Maldives Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Dreaming of white sands, warm waters, and unforgettable sunsets? The Maldives is one of the world’s most magical destinations—and thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest to visit. But before you book that flight and daydream about overwater villas, make sure you understand the Maldives visa rules clearly.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Maldives visa, entry rules, who needs a visa, how to get one, and what documents to carry. Whether you’re from the USA, India, UK, Europe, Australia, or anywhere else, this is your all-in-one resource to ensure a smooth arrival in paradise.

Maldives island, Maldives Visa — Maldives Island

What is the Maldives Visa Policy?

Let’s start with the best news first—you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance. The Maldives visa system is tourist-friendly, and almost all travellers get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival.

This Maldives tourist visa is granted to all nationalities, with a few simple conditions. No embassy visits, no long forms—just land, show your documents, and you’re in.

Who Can Get a Maldives Visa on Arrival?

Almost everyone. The Maldives is one of the most welcoming countries when it comes to tourism. Citizens of every country in the world can get a Maldives visa on arrival, making it one of the easiest international destinations to enter.

Here’s a closer look by region:

🇺🇸 Maldives visa for US citizens – 30-day visa on arrival
🇮🇳 Maldives visa for Indian citizens – 30-day visa on arrival
🇬🇧 Maldives visa for UK citizens – 30-day visa on arrival
🇦🇺 Maldives visa for Australian citizens – 30-day visa on arrival
🇨🇦 Maldives visa for Canadian citizens – 30-day visa on arrival
🇪🇺 Maldives visa for EU countries – 30-day visa on arrival

If you’re from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, or South America—you also qualify for the Maldives visa on arrival.

Maldives Visa Requirements for Tourists

While the Maldives tourist visa is free and automatic for most visitors, there are still a few requirements you need to meet.

Here’s what you need to enter the Maldives:

Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival
A return or onward flight ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or resort reservation)
Enough money to cover your stay
Completion of the IMUGA travel declaration form (online)

Let’s break these down a bit further.

1. Passport Validity

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left when you arrive in the Maldives. This is a non-negotiable rule for getting your Maldives visa on arrival.

2. Return or Onward Ticket

Immigration officers will ask to see proof that you’re leaving the Maldives—either by flight or boat. A return ticket or proof of an onward journey is essential.

3. Accommodation Details

Whether it’s a luxury resort, guesthouse, or hotel, have a booking confirmation ready to show. Paper or digital—either works fine.

4. Proof of Funds

While there’s no exact amount you need to show, it’s a good idea to carry a credit card or cash and be prepared to explain how you’ll support yourself during your trip.

5. IMUGA Travel Declaration Form

All travellers must fill out an IMUGA health declaration form online within 96 hours of their flight. It takes just 5 minutes and can be done here:

Maldives Visa for US Citizens

Do Americans need a visa for the Maldives?
Nope! US citizens get a free 30-day Maldives visa on arrival.

Just bring:

A valid passport
Return ticket
Hotel booking
Enough funds
Completed IMUGA form

It’s simple and stress-free. You’ll fill out a quick arrival card at the airport, and immigration officers will stamp your Maldives visa right then and there.

Maldives Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens are some of the most frequent travelers to the Maldives—and the process is just as easy.

The Maldives visa for Indians is also a free visa on arrival for 30 days.

You’ll need:

Passport (6 months validity)
Return or onward ticket
Hotel booking
Travel declaration form
Proof of funds

Many Indian travellers prefer guesthouses on local islands, which are both affordable and friendly.

Maldives Visa for UK Citizens

Planning a honeymoon or a winter getaway from the UK? You’re in luck. The Maldives visa for UK citizens is just as simple—no pre-application needed.

Same rules apply:

Passport (6+ months validity)
Hotel booking
Return flight ticket
Enough funds
IMUGA travel declaration

Maldives Visa Application | Photo: *Acko*

Maldives Visa for Other Countries

If you’re from Australia, Canada, South Africa, Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, China, Russia, or anywhere else, you also get a 30-day visa on arrival under the same terms.

It’s a very tourist-friendly country with minimal paperwork, and that’s a big reason why so many people visit again and again.

Can You Extend a Maldives Visa?

Yes! If you decide that 30 days in paradise isn’t enough (we don’t blame you), you can apply for a Maldives visa extension.

How to Extend Your Maldives Tourist Visa:

Visit the Maldives Immigration Office in Malé before your 30 days are up
Bring your passport, current visa slip, and accommodation booking
Show you have enough money for the extended stay
Pay a small extension fee

You can extend your Maldives visa for up to a total of 90 days.

What Happens if You Overstay Your Visa?

Overstaying your Maldives visa without an approved extension can lead to:

Fines
Detention
Deportation
Problems with future travel

If you need more time, apply for the Maldives visa extension before your 30 days are up.

Can You Work or Study in the Maldives on a Tourist Visa?

No, you cannot work, volunteer, or study in the Maldives on a Maldives tourist visa.

To do any of these activities, you’ll need:

A Maldives work visa (through your employer)
A student visa (through an institution)
A business visa (for conferences, meetings, etc.)

Your sponsor in the Maldives must handle these applications before you arrive.

Maldives tourist Visa for Children

Every traveler, including infants and children, must have:

A valid passport
Their own Maldives visa on arrival (automatically granted with parents)

No extra steps are needed—just make sure your child’s passport is valid.

Health Requirements and Travel Rules

As of 2025, the Maldives does not require vaccinations for tourists. But you should still:

Have travel insurance
Be up-to-date on basic vaccines (hepatitis A, tetanus, etc.)
Complete the IMUGA declaration form before departure

Quick Maldives Visa Checklist

Here’s your easy-to-follow checklist to make sure you’re ready for your trip:

Valid passport (6+ months)
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation
IMUGA form completed online
Credit card or cash
Travel insurance (optional, but smart)
Smile and excitement for island life!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Maldives visa really free?

Yes, the Maldives visa is free for all tourists for 30 days.

2. Can I apply online?

No pre-application is needed. Just complete the IMUGA form online and get your visa on arrival.

3. Can I extend my visa?

Yes. You can extend your Maldives tourist visa for up to 90 days total by applying in Malé.

4. What documents are checked at immigration?

Passport, flight ticket, hotel booking, and sometimes your IMUGA confirmation.

5. Do I need a visa if I’m transiting?

If you’re not leaving the airport, you don’t need a visa. If you leave the airport, the Maldives visa on arrival still applies.

Get Ready for Paradise

The Maldives welcomes travelers from all over the world with open arms—and an easy visa process. There’s no complicated paperwork, no high fees, and no embassy queues. Just hop on a flight, enjoy the view, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Understanding the Maldives visa system ensures you arrive prepared, relaxed, and ready to enjoy every moment—from floating breakfasts to starlit dinners.

Now that you’ve got your Maldives visa info covered—start planning your adventure!

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Maldives Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting