Maldives eVisa & Travel Information (2026)
All nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. An online Traveller Declaration must be completed before travel.
Maldives IMUGA Declaration →Free. Online health and travel declaration. Visa-free for all nationalities (30 days) but IMUGA is mandatory. Required for: All travelers entering or departing Maldives.
When: Submit within 96 hours before arrival
Register Now →| Key Facts — Maldives | |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ IMUGA Declaration | Mandatory — Submit within 96 hours before arrival. Register here |
| 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
- immigration.gov.mv — Maldives Immigration
- imuga.immigration.gov.mv — IMUGA passenger portal
- tourism.gov.mv — Ministry of Tourism
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.
📋 Complete Visa Categories for Maldives
Maldives offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (Tourist) | 30 days | Free | All nationalities - free visa on arrival at Male airport |
| Business Visa | 30 days | Free on arrival | Business invitation letter |
| Work Visa | 1 year | MVR 2,000-5,000 | Employer sponsorship, quota approval |
| Student Visa | Duration | MVR 1,000 | University acceptance |
| Dependent Visa | 1 year | MVR 2,000 | Sponsored by work visa holder |
Fees and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify at the official immigration authority.
⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Maldives Visas
Processing times vary by visa type, nationality, and time of year. Apply well in advance of travel.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Standard Fee | Expedited | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist VOA | Instant | Free | N/A | N/A |
| Work Visa | 2-4 weeks | MVR 2,000-5,000 | N/A | N/A |
🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Maldives
No mandatory vaccinations except Yellow Fever if arriving from endemic country. IMUGA (Traveller Declaration) mandatory - free online form, submit 96 hours before arrival. No health exam for tourists. Health insurance recommended - limited medical facilities outside Male. Medical evacuation to Sri Lanka/India for serious cases.
🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Maldives
Tourist visa extendable at immigration for additional 60 days (max 90 total). MVR 750 fee. Overstay fine: $10/day. Must depart within visa validity. Resort stays arranged by hotel.
❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Maldives
Very rare for tourists as visa is free on arrival. May be refused for: no return ticket, no hotel reservation, insufficient funds, blacklisted. No appeal.
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.