Here Is a Complete Guide About Maldives Visa and Immigration (2025 Edition)
Welcome to the most beautiful tropical paradise in the world—The Maldives! Known for its crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts, coral reefs, and unforgettable sunsets, the Maldives is every traveler’s dream destination. And the best part? The Maldives offers one of the most tourist-friendly visa policies on the planet! If you're planning a trip, this complete guide will walk you through how to get a Maldives visa, online application process, visa requirements, fees, eligibility, visa types, and duration—everything you need to know.
As a global visa expert, I’m thrilled to say that getting a Maldives visa is incredibly simple, quick, and often FREE!
🏝️ Why Visit the Maldives?
Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a scuba diving adventure, or a luxury beach getaway, the Maldives delivers unforgettable experiences. With its liberal visa-on-arrival policy, the Maldives has opened its doors wide to travelers from across the globe.
🛂 How to Get a Maldives Visa?
Getting a visa for the Maldives is effortless and stress-free for most visitors. In fact:
✅ Tourist visas are granted ON ARRIVAL for free to all nationalities.
No prior visa approval is needed for short stays. The Maldives government has streamlined its immigration process to support tourism while maintaining national security.
🌐 How to Apply for a Maldives Visa Online
While tourist visas are issued on arrival, travelers are required to complete a Traveler Declaration online before arriving in the Maldives. This is part of the immigration pre-screening process.
✅ Step-by-Step: Maldives Online Immigration Procedure
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Visit the Maldives IMUGA Portal:
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv -
Select “Traveler Declaration”
Fill in your personal details, travel dates, health declaration, and accommodation info. -
Submit within 96 hours of travel (both arrival and departure forms are needed)
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Receive Confirmation via Email
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Show the QR Code or Confirmation at the Immigration Desk
📌 Important: This is not a visa application, but a mandatory travel declaration for all inbound and outbound travelers.
🌍 Maldives Visa Eligibility
Good news: Everyone is eligible for a Maldives tourist visa on arrival, provided they meet the basic entry conditions. This applies to travelers from all countries.
📋 Maldives Visa Requirements
To receive your 30-day visa on arrival, ensure you have the following:
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Valid passport (minimum 1 month validity from date of arrival)
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Confirmed return or onward ticket
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Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or resort reservation)
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Sufficient funds (at least $100 + $50 per day or a valid credit card)
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Completed IMUGA Traveler Declaration
💡 No prior visa is required for short-term tourism visits for any nationality.
💳 Maldives Visa Fee
Here’s the best part:
🆓 Tourist Visa on Arrival = FREE
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30-day tourist visa: Free for all visitors
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Extensions (up to 90 days total): May require a small fee, approx. $50 USD
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Business or long-term visa types: Require pre-approval and fees vary depending on the category
📂 Types of Maldives Visas
Though most people come as tourists, the Maldives offers various visa types for different purposes.
1. Tourist Visa (On Arrival)
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Valid for 30 days
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Free of charge
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Extendable up to 90 days
2. Business Visa
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Requires sponsorship by a Maldivian-registered company
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Apply in advance through Maldives Immigration
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Usually valid for 30–90 days
3. Work Visa
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Requires employment and a work permit
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Apply through your employer and the Ministry of Economic Development
4. Student Visa
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Requires acceptance from a Maldivian educational institution
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Long-term visa processed through the school and immigration
5. Family/Dependent Visa
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For family members of Maldivian citizens or expatriates with valid visas
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Requires supporting documents
⏳ Maldives Visa Duration and Extension
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Initial Duration: Tourist visas are issued for 30 days.
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Extension: You can apply to extend your visa up to 90 days total from the date of entry.
✅ How to Extend Your Visa:
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Visit the Maldives Immigration Office in Malé
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Fill out the Visa Extension Form
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Provide passport, current visa, and accommodation proof
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Pay the applicable fee (approx. $50 USD)
🚫 Do NOT overstay your visa. Overstays are penalized with fines or detention.
🛃 Entry Process at Maldives Immigration
At your port of entry (mainly Velana International Airport – Malé), immigration officers will request:
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Passport (valid for 1 month or more)
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Return ticket
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Hotel/resort booking confirmation
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Travel declaration (from IMUGA portal)
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Proof of funds (if requested)
✅ No visa sticker or stamp required in advance.
🙌 Final Thoughts: Why Apply for Maldives Visa Today?
Planning your trip to the Maldives is as easy as booking a flight and a resort. The Maldives visa process is one of the most traveler-friendly in the world, making it perfect for last-minute plans, long vacations, and even work-from-paradise lifestyles.
✨ Top Reasons to Travel to the Maldives Now:
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✅ Visa on Arrival for All Nationalities
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✅ No Fee for Tourist Visas
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✅ No Embassy Visits or Paperwork
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✅ Online Declaration Process is Easy and Fast
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✅ Visa Extensions Available Up to 90 Days
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✅ Breathtaking Destinations Await You
🧠 Maldives Visa FAQs
Q: Can I work in the Maldives on a tourist visa?
A: No. You must apply for a work visa with an approved employer.
Q: How early should I submit my Traveler Declaration?
A: Within 96 hours before travel—both for arrival and departure.
Q: Can I get a business visa on arrival?
A: No. Business visas must be applied for in advance through Maldives Immigration.
Q: Is there any fee for a tourist visa extension?
A: Yes, a small fee (around $50 USD) applies if you want to extend your stay beyond 30 days.
📌 Ready to Visit Paradise?
With hassle-free visa access, no hidden costs, and a straightforward process, visiting the Maldives has never been easier. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a solo retreat, or a luxury family getaway, get your Maldives visa (on arrival!) and experience the tropical dream come true.
For more expert travel visa guides, keep following our updates—because your next destination deserves a smooth start!