Maldives Visa Fees 2026 — Free 30-Day Arrival & Extension Costs
| Key Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (all nationalities) | FREE |
| 30-day extension (1st month) | MVR 1,125 (~USD 73) |
| 30-day extension (2nd month) | MVR 1,125 (~USD 73) |
| Maximum stay on tourist visa | 90 days total |
| Employment permit | Varies — Ministry of Economic Development |
| Residency permit | Varies — contact Department of Immigration |
| Departure tax | Included in airline ticket |
Maldives On-Arrival Visa — Completely Free
The Maldives charges absolutely nothing for the tourist visa on arrival. This applies to every nationality without exception. There is no portal to register on, no fee to pay, and no advance application required. The Maldives tourism industry is built around welcoming visitors, and the free visa policy reflects this. Most tourists simply arrive with their resort booking and are stamped in for 30 days at the airport.
Extension of Stay Costs
If you wish to stay beyond the initial 30 days, you must apply for an extension at the Maldives Department of Immigration. Each 30-day extension costs approximately MVR 1,125 (around USD 73). Extensions are available twice, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days on a tourist visa. Extensions must be applied for before the current permission expires. Applications are made at the Immigration building in Malé or through licensed resort operators.
Additional Travel Costs to Budget For
While the visa is free, the Maldives is generally a premium destination. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses on local islands to luxury overwater bungalows at world-famous resorts. Internal transfers by speedboat or seaplane from Velana International Airport can cost USD 50–600 depending on the resort's location. Departure tax is normally included in airline ticket prices.
Payment Methods
Extension fee payments at the Department of Immigration can be made in Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) or US dollars. Credit cards are accepted at most resort-based immigration processes. Cash (USD or MVR) is recommended for transactions at the main immigration office in Malé. Always get an official receipt for any payment made to the Department of Immigration.