noticeably hasn’t drawn the same vitriol that led to McCarthy’s removal from his post.

Rep. Eli Crane, one of the eight GOP members who voted to oust McCarthy, said he would not be supporting Johnson’s government funding plan but said removing McCarthy was still “worth it” because “at the very least, you have a leader that’s honest with you.”

Crane praised Johnson as “transparent” and said “that’s enough for me.” The new speaker, he said, gave him and his fellow hard-right colleagues reassurances that Johnson would still hear the conference’s right flank out on future legislative battles.

Will Social Security be paid during a government shutdown?

Social Security recipients  will continue to receive checks  in the event of a government shutdown and Medicare benefits will not be interrupted. 

However, employees in the Social Security Administration are likely to be furloughed and government food assistance benefits could see delay.

A few services that are  not directly related to  Social Security payment benefits and direct-service operations would be temporarily suspended.

−  Marina Pitofsky and Sudiksha Kochi

What does a government shutdown mean for Medicare?

Medicare benefits will continue, though there could be a delay in some payments.

The benefits are considered among essential services, along with U.S. mail delivery, air travel, Amtrak, Social Security payments and more.

– Candy Woodall

What was the longest government shutdown in U.S. history?

The longest government shutdown  lasted for 35 days from late 2018 to early 2019 under the Trump administration. It  went into effect  after the House and Senate failed to reach a compromise on a short-term funding plan to keep the government running through early next year. 

The critical issue was that Senate Democrats opposed President Donald Trump’s $5.7 billion request for building a wall on the southern border.  

Before that, the longest government shutdown lasted from  Dec. 5, 1995, to Jan. 6, 1996,   when Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Democratic President Bill Clinton faced off over taxes.

- Sudiksha Kochi and John Fritze

Republican lawmakers undecided on spending plan: ‘I don’t like it, but I want to support the speaker’

Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas., said he was still undecided about whether he would support Johnson’s continuing resolution because it lacks any spending cuts or conservative policy additions.

Jackson lamented Johnson’s difficult position as the new speaker to lead a fractious GOP conference against a Democratic-controlled Senate and White House, describing his support as a balancing act between rallying behind Johnson and pushing for conservative victories.

“I don’t like it but I want to support the speaker,” Jackson said, noting that he will have to figure out “how to make that work.”

“I want to give him a chance,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he's 'heartened' by House Speaker Mike Johnson's effort – but cautiously

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told didn't immediately criticize Johnson's push on Tuesday.

“Time is a luxury that neither side has,” he said in remarks on the Senate floor. “So far, I am heartened, cautiously so, that Speaker Johnson is moving forward with a CR (continuing resolution) that omits precisely the sort of hard right cuts that would have been non-starters for Democrats.”

But Schumer added that he hopes Johnson "does not yield to the demands of the hard right" during negotiations, including on spending cuts and other measures.

Is the National Weather Service impacted in a shutdown?

Forecasts from the National Weather Service will continue uninterrupted despite the shutdown, a spokesperson told USA TODAY Friday. "Under a lapse of appropriation, the day-to-day operational work of the National Weather Service continues," said Sarah Teefey of the weather service.

"The work of the NWS is critical and necessary to protect life and property in the country and parts of the world through international agreements," she said. "Weather service offices will continue to operate on their regular schedule."

In addition:

• National Weather Service observations, forecasts and warnings, as well as decision support services, will continue uninterrupted. 
• Critical functions such as repair of operational systems, like radars, will continue. 
• Routine equipment maintenance, model upgrades, new product development, and other longer-term improvements to service delivery will be delayed.

−Doyle Rice

Ukraine, Israel funding likely to be kicked down the road

Some House Democrats raised concerns that aid funding for Ukraine and Israel could be forgotten as lawmakers push ahead with the funding extension.

Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., is the chair of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, a group of moderate House Democrats. She said her caucus has "trust issues" with House Republicans and she wants "assurance" that Speaker Mike Johnson will bring it to the floor.

"There's urgency to it. And that's what I think he needs to understand," she said.

House Republicans passed a bill earlier this month to provide more than $14 billion in funding for Israel but it also included cuts to the Internal Revenue Service, dooming it in the Senate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson: Temporary spending plan is not 'surrendering'

Johnson disputed the notion that his government funding plan conceded to Democrats and failed to extract conservative policy wins.

"We're not surrendering, we're fighting," Johnson said at a weekly GOP leadership news conference, adding that House Republicans must pick their battles.

"You gotta fight fights that you can win," he said.

Will Democrats vote for GOP plan to avert shutdown?

Prospects for House passage of the staggered funding extension looked good as Democrats emerged from a private meeting to discuss their plan.

Multiple members expressed frustration with the likelihood of two additional fiscal cliffs, but said they could support it given the lack of conservative policy add-ons.

At least two-thirds of the House would be required to pass the extension this afternoon using the mechanism Republicans have proposed, a significant number of Democrats will be needed.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not say whether there would be enough votes from his caucus to make it happen.

“Democrats have made clear that we are going to find common ground with our Republican colleagues on any issue in good faith whenever and wherever possible, but that we will also push back against their extremism whenever necessary,” he said. “That'll be the lens through which we evaluate the continuing resolution today.”

−Riley Beggin

How likely is a government shutdown?

While Congress has found itself in a similar situation – up against the government funding deadline with just a few days left – members don't appear to be all that concerned about the prospects of a government shutdown.

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, one of the House's most conservative members, said while he had "serious" reservations about voting for the clean continuing resolution, he will support it to avert a shutdown and help Johnson.

House Democrats have also not ruled out voting for the bill and are currently meeting behind closed doors to discuss the stopgap.

How long does a continuing resolution last?

The two-phased continuing resolution would fund four of the 12 spending bills needed to keep the government open until Jan. 19. It would fund the remaining eight until Feb. 2.

The four appropriation bills funded until Jan. 19 are traditionally not controversial, funding parts of the government including public health, military construction, housing, transportation, agriculture and energy programs.

The remaining eight bills, which include funding for financial services, commerce and Homeland Security will be funded until Feb. 2.

Freedom Caucus member suggests continuing resolution is a 'poor strategy'

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., a member of the Freedom Caucus who is against the continuing resolution, expressed disappointment at the government funding plan and said he won't "join the status quo caucus."

When asked if he has received any assurances from Johnson that House Republicans can extract conservative policy wins in other areas, Ogles dismissed that as a "poor strategy."

"Surrender today to fight tomorrow seems like a pretty poor strategy," he said.

What is a clean continuing resolution?

Hard-right Republican lawmakers have been pushing for a continuing resolution with spending cuts in an attempt to extract conservative policy wins.

But with a Democratic-controlled Senate and President Joe Biden in the White House, it is unlikely anything but a “clean” continuing resolution that extends government funding at current levels will be approved..

How a government shutdown would affect you

While there’s plenty to be resolved before the deadline Friday night, members have a powerful incentive to come to an agreement and  avoid a shutdown.  

If Congress can’t pass all 12 appropriations bills by the deadline, federal agencies must stop any work that isn’t considered essential. 

Essential services include air traffic control and law enforcement – those employees continue to work, but don’t get paid until the shutdown is over, so it could eventually lead to flight delays and other inconveniences if the funding gap stretched on and people stopped reporting to work, affecting more Americans beyond just federal employees.

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits would continue, but other services could be delayed such as benefit verifications or the issuance of Medicare replacement cards. Passport and visa services would also likely slow down.

Food assistance – the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program – could be impacted quickly, as backup funding would likely dry up quickly and require states to fund the program themselves until Congress approves a budget.

What happens in a government shutdown?

Millions of Americans would be impacted by a government shutdown.

Federal workers would be furloughed without pay. "Essential" federal workers, such as those who work for the Federal Aviation Administration, would work without pay − but would receive backpay once a shutdown ends.  Numerous subcontractors  would be out of work and would not receive backpay.

The impact would stretch far beyond federal workers though. It would also be felt in millions of homes across America.

Here are some ways  a government shutdown  would impact your family:

• Funding for WIC − the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children − would stop immediately
• Food stamp benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would remain intact in October but could be impacted after that
• Children from low-income families would lose access to Head Start preschool programs
• College students could see delays in their student loans
• The Food and Drug Administration would delay nonessential food safety inspections
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration would limit its work
• Travelers could see delays with receiving passports
• National parks could close
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would have no money for disaster relief
• Agencies that publish government data, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will close up shop. That means investors and other market-watchers might not get to see the jobs report scheduled for  October 6  or the monthly Consumer Price Index update on  October 12
• The Securities and Exchange Commission would  scale back operations , potentially delaying work on  initial public offerings , which require federal scrutiny. Birkenstock, the sandal brand, has signaled it expects to  proceed with its October IPO

−Candy Woodall and Daniel de Vise

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2023 holiday travel season will be 'busiest ever,' TSA anticipates

Tsa has already recorded its busiest travel day ever this year, on june 30.

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The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday that it is expecting the upcoming holiday travel season to be "the busiest ever." 

The declaration comes after the TSA recorded seven of its ten highest volume travel days in its history so far in 2023, with the 2,884,783 passengers on June 30 being the most on record. 

"We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. "We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season." 

The TSA says the holiday season begins with a Thanksgiving travel period between this upcoming Friday, Nov. 17 and ending on Tuesday, Nov. 28. 

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A TSA dog is seen with his handler at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on June 30, 2023, in Atlanta. That day was the busiest in TSA history. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"During the 12-day period, TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers. Historically, the three busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward," it added. "TSA is projecting to screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday, Nov. 21; 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and 2.9 million passengers on Sunday, Nov. 26, which will likely be the busiest travel day." 

Pekoske said the agency will do its best to "maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes." 

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Travelers are seen lining up at a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint at Denver International Airport in Colorado on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Prior to this year’s record on June 30, the last time the TSA processed more than 2.88 million passengers in a single day was in December 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic . 

The most recent highest volume day was on Oct. 15 when 2,797,326 passengers were processed – amounting to the fifth highest all-time, according to TSA data. 

AAA also said Monday that it is projecting 55.4 million people will travel 50 miles or more over a Thanksgiving travel period between Wednesday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 26.

"The travel volume this year reflects an increase of 2.3 percent over last and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving travel since AAA began tracking in 2000," it said.

To help travelers get through security and to where they need to be, the TSA recommends to "pack smart" and start with empty bags to decrease the likelihood of bringing a prohibited item through the checkpoint. 

Brake lights shine red as northbound 405 traffic backs up on Nov. 23, 2022 in the Encino area of Los Angeles, California. The AAA is expecting its third busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record this year. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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It also said to have your identification ready as you enter the screening lane and arrive two hours prior to your plane’s departure for adequate time to be processed by agents. 

FOX Business’ Jake Gibson, Marc Smith and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.