Asia
Driving in Maldives
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Maldives expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Maldives
Asia · drives on the left
- Drives on the
- Left
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Maldives?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Only needed if you intend to drive on Malé or Addu; most visitors never do.
Which side of the road does Maldives drive on?
Maldives drives on the left-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Maldives?
Rental desks in Maldives generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Maldives and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Maldives refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.