maldives tourist visa check

• Maldives Visa

Tourist Visa

Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to the Maldives. As such, a foreigner travelling to Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.

The basic entry requirements are as follows;

• A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month validity.  (Passengers with an extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter.)
• A complete travel itinerary including return journey confirmed tickets, with a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel, or provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives, or hold a pre-approved visa sponsorship Maldives Immigration.
• Entry requirements to their onward destinations; for example, the visa and passport validity.
• Traveller Declaration  must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours to the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via  IMUGA.  
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable. Children under 1 year of age are exempt from Yellow Fever vaccination.  Click here  to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.

Children / minors must have their own passport to enter the Maldives.

Transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Maldives, without clearing Maldives arrival immigration.

A complete travel itinerary (return journey confirmed tickets, prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel, if not provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives) does not guarantee entry to Maldives. Entry will be granted at the port of entry after the determination of admissibility by Immigration officers, as in accordance with Section 7 and 8 of The Maldives Immigration Act 2007.

Last update: December 21, 2022 Source: Maldives Immigration

Meeting Visa

Effective from 14 th  May 2023, an on-arrival 14 (fourteen) days short-stay visa ‘Meeting Visa’ will be granted for any foreign national visiting the Maldives for the purpose of attending a meeting, conference or convention held in the Maldives provided that the individual satisfies the entry requirements to the Maldives.

The following are the prerequisites for entry;

• The primary purpose of the visit is to attend or participate in a meeting, conference or convention held in the Maldives for permissible businesses accepted by the Registrar of Businesses, or to participate in a meeting held in the Maldives for government and state use, or to participate in a meeting or a conference or a convention arranged by other entities with approval from the concerned government authority;
• A complete travel itinerary including return journey confirmed tickets, with a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel and provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives;
• Traveller Declaration   filled in and submitted electronically via  IMUGA  within 96 hours to the flight time to Maldives;
• A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month validity.  (Passengers with an extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter.);
• Entry requirements to their onward destinations; for example, the visa and passport validity;

Important Note:

Meeting Visa is a non-extendable visa.

Meeting Visa holder is not eligible to obtain a Business Visa while in the Maldives.

Entry to the Maldives is not guaranteed even with a comprehensive travel plan (confirmed tickets for the return trip, prepaid confirmed accommodation reservations at registered hotels, or proof of sufficient financial resources). According to Sections 7 and 8 of The Maldives Immigration Act 2007, entrance will be permitted at the port of entry following an immigration officer’s determination of eligibility. Source: Maldives Immigration

Work Visa is the permit issued for a foreigner to stay in Maldives for the purpose of employment.

A person traveling to the Maldives for the purpose of employment will be granted 15 days from the date of arrival. In order to acquire this pre period, the foreign national should possess a valid Work Permit issued by the  Ministry of Economic Development , which does not exceed 90 days from date of issue. Moreover, the foreign national should provide the same passport on arrival for which the Work Permit was issued. Re-entry on Work Permit without obtaining a visa is possible unless the Work Permit remains valid (within 90 days from date of issue).

Work Visa process include a medical check-up which needs to be completed from a permitted hospital/clinic, and health insurance should cover within this period to apply for work visa.

The consequences for not obtaining visa within the mentioned period results in penalization under the  Immigration Act 1/2007 , which include deportation from Maldives for overstaying.

The issuance of Work Visa service is decentralized and is provided from Male’ (Visa Division, Star Cloud, 8th Floor, Majeedhee Magu), Hithadhoo Immigration Office (Addu City), Fuvahmulah Immigration Office (Fuvahmulah City) and Kulhudhuffushi Immigration Office (H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi).

Entry Requirements for Work Visa

• A machine readable (MRZ) Passport Bio-data page copy of the applicant (At least 1 Year validity).
• A valid Work Permit not exceeding 90 days from date of arrival.
• Traveler should provide the same passport mention in the Work Permit.
• Traveler Health Declaration , submitted within 48 hours prior to departure from the first port of embarkation. You may submit the form electronically via  IMUGA.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate,  if applicable .

