Visa Requirements for the Maldives: Your Guide by iBestTravel

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. Fortunately, iBestTravel is here to help.

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 upon arrival in the Maldives. Tourism is the largest sector of the Maldives’ economy; therefore, the government has tried to make the process as seamless as possible for vacationers to access these pristine islands.

To get your visa on arrival, you just need to follow a few key guidelines:

• Your passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least one month beyond your departure date.
• You must show evidence of your return flight and hotel booking confirmation – both the airline and immigration officials may request this information.
• While it is recommended to have proof of funds to support your stay (around US$100 per day), this is rarely requested from travelers with resort bookings.
• Travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic must show a vaccination certificate upon arrival.

Additionally, every traveler needs to complete an Imuga form 96 hours before their arrival and departure flights. This digital form is free and requires basic information, such as a photo of your passport, flight number, duration of stay, accommodation details, and onward travel. Upon completion, you’ll receive a QR code that can be scanned by immigration at the airport.

What if I Want to Extend My Visa?

Are you having too much fun in paradise? If you wish to extend your 30-day tourist visa for an additional 60 days, you can easily do so by speaking with your resort or guesthouse. They will liaise with immigration on your behalf to facilitate the visa extension.

The resort will inform you about the documentation needed for renewing your visa, including:

• A full page in your passport
• A recent passport-sized photo
• Confirmation of your stay and onward flight

The fee for extending your visa is Rf750. It is advisable to begin this process at least 10 days before your visa expires; however, it’s important to note that requirements are subject to change.

Can I Get a Working Holiday Visa?

Unfortunately, the Maldives does not offer working holiday visas. However, if you are looking to work on a small tropical island or aboard a boat in the Maldives, working visas are available provided you secure a job at one of the 180+ resorts or hotels. It is essential to obtain an approved Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Economic Development before applying for a Work Visa.

To successfully apply, workers must meet specific requirements, including:

• A passport valid for at least one year
• A passport-sized photo
• A medical health report
• All other necessary documentation

Your employer will be able to guide you through the application process effectively.

This article was first published on October 18, 2021, and updated on February 9, 2024.