Maldives:Visa Requirements

MaldivesLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

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Maldives Visa Requirements Map

Maldives: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • Visa-free entry applies only to travelers and passport types covered by a current bilateral visa exemption agreement. The traveler must hold the valid passport type specified in the agreement and keep the purpose of travel and duration of stay within the limits permitted by the agreement. The maximum permitted stay, number of entries, and right to engage in work, study or commercial activity vary according to the relevant agreement.
  • Foreign travelers arriving in the Maldives must complete the Traveller Declaration form electronically via the IMUGA system within 96 hours before the flight time. The form requires personal information, travel information, and accommodation information. The declaration is free of charge and must be completed in the traveler's own name.
  • A common passport validity period, blank passport page requirement, financial sufficiency amount, bank statement period, accommodation document, travel health insurance, fee or processing time that applies to all visa exemption agreements is not definitively stated in the central official source. These conditions must be checked according to the relevant bilateral agreement and purpose of travel.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • As of 23 November 2025, work/employment visas and visa types requiring prior approval other than tourist and meeting visas are issued as electronic visas. Applications are made through the relevant online system. The approved e-visa can be viewed and downloaded online with a unique QR code. It is not necessary to submit the passport for a physical visa sticker.
  • The documents required during application vary according to the visa type, purpose of travel, sponsor's status, and the applicant's circumstances. IMUGA, Xpat or Business Portal may display application-specific fields and document list after selecting the service and sub-type. A single universal document checklist applicable to all e-visa types has not been published.
  • In applications where a photograph is required, the photograph must measure 35 × 45 millimeters, have a white and pattern-free background, be borderless, clear and evenly lit. The face must cover approximately 70–80% of the photograph height, and the length between the chin and the top of the head must be 32–36 millimeters. The applicant must look directly at the camera, eyes open, mouth closed, and expression natural. The photograph must have been taken within the last 30 days and a digital copy must be submitted. The digital file format and maximum file size are not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • In photographs of children aged nine and under, the face is permitted to cover 50–80% of the photograph height. For children under five, the rules of neutral expression, looking directly at the camera and full centering may be relaxed. Headgear or accessories covering the face are not accepted; for head coverings used for religious reasons, the entire face must be visible.
  • Commercial e-visa: The application is initiated through the relevant ministry's Business Portal system. Login to the system is done with an eFaas account. When the application is submitted, a GSR number is generated and the file is transferred to the Maldives Immigration Department after ministry review. A clear color copy of the passport biographical information page and a current photograph must be submitted. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months. The competent authority may request additional supporting documents depending on the application.
  • The business visa may be issued for 30–90 days at a time. The total stay within the same calendar year cannot exceed 180 days. The application fee, payment method and exact processing time are not specified on the current central immigration page.
  • Work/employment e-visa: The application is made by the employer or authorized representative through the Xpat Online System and with a valid eFaas account. The application must be opened under the relevant work permit record. A valid work permit, a current photograph meeting immigration photo standards, a clear color copy of the passport biographical information page, and any additional documents requested according to the application must be submitted.
  • A first-time arriving employee must enter the country with a valid Entry Pass issued by the competent ministry, and the employer must complete the work/employment visa process within 15 days from entry. The approved work/employment e-visa can be viewed and downloaded online.
  • The validity of the work/employment e-visa is linked to the duration of the approved work permit. A renewed visa is issued for a maximum of one year at a time. If the passport is renewed, the passport number recorded on the e-visa must be updated before travel. On entry to the country, the passport number on the e-visa and the number of the passport used must be the same. The fee and official processing time are not definitively stated on the central current page.
  • Sponsorship process: For persons requiring prior sponsorship approval, the application is made through IMUGA. The sponsor may be a Maldivian citizen or a person holding an appropriate professional visa and is responsible for the sponsored person's stay in the country.
  • The completed IM21 form, the sponsored person's passport biographical information page, the Maldivian sponsor's identity document or the foreign sponsor's work permit card (front and back) or Employment Approval document, and documents proving the relationship between the parties must be submitted. If the sponsor is a company or employer, the form must bear the company stamp. Additional documents may be requested depending on the application's specifics.
  • The planned duration of stay, estimated arrival date and purpose of travel must be stated in the application. The sponsored person must enter the Maldives within 30 days from the date of approval. It is recommended to purchase tickets after obtaining the sponsorship approval.
  • Dependent e-visa: The sponsorship application for a person coming for the first time in dependent status must be made through IMUGA at least five business days before the planned arrival. The dependent visa application is completed after entry into the country.
  • The IM23 form, appropriate photograph, passport biographical information page, for new applications the last entry stamp, for renewals the last visa page, document proving family relationship, medical report and health insurance must be submitted. Additional documents may be requested depending on the file's specifics.
  • The dependent visa fee is 750 Maldivian rufiyaa. The visa card fee is 50 Maldivian rufiyaa. Accepted payment methods are not definitively stated on the central official page.
  • Marriage e-visa: A person coming to the Maldives for the purpose of marrying or registering a marriage must complete the sponsorship process through IMUGA before entering the country. The marriage visa application is carried out after the legal marriage procedures are completed.
  • The IM23 form stamped by the Family Court, appropriate photograph, color copy of the passport biographical information page, for first application the page with the last entry stamp, if a current visa exists the last visa page, color copy of marriage certificate, and Maldivian spouse's identity document must be submitted. For the first application, a health screening report from an authorized hospital or clinic and health insurance are also required.
  • The initial marriage visa is issued for one year. Renewals can be issued for up to five years. The renewal application can be made at least three months before the current visa expires. The visa card fee is 50 Maldivian rufiyaa. Additional documents may be requested depending on the application's specifics.
  • It is not definitively stated in the central official source that e-visas must be carried in printed form. The traveler must be able to access the downloadable electronic visa and QR code during travel. Fingerprint, general biometric registration or mandatory interview requirements are not definitively stated in the central official source.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • Tourist visa: Prior visa approval is not required for tourist travel. The visa process is carried out at the point of entry in the Maldives. However, the issuance of a visa on arrival does not guarantee the right to enter the country; the final decision on admission rests with the immigration officer at the border.
  • The passport or accepted travel document must have a machine-readable zone and be valid for at least one month. Passports whose validity has been subsequently extended by hand or sticker are not accepted. Every traveler, including minor children, must have their own passport.
  • The traveler must present a confirmed return or onward ticket and a prepaid and confirmed reservation at a registered accommodation establishment. Alternatively, a pre-approved sponsorship document may be used. The traveler must have sufficient financial means to cover their stay. The accepted form of proof, period of bank statement and required minimum amount are not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • A traveler proceeding to a subsequent country must have the necessary visa, passport validity and other permits for entry into that country.
  • The Traveller Declaration must be completed through IMUGA within 96 hours before the flight. The declaration provides personal information, travel information and accommodation information. The process is free of charge. The completed electronic declaration must be kept ready for presentation at entry control.
  • If applicable due to travel history, a yellow fever vaccination certificate must be presented. Children under one year of age are exempt from yellow fever vaccination.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport, travel health insurance, minimum insurance coverage, maximum stay of the initial tourist visa, visa fee and payment method are not definitively stated on the current central immigration page.
  • Meeting visa: A 14-day meeting visa may be issued upon entry for persons attending an eligible meeting, conference or congress. The event must be connected to a business accepted by the competent trade authority, a government agency, or an organization approved by the relevant state authority.
  • The applicant must hold a passport or travel document with a machine-readable zone and valid for at least one month. A passport whose validity has been subsequently extended is not accepted.
  • A confirmed return ticket, a prepaid and confirmed accommodation reservation at a registered establishment, and sufficient financial means to cover the duration of stay must be presented. The minimum amount required for financial sufficiency and accepted form of proof are not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • The traveler must complete the Traveller Declaration form through IMUGA free of charge within 96 hours before the flight time. If proceeding to a subsequent country, the visa and passport validity requirements of that country must be met.
  • The meeting visa cannot be extended. A person in the Maldives on this visa cannot obtain a business visa while in the country. The final decision on admission rests with the immigration officer at the border. The visa fee, payment method, blank passport page and travel health insurance requirement are not definitively stated in the central official source.
Population
531,517(2026 est.)
Official language
Dhivehi
Government type
Presidential republic
Continent
Asia
Capital
Malé
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaas
Area
298 km²
Phone code
+960

Maldives: Key Destinations

Malé is the capital and principal gateway to the Maldives, with Velana International Airport located on nearby Hulhulé Island. Most visitors arrive here before transferring to their chosen resort or island destination.

The Maldives is famous for its stunning atolls, crystal-clear waters, and overwater bungalows. Local culture blends South Asian and Islamic traditions, evident in Malé's historic mosques and bustling markets.

Travel between islands is typically via speedboat or seaplane, with many visitors basing themselves on a single resort island. Others arrange island-hopping itineraries using domestic flights or boat transfers.