Applying for Work Visa

The following documents are required to apply for Work Visa and the employer or a representative of the employer shall submit the application for visa.

• Passport of the employee
• Copy of the Work Permit
• Passport size photo (Photo shall comply with Maldives Immigration passport  photo standard  and must be a recent photo)
• Medical health screening report of the employee issued from a Hospital/Clinic authorized by the relevant government authority
• Work Visa Application Submission Receipt (IM29)

Maldives Immigration introduced online Work Visa service on 17 th  November 2019. Hence, the employers and recruitment agencies shall apply for the service through  Xpat Online System .

With this enhancement, visa will be processed within 48 hours of submission. When the application is processed, applicants can request for an online appointment to submit the passport(s) for visa. Visa process will take 3 working days and the applicant will be notified when the passport is ready for collection. An online appointment shall be fixed once again for passport(s) collection.

Instructional video:  https://bit.ly/3gNrLah

• Expatriate should be registered under the “Expatriate Medical Insurance” issued from Allied Insurance Company, before applying for visa.
• Work Visa fee should be paid for a minimum of 3 months from the date of submission of the application.
• The existing Employees while returning to Maldives after been abroad must make sure their visa is valid or at least the Work Permit should remain valid.

Marriage Visa

Marriage Visa is the permit to remain in the Maldives granted to a foreign national who is married to a Maldivian national.

A foreigner travelling to Maldives to marry with a Maldivian, or a foreigner who is married to a Maldivian and travels to Maldives to register their marriage in Maldives, shall be sponsored prior to the arrival.  Sponsorship Declaration  has to submitted online via  IMUGA , the digital platform for immigration services.

After the arrival, the foreigner must complete the legal marriage process, and apply for Marriage Visa within the given period of 30 days. If the foreigner is already residing in the Maldives, visa transfer has to be made to Marriage Visa once the legal procedure of the marriage is completed.

Applying for Marriage Visa

The following documents are required to apply for Marriage Visa.

• Application for Permit Extension Form ( IM23 )
• Passport of the applicant
• Signature and seal from the Family Court in the application form
• Original and copy of Marriage Certificate
• Identity Card copy of the Maldivian national
• Passport size photo (Photo shall comply with Maldives Immigration passport photo standard and must be a recent photo)
• Visa card fee, MVR50
• Medical health screening report from a Hospital/Clinic authorized by the relevant government authority
• Health insurance, when applying for a new visa

Marriage Visa applications shall be submitted online via  IMUGA . When the application is processed, submitter will be notified via the Portal, and will be given an appointment to submit the passport for visa.

Marriage Visa is issued for 1 year, if it is a new application. However, Marriage Visa extensions are issued to 5 years.

Last update: February 21, 2023 Source: Maldives Immigration

Dependent Visa

The following documents are required to apply for Dependent Visa.

• Application for Permit Extension From ( IM23 )
• A passport or Travel Document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 6 months validity
• Dependent Visa card fee, MVR50
• Dependent Visa fee, MVR750 for each 3 months
• Employment Approval copy or Visa Card copy of the foreigner holding the Work Visa
• Proof of the dependent status (marriage certificate or birth certificate)
• Letter from the respective embassy explaining the living situation, if it is the mother or the father of the employment visa holder
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

Dependent Visa applications shall be submitted via  IMUGA . Source: Maldives Immigration

Business Visa

Business Visa is a temporary multiple-entry visa issued to a foreign national intending to stay in the Maldives for business purposes.

