The Maldives is one of the world's easiest destinations for visa purposes — most nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival with no advance application. The administrative work has shifted to a different document: the IMUGA digital arrival declaration. This guide covers both for 2026.
Who Gets the Visa-on-Arrival
The Maldives offers a free 30-day visa on arrival to virtually all nationalities. There is no advance application, no fee, and no embassy visit required. The visa is granted on landing at Velana International Airport (MLE) provided you meet the standard entry conditions.
Standard Entry Conditions
- Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry.
- Confirmed onward / return ticket.
- Confirmed accommodation booking (resort, guesthouse or hotel).
- Sufficient funds for stay (typically interpreted as $100/day equivalent or proof of pre-paid resort stay).
- Completed IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before arrival.
The IMUGA Arrival Declaration
Since 2022 the Maldives has required all arriving travellers to complete an online IMUGA declaration ("Immigration Managed Unified Gateway"). It replaces the historic paper customs/immigration card. The form is free and takes 5–10 minutes.
- When to submit: within 96 hours before arrival.
- Where:
imuga.immigration.gov.mv - What you need: passport details, flight number, accommodation address, basic health declaration.
- What you receive: a QR code to show at immigration.
You also need to file a Departure IMUGA before flying out — same site, similar 96-hour window.
Visa Extensions
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, the Department of Immigration in Malé can grant an extension up to 90 days total. The extension fee is MVR 750 (~$50) and requires an in-person visit to the Immigration office in Malé before your initial visa expires.
Special Cases
| Scenario | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Working visa / "digital nomad" extended stay | Apply for resort-zone work permit through employer or digital nomad scheme (where available) |
| Travelling on a one-way ticket | Show proof of onward travel from resort, or risk denial |
| Travelling with minors | Both parents' signed consent if travelling with one parent only — increasingly checked |
| Travel to local islands | No additional visa required — same 30-day visa covers everywhere |
Items You Cannot Bring
The Maldives prohibits a small but specific list of items. Bringing any of these will result in confiscation and possible fines:
- Alcohol (apart from duty-free for transit; resort guests' alcohol is supplied on-island).
- Pork products.
- Religious materials of non-Islamic faiths intended for distribution.
- Drone — restricted; requires advance permit from Civil Aviation Authority.
- Spearfishing gear.
- E-cigarettes and vapes — banned in 2024.
- Drugs of any kind, including prescription medications without documentation.
Customs Allowance
The standard duty-free allowance permits a small quantity of cigarettes (200) and a perfume bottle. Cash declarations are required for sums exceeding $10,000.
Booking the Trip
Once visa requirements are confirmed, browse curated resorts at aMaldives Resorts. Compare nightly rates and complete bookings on Booking.com Maldives. For day-trip and excursion bookings to support your itinerary, see GetYourGuide Maldives.
Health and Vaccination
No specific vaccinations are required for entry from most countries. Yellow fever certificate is required only if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country. Standard travel-medicine recommendations include up-to-date routine vaccinations and travel insurance with adequate medical evacuation cover.
What to Have Ready at Immigration
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Printed or screen-saved IMUGA QR code
- Resort booking confirmation (printed or digital)
- Return flight booking
- Travel insurance details (occasionally requested)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maldives visa free for British / EU / US passport holders?
Yes — all three groups receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, the same as most other nationalities. There are no upfront visa fees.
Do I need to print the IMUGA?
A digital QR code on your phone is fine. Some travellers prefer to print as a backup in case of phone issues at immigration.
Can I extend my Maldives visa beyond 30 days?
Yes, up to 90 days total via the Immigration Department in Malé. Apply before the initial 30 days expire and pay the extension fee.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying triggers fines (typically $100+ per day) and possible bans on future entry. Always extend in advance if needed.
Are drones allowed?
Drones require an advance permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Resort filming permits are sometimes available; tourist drone use is not freely allowed.