Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?

No advance visa is needed. All nationalities receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE). Just bring a valid passport, return ticket, confirmed accommodation booking, and proof of USD 100/day.

How long can I stay in the Maldives?

The initial tourist visa is 30 days, free on arrival. You can extend twice for 30 days each (USD 30 per extension), for a maximum stay of 90 days total per visit. Apply for extensions at immigration.gov.mv before your current permit expires.

Do I need a hotel booking to enter the Maldives?

Yes. A confirmed resort or guesthouse booking is mandatory to receive the visa on arrival. Authorities will check your accommodation confirmation. You must also show a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds (minimum USD 100/day or a credit card).

Can I stay on a local island (guesthouse) in the Maldives?

Yes. Since 2009, tourists can stay on local (inhabited) islands at guesthouses in addition to private resort islands. Guesthouses are more budget-friendly and offer cultural immersion. Confirm bookings before arrival.

What is the IMUGA portal for the Maldives?

IMUGA (imuga.immigration.gov.mv) is the Maldives' digital immigration system for health declarations and pre-registration. Completing it before travel speeds up the immigration process. It may be mandatory during specific health alerts or high-traffic periods.

Maldives eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Maldives
Capital	Malé
Currency	Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Main Airport	Velana International (MLE), Malé
Tourist Visa	Free on arrival (30 days)
Max Stay	30 days (extendable to 90 days total)
Processing Time	Instant (on arrival)
Visa-Free	All nationalities receive free VoA (with valid documents)

Introduction

The Maldives is one of the world's premier luxury tourism destinations, known for its overwater bungalows, coral reefs, and crystal-clear lagoons. The Maldives operates a uniquely open visa policy — virtually all nationalities receive a free tourist visa on arrival for 30 days, making it one of the easiest countries to visit.

Tourist & Short Stay

Visa on Arrival (Free) — 30 days: All nationalities with a valid passport, return ticket, confirmed accommodation (resort or guesthouse booking), and proof of sufficient funds (USD 100/day minimum) receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport. No prior application required.
Extension — 60 additional days: Apply at Maldives Immigration online portal (immigration.gov.mv) for an extension up to 90 days total. Fee: USD 30 (first 30-day extension) + USD 30 (second extension). Maximum stay 90 days per visit.
Online Pre-Registration (IMUGA): While not mandatory, the Maldives recommends using the IMUGA passenger portal (imuga.immigration.gov.mv) for health declaration and faster processing.

Business Visa

Business visits (meetings, investment discussions) are conducted under the tourist visa on arrival. For longer-term business operations, companies must register with the Maldives Economic Development Ministry. A business visa (90-day, extendable) can be applied for from the Maldives Immigration department for investors and business professionals.

Work & Long-Stay Visas

Work Visa / Expatriate Permit: Foreign workers must be sponsored by a Maldivian employer registered with the Ministry of Economic Development. The employer applies for an employment permit; the employee then gets a work visa from Immigration. Common in hospitality, diving, construction sectors.
Investor Visa: For significant investors in Maldives tourism projects or Free Trade Zone projects. Minimum investment threshold varies by project type.

Student Visa

Student visa available for formal education at Maldives universities or colleges. Apply with institution acceptance, proof of funds, and accommodation details. Limited education infrastructure — most higher education seekers study abroad.

Airport Transit

Transit passengers at Velana International who do not leave the airport do not need a visa. Those wishing to visit Malé or a resort during transit require the standard VoA (free).

Required Documents

Valid passport (at least 1 month validity at entry)
Return or onward ticket
Confirmed resort or guesthouse booking
Proof of sufficient funds (USD 100/day minimum; credit card acceptable)
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
IMUGA health declaration (recommended; may be mandatory periodically)

Visa Fees

Visa Type	Fee
Tourist Visa on Arrival (30 days)	Free
Extension (first 30 days)	USD 30
Extension (second 30 days)	USD 30
Work Permit (via employer)	MVR 6,000 (approx. USD 390) + employer fees

How to Apply

Book your resort or guesthouse — confirmed accommodation is mandatory at entry.
(Optional) Complete IMUGA health declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv before travel.
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE). Proceed to immigration.
Present passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
Receive free 30-day tourist visa stamp — no advance application needed.
For extension: apply at immigration.gov.mv before your initial 30 days expire.

Official Links

Who Gets a Free Visa on Arrival?

All nationalities receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival — there are no exclusions based on nationality (provided all requirements are met: valid passport, return ticket, accommodation, and funds). This makes the Maldives one of the world's most accessible destinations in terms of visa policy. Exceptions: citizens of countries under specific international sanctions may face additional checks.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Maldives immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.