In accordance with the new  Business Visa Regulation  published on 25th August 2021, applications for the Business Visa has to be submitted to the Ministry of Economic Development via Ministry’s  Business Portal . Source: Maldives Immigration

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fathulla Jameel Building, Malé, 20077, Republic of Maldives, | Tel Number: 00960 332-3400  |  Emergency Contact: 00960 798-3400

• About Ministry
• Embassies and Consulates
• Honorary Consuls of other countries in Maldives
• Honorary Consuls of Maldives in other countries
• Former Ministers
• Foreign Policy Principles
• Foreign Policy Goals
• Diplomatic Relations
• Foreign Service Act
• Information for Travellers
• Visa Information
• Attestation Service
• Visa Facilitation Service
• Citizenship Application
• Travel Advisory
• Travel FAQs
• Priorities and Issues
• International Organisations
• Conventions and Treaties
• Photo Gallery
• Publications
• Right to Information
• Information Officer

Entry Visa for Maldives

The Maldives offers various visas depending on your purpose of visit. For leisure, you’ll likely use the 30-day tourist visa , which is granted upon arrival. Should you wish to work in the Maldives or join a spouse, there are specific visas such as the work visa and marriage visa that require additional documentation.

30 Day Tourist Visa

For tourists no prior visa is required to enter the Maldives and based on immigration requirements, entry permits will be granted on arrival.

However an entry permit does not permit visitors to take up employment, set up any business or conduct any professional activities (paid or unpaid) except with the consent of the government and in compliance with pertinent laws and regulations of the Maldives.

Entry Requirements to Maldives

To ensure your entry is as smooth as possible, you must meet the Maldives’ entry requirements:

• Passport : Valid for at least 6 months with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) or a valid international travel document issued by a sovereign state’s government
• Traveler Declaration : Complete this via the IMUGA portal pre-arrival.
• Return Ticket: A valid return air ticket and necessary visas to a destination where the passenger has permission to enter
• Sufficient Fund: A minimum of US$30.00 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives
• Vaccination Certificate : For ease of travel during health emergencies such as COVID-19.

Remember to check for the most current requirements, as policies may change, especially regarding health and safety regulations.

For more details check out the Entry into Maldives section of the Maldives Department of Immigration and Emigration website

Financial Planning

While the Maldives offers a 30 day visa on arrival, proof of sufficient funds is sometimes necessary. The cost of stay can widely vary depending on your choice of a lavish resort or a modest hotel.

Daily Budget Table:

• Luxury Resort: $500 – $2000 per day
• Mid-Range Hotel: $100 – $500 per day
• Budget Accommodations: $50 – $100 per day

Carry documentation that demonstrates your financial means such as recent bank statements or a paid hotel booking.

Staying Healthy and Safe

If you’re arriving from a country at risk of yellow fever, you’ll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Additionally, it’s wise to have health insurance that covers you internationally, ensuring you’re protected against any unforeseen medical expenses.

Extending Your Stay

The visa you get on arrival usually has a validity of up to 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension for a certain period by providing the required documents before your current visa expires.

Those seeking employment should note that a valid work permit is necessary before a work visa application can be processed.

Study Visas & Work Visas

Details on study visas / Work Visa, other categories of permits into the Maldives including transit passengers and crew members can be obtained from the categories of permits section of the Maldives Department of Immigration and Emigration website.

Visa Exemptions

One or more of the above requirements may be waived for the following personnel:

• UN personnel
• Persons already approved for employment in the country
• Technical and other experts attached to the Maldives Government
• Personnel with confirmed bookings in a registered tourist accommodation in the country
• Personnel sponsored by a Maldivian spouse

Leave a Message Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How do I get a visa for the Maldives?

Feb 9, 2024 • 3 min read

Don't let some admin hold you back from the vacation of a lifetime in the Maldives © skynesher / Getty Images

With its gleaming turquoise lagoons, bamboo-thatched overwater bungalows and sugar-white sands, the Maldives is one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations.

Every year, almost two million travelers touch down at Velana International Airport for the tropical trip of a lifetime. The last thing you want is to miss out on a vacation in paradise because you forgot to check visa requirements and, luckily, we're here to help.

Fortunately, the visa process is surprisingly easy. Whether you’re sticking to the local islands or zipping off to a private hideaway, here’s everything you need to know about visa requirements for the Maldives.

How to get a visa on arrival

Travelers from every country in the world can get a free 30-day tourist visa stamped into their passport when they arrive in the Maldives. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, tourism is the largest sector of the Maldives' economy, so the government has tried to make it as easy as possible for vacationers to access these pristine islands.

To get your visa on arrival, you just need a follow a few key guidelines. Your passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least one month past your departure date, and you must show evidence of your return flight and hotel booking confirmation – the airline and immigration may ask for this information.

Official regulations state that you should be able to show proof that you have the funds to support your stay in the Maldives, but this is rarely requested from travelers with resort bookings. Be prepared that immigration officials may ask for evidence of cash or a bank statement – around US$100 per day of your stay should be sufficient. Any travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic must show a vaccination certificate upon arrival.

Every traveler needs to  complete an Imuga form 96 hours before both their arrival and departure flights. The digital form is free and requests basic information like a photo of your passport, flight number, duration of stay, where you’re staying and where you’re heading after the Maldives. Upon completion you'll get a QR code that you can store on your smartphone – it will be scanned by immigration at the airport.

What if I want to extend my visa?

Having too much fun in paradise? We don’t blame you. If you want to extend your 30-day tourist visa for an extra 60 days, giving you a total of 90 days in the Maldives, just talk to your resort or guesthouse. They will work with immigration on your behalf to arrange your visa extension.

The resort will let you know the documents you’ll need to renew your visa, including a full page in your passport, a recent passport-size photo, and confirmation of your stay and onward flight. The fee for extending your visa is Rf750. It’s recommended to start this process at least 10 days before your visa expires, but remember requirements are always subject to change.

Can I get a working holiday visa?

The Maldives does not offer working holiday visas. But if working on a small tropical island or aboard a boat in the Maldives sounds appealing, working visas are available if you can secure a job at one of the 180+ resorts or hotels. An approved Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Economic Development is required before applying for a Work Visa. From there, workers must meet requirements like having a passport valid for one year, a passport-sized photo, a medical health report, and all other necessary documents. Your employer will be able to guide you through the process.

This article was first published Oct 18, 2021 and updated Feb 9, 2024.

Explore related stories

Aug 1, 2024 • 11 min read

An expert guide to leveraging rewards programs to stay at the world's most fabulous hotels for pennies on the dollar.

Mar 4, 2024 • 4 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 24, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 8, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 7, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

• Consular services
• Registration
• Useful links
• Maldives Visa and Passport Information

Maldives Tourist Visa

You do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the Maldives on holiday.

All tourists, of all nationalities, can receive a 30-day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives.

To receive a tourist visa on arrival at Malé International Airport, you will need to:

• Possess a valid passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) -(standard ICAO Annex 9, chapter 3.10.1)and should have at least 6 months’ validity;
• A return flight ticket, or a flight ticket to another destination, for departure within 30 days of arrival;
• Either confirmation of a hotel/resort booking, or evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Maldives (at least US$100 + US$50 per day demonstrated by cash or bank statement).

Maldives authorities require that your passport/travel document be valid for the duration of your stay in the Maldives. However, please check the required validity of your passport to other destinations and from the airlines you are travelling with, as they may have a regulation that may not allow you to travel if your passport validity is less than 6 months.

Please Note:

You must not undertake employment while in the Maldives on a tourist visa. Visitors found to be employed, or found to have overstayed their visa, may be deported.

Disclaimer: The issuance of tourist visas ultimately lies at the discretion of the Immigration officer. As a tourist, you do not have a right to claim a 30-day visa, and the information above should be seen as guidance.

Renewal of Tourist Visa

You can extend your 30 day on-arrival visa for an additional 60 days by applying directly to the Maldives Immigration before the expiration of the visa already granted. For more information, please visit the Maldives Immigration website.

Other Types of Visa for the Maldives

Further information on entry requirements, other types of visas, and tourist visa extensions is available on the website of the Maldives Immigration.

The Maldives Embassy in Brussels cannot issue any visas under any circumstances.

• For visitors to Maldives
• Customs Information
• Visa requirements for Foreign Journalists
• For Maldivians
• General information
• Passports / Travel Documents Service
• National ID Card Service
• Notary/Authentication Services

HIGH COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to the Maldives. As such, a foreigner travelling to the Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.

The basic entry requirements are as follows;

• A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month’s validity (Passengers with an extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter).
• A complete travel itinerary including return journey confirmed tickets, with a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel, or provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives, or hold a pre-approved visa sponsorship Maldives Immigration.
• Entry requirements to their onward destinations; for example, the visa and passport validity.
• Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travellers travelling to and from the  Maldives, within 96 hours of the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable.  Click here  to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.

************************************

Children/minors must have their own passports to enter the Maldives.

Transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Maldives, without clearing Maldives arrival immigration.

A complete travel itinerary (return journey confirmed tickets, prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel, if not provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives) does not guarantee entry to Maldives. Entry will be granted at the port of entry after the determination of admissibility by Immigration officers, as in accordance with Section 7 and 8 of The Maldives Immigration Act 2007.

Renewal of Tourist Visa

You can extend your 30-day on-arrival visa for an additional 60 days by applying directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration before the expiration of your on-arrival visa. For more information, please visit the Maldives Immigration website .

Source: https://immigration.gov.mv/tourist-visa/

Please Note:

The Maldives High Commission in Malaysia cannot issue any visas under any circumstances.

• About the High Commission
• Mission Statement
• The High Commissioner
• Former High Commissioners
• Maldives Foreign Policy
• Bilateral Relations
• The Maldives in UK Parliament
• UK Assistance to the Maldives
• Bilateral Relations with Accredited Countries
• Passport Services
• Registering a Birth
• Registering a Marriage
• Renewing National ID
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Scholarship in the UK
• Student Visa
• Maldivians Visiting the UK
• Attestation Services
• Destination Profile
• Maldives Visa and Passport Information
• Customs Information
• Vaccination Advice
• Why Invest in the Maldives?
• Economic Profile
• Doing Business in the Maldives
• Maldivian Tuna Recipes
• News on the Maldives
• Emergency contact number

Visit Maldives

Heighlights.

No specific vaccinations are required to enter the Maldives. However, if you are arriving from a Central African of South American country where yellow fever is endemic ( see here for information on countries affected by yellow fever ) you will require an international certificate of innoculation against yellow fever to enter Maldives.

Please consult your doctor for any further health advice

Prohibited Items

It is prohibited for tourists to bring firearms, alcoholic beverages, pork products, pornography and idols of worship into the Maldives. Additionally, strict penalties apply to those attempting to bring illegal drugs into the country. Alcohol and pork products are only available on resort islands under a special license.

Most medication can be carried with you when entering the Maldives provided that you show a doctor's prescription, and  the amount you are carrying does not exceed your requirements for the duration of your stay in the Maldives. However, as regulations occasionally change, please check with the Customs Service that your medication is permitted in the Maldives.

Photography and Diving Equipment

If you are bringing in a lot of photographic or diving equipment it is advisable to inform your resort of the details prior to your arrival. Otherwise provide a list with details about the equipment (serial numbers and so forth), to avoid delay at the airport upon arrival.

Any items left behind will be liable for import duty.

Customs Service

For further clarification on what items can be brought into the Maldives, please contact the Maldives Customs Service :

Maldives Customs Service Boduthakurufaanu Magu Maafannu, Male'

Maldives Tourist Visa

You do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the maldives on holiday..

All tourists, of all nationalities, can receive a 30 day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives.

To receive a tourist visa on arrival at Malé International Airport, you will need:

Should posses a valid passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)  -(standard ICAO Annex 9, chapter 3.10.1) and should have at least 1 month validity

A return flight ticket, or a flight ticket to another destination, for departure within 30 days of arrival;

Either confirmation of a hotel/resort booking, or evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Maldives (at least US$100 + US$50 per day demonstrated by cash or bank statement).

Please Note:

You must not undertake any work paid or unpaid or any business engagements while in the Maldives on a tourist visa. Visitors found to be employed, or found to have overstayed their visa, may be deported or fined .

Disclaimer: The issuance of tourist visas ultimately lies at the discretion of the Immigration officer. As a tourist, you do not have a right to claim a 30 day visa, and the information above should be seen as guidance.

Renewal of Tourist Visa

You can extend your 30 day on-arrival visa for an additional 60 days by applying directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration before the expiration of your on-arrival visa. For more information, please visit Maldives Immigration website .

Other Types of Visa for the Maldives

Further information on entry requirements, other types of visas, and tourist visa extensions is available on the website of the Maldives Immigration .

The Maldives Embassy in London cannot issue any visas under any circumstances.

Welcome to the Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you their arms.

In ancient times, the shores of the Maldives welcomed lost travellers. Still welcoming, these shores remain, providing a tranquil haven for visitors.

For in-depth information on holidaying in the Maldives, and profiles of all the major resorts, hotels, liveaboards and guest houses click .

Location and Geography

The Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean, just across the equator. The country is made up of 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, spread over 90,000 square kilometers. These atoll structures are formed upon a sharp ridge rising from the ocean, thereby creating their secluded uniqueness.

Each atoll in the Maldives is made of a coral reef encircling a lagoon, with deep channels dividing the reef ring. A string of islands take their places among this atoll ring; each island has its own reef encircling the island lagoon. The reefs of the islands, alive with countless underwater creatures and vibrant corals, protect the islands from wind and the ocean waves. This unique structure of reefs and channels makes navigation almost impossible for anybody without sufficient local knowledge of the waters.

Ninety-nine percent of the Maldives is sea. The people of the islands are widely dispersed across the atolls, with about 200 inhabited islands. Around 140 islands are developed as tourist resorts and the rest are uninhabited or used for agriculture and other livelihood purposes.

The islands of the Maldives lay on the trading route of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers, and visitors from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history has been recorded. Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes.

The looks of the Maldivian people may differ from one atoll to the other, attributing to the genes passed on by South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The language, Dhivehi, differs in dialect in some regions in the south of Maldives, possibly due to the secluded nature and subsistent ways of island life. Maldivian beliefs have been very much based around religion and superstition, often used together in matters of significance but given separate positions in society. In matters of faith, Islam dominates, but influence of the supernatural still continues to play a major role in most island communities, possibly giving credit to the folklores and Buddhist traditions of the islands’ first settlers before conversion to Islam in 1153 AD.

The mixing of cultures is very much seen in Maldivian arts. The music played with the local bodu-beru (big-drum) resemble that of African drumming. The dhoni (a unique Maldivian sailboat) is an art form itself built with skilled craftsmanship, with significant similarities to the Arabian dows. The fine artistry of Maldivians, seen in the intricate details on wooden beams in antique mosques, represents what we have gained from Southeast Asian architecture. Then there is the undefined: the distinct geometric designs used in mats woven from local materials, the embroidered neckline of women’s traditional dresses and their ornaments too, expose another story brought in from an unknown culture that has seeped in to Maldivian society.

Maldivians are quite open to adaptation and are generally welcoming to outside inspiration. The culture has always continued to evolve with the times. Locals still eat fish and fishermen still spend days out at sea, but tourism now takes prominence. Most Maldivians still want to believe in upholding unity and oneness in faith, but recent waves of reform in the country have created a whole new culture of new ideas and attitudes. The effects of the modern world are now embraced, while still striving to uphold the people’s identity, traditions and beliefs.

The Environment

The Maldivian President who dived underwater with his cabinet has given a new light to the association between Maldives and the ‘environment’. The world now knows how dependent the Maldives is on its natural environment.

The environment has a direct affect on all facets of Maldivian. The islands are protected by thousands of reefs that need to be alive for this unique archipelago to continue to exist in the future. The corals on our reefs need its countless inhabitants to feed on them for the corals to re-grow. Locals need the fish in the water for livelihood and they depend on the beauty of its reefs and islands to sustain our tourism industry. Most importantly, the Maldives needs its citizens and visitors to take care of its wonderful natural environment in order to survive as one of the most magical places on earth.

Several government regulations have been set up to enable a system to provide natural protection for the otherwise fragile 1,190 islands of Maldives. Starting in 1995, important marine areas have been designated as protected regions. Endangered marine species like the whale shark, turtles, dolphins, as well as corals, have also been protected by law. Hanifaru, a bay like lagoon in Baa atoll, is among the most recently protected marine areas. This area is home to rays from around the Maldives that gather here to feast on the masses of plankton brought into the lagoon by water currents.

Weather and Climate

The weather in the Maldives is usually picture perfect: sunlit days, breezy nights, balmy mornings, and iridescent sunsets. The temperature hardly ever changes - which makes packing for your holiday an easy task. With the average temperature at about 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The sun is a constant most days, shining through treetops, creating lacy patterns on your feet, healing cold-bones with its warmth. Throughout the day, the sun will make itself known, ensuring that it will be remembered and missed, like an old friend, as you pack up your suitcases to leave.

Maldives has two distinct seasons; dry season (northeast monsoon) and wet season (southwest monsoon), with the former extending from January to March and the latter from mid-May to November.

The rare thunderstorm in the Maldives, especially around the southwest monsoon months) can be a welcome respite from the sun. Cloudy skies and slate grey seas, and crashing thunder makes up for lovely reading weather. The warm temperatures will allow you to go for a walk in the rain, a verdant, wet, thoroughly enjoyable experience. For extra exhilaration, take a swim in the rain - the sea will be extra warm.

For more information about weather in the Maldives visit www.meteorogoly.gov.mv

High Commission

• High Commissioner
• Ministry of Economic Development
• Visa and Passport Information

020-49027000 / 020-25550000

[email protected].

• Visa Requirements

Maldives Tourist Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees

Indian passport holders who are willing to apply for a Maldives Tourist visa can find the necessary visa information on this page. In the following, you can find Maldives Tourist visa requirements which mainly include the visa documents and eligibility criteria. General guidelines to be followed at the time of submission of Maldives Tourist visa documents are mentioned on the page. For further visa consultation, you can contact BTW Visa Executives.

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa

Following is the list of documents required for Maldives Tourist visa for Indians.

A passport is a document that is required at the time of international travels. It is issued by the government of the country to verify the identity and nationality of the candidate.

The submitted passport must meet the parameters given below

• It must be valid as per the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).
• It must be valid for at least 6 months ahead of date of journey.
• Same Passport should be given which was submitted for getting approval
• It must not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any kind of way.

One cannot cross international boundries without the passport. It is considered a criminal offense otherwise.

An air ticket is a ticket or pass that is possessed by the traveller who is taking a flight for travelling from one location to another.

It is an important document and it should be submitted for the given reason

• The air tickets must be confirmed for the to and fro journey tpo Maldives.
• It must be confirmed for the complete round trip.

An air ticket shows your course of travel and confirms your return to the native country.

Bank statement is a document that issued from the bank. This is obtained for the savings bank account to show ratify if you will be able to support your stay in the country.

The Bank statement is a mandatory document and it should meet the following criteria

• It must be original and must reflect sufficient funds to support your stay in Maldives.
• It must be original and should have the bank's stamp and signature on every page.

If the Bank Statement doesn't show enough funds or shows irrelevant expenditure, it could lead to visa rejection on financial means. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

A hotel voucher is a ticket provided by the hotel of residence to the customers who are taking an accomodation in the hotel.

It should be submitted as per the following

• It must be provided to ratify the purpose of visit and as proof of accommodation as well.

If you are staying in a hotel during your time in another country, a hotel voucher must be provided as proof of accommodation.

The photo is provided to the authority so that you can be identified based on the same.

The photographs must be provided as per the given photo specifications

• It must be a recent photograph.
• The expressions on the face must be neutral, there must not be any kind of smiling of frowning in the photograph.
• Any kind of glasses must not be worn in the photograph.
• The hair must be tied back so that the face is clearly visible.
• The ears must be visible clearly.
• It must not have any headgear worn apart from religious reasons.
• It is to be taken care that your teeth do not show in the photograph.

Recent pictures are mandatory as old pictures can cause the authorities to reject your application.

A yellow fever vaccination is a medical certificate that proves the applicant as non-contagious for the disease.

• It must be original and should be issued from an authorized medical organization.

The certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if not provided as per the requirement and is fake, there are major chances that the applicant may not be permitted in the country.

Eligibility for getting Maldives Tourist Visa:

In order to be eligible to travel to the country on a visa, you will have to meet the following eligibility criteria.

Be a genuine traveller- You must have a valid and good intention behind travelling to the country.

Eligible to bear all expenses - You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents throughout the stay.

Reasons to return - You must have strong ties in your home country that will ensure that you will return after your stay.

Be of good character - You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. You may have to provide PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.

Be in good health - You must at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities.

• You must be a genuine travelling enthusiast wanting to explore the country.
• You must already have the necessary travel arrangements made to prove your intention to visit.

Visa Fees for Maldives Tourist Visa:

*Important Note:

1. You will be granted a free entry visa on arrival. Depending on your financial status, you can apply for a maximum period of thirty days. A ninety-day visa is granted for nationals of SAARC countries 2. All visitors need a valid travel document. If a passport expiry date falls within 30 days of arrival, tourists cannot extend their stay beyond the passport expiry date

Embassy/Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents or personal appearance for an interview in special cases. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted, so It's recommonded to get the professional visa consultation. Submission of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear for a special visa interview may result in the rejection of your visa application .

Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care. However, regulations and requirements are subject to change.

Check Visa Requirements List for other country?

Applied for Dubai visa and received in 2 days flat. Thank you Navanath & Avinash for quick & reliable visa Service. No need of hard copy document & physical visits. It is also cheaper than many other travel agencies. Mr. Kapil Pailwan

Sarang, you got it done man! I had to get done my Taiwan visa. Sarang guided me very well. This visa might bring some complications in terms of medical documentation but trust me he will take you though this very well. 5 out of 5 for you, Sarang! Cheers, Warmly, BHAGYESH DEO Mr. Bhagyesh Deo

We would like to thank BTW visa services and especially Vineet and Shrushti for assisting us for our USA & Schengen visa. We got all possible assistance from the staff. Awesome services You just have to give them necessary documents and everything else is taken care of. Will surely come back to you guys for our next visa. Mrs. Sayali Gujar

Do You Want Approved Visa ?

Enter your details to get in touch with Expert Visa Consultant.

Required Documents are not available.

Verify OTP Resend OTP Please enter valid OTP.

Enquiry can not be processed for following reasons

Apply for Visa Online

Are you struggling with your visa application.

• 255235+ Visa Processed
• 35765+ Clients

Our expert Visa consultants are waiting to help you!

Get your visa FASTER with our Visa experts!

Visa Information

Entry to maldives.

The basic entry requirements are as follows;

A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month validity. (Passengers with an extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter.)

A complete travel itinerary including return journey confirmed tickets, with a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel, and provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives, or hold a pre-approved visa sponsorship approved by Maldives Immigration.

Entry requirements to their onward destinations; for example, the visa and passport validity.

Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travellers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours to the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA.  

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable. Children under 1 year of age are exempt from Yellow Fever vaccination. Click here to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.

Children / minors must have their own passport to enter the Maldives.

Transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Maldives, without clearing Maldives arrival immigration.

A complete travel itinerary (return journey confirmed tickets, prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel, and provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives) does not guarantee entry to Maldives. Entry will be granted at the port of entry after the determination of admissibility by Immigration officers, as in accordance with Section 7 and 8 of The Maldives Immigration Act 2007.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

List of nationalities that will soon be able to apply for an ETA.

An ETA allows you to travel to the UK. Whether you can apply depends on:

• the date you travel
• your nationality as shown on your passport

Who can apply now

These nationalities can apply for an ETA now.

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Who can apply from 27 November 2024

Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024.

They can travel to the UK with an ETA from 8 January 2025.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
• Macao Special Administrative Region
• Marshall Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United States

Who can apply from 5 March 2025

Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025.

They can travel to the UK with an ETA from 2 April 2025.

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Updates to this page

Sign up for emails or print this page, is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .