Maldives Visa & Entry Requirements: A Complete Guide

What is the Maldives Visa?

When we talk about the “Maldives Visa” we are referring to the permission issued by the Maldivian authorities that allows you to enter the country and stay for a defined period for tourism (or other purposes). For Indian passport-holders, the good news is that this is largely done on arrival, subject to meeting entry requirements. According to the official portal of Maldives Immigration, “Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival” and no prior pre-approval is needed for tourism.

This one simple fact makes the Maldives a very attractive destination for Indian holiday-seekers: minimal paperwork upfront, and you’re free to explore islands, resorts, diving spots and culture.

Entry Requirements: What You Must Have

To secure your Maldives Visa (on arrival) and enter smoothly, you’ll need to meet certain basic entry requirements as laid out by Maldives Immigration. 

• Here’s a checklist for Indian travellers:
• Passport with machine-readable zone (MRZ) and at least one month validity beyond your date of arrival. 
• Confirmed onward/return ticket (showing you’ll depart the Maldives before your allowed stay ends).
• Pre-paid confirmed hotel/resort booking in a registered facility in the Maldives OR proof of sufficient funds for your stay (if not staying in a resort). 
• Completed Traveller Declaration (via the IMUGA portal) within 96 hours of your flight to the Maldives. 
• If you are arriving from a Yellow-Fever endemic country, you must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (this is seldom relevant for Indian departures, but worth verifying). 

Note:  Even though some requirements (like proof of funds) are not always strictly enforced for Indian nationals travelling for holiday, it’s best to have the hotel booking and return ticket handy — Indian immigration in particular may ask questions about stay duration and onward travel.

Maldives Visa Extension for Indians

If you fall in love with the Maldivian sunsets (and let’s face it, most travelers do), the good news is—you can extend your Maldives visa beyond the standard 30-day stay. The Maldives Immigration Department allows tourists, including Indian citizens, to apply for an extension of up to 60 additional days, giving you a maximum stay of 90 days in total.

How to Apply for a Maldives Visa Extension

If you wish to stay in the Maldives beyond the initial 30-day visa-on-arrival period, you can easily apply for a Maldives visa extension at the Maldives Immigration Office in Malé before your visa expires.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum one-month validity left)
• Visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
• Confirmed accommodation booking for the extended stay
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit/debit card)
• Updated return or onward flight ticket

Extension Fee & Processing Time

The Maldives tourist visa extension costs around MVR 750 (approx. ₹4,000). Applications are usually processed within 24–48 hours, and your passport will be stamped with the new validity date.

Key Tips

• Apply 3–5 days before your visa expires to avoid penalties.
• Keep copies of your hotel booking and return ticket ready.
• Overstaying without a valid extension can lead to fines or future entry restrictions.

For long-term stays or repeat visits, it’s best to check with the official Maldives Immigration portal (www.immigration.gov.mv) for updated guidelines or any changes in the Maldives visa requirements.

Maldives Visa Cost & Hidden Charges

For tourists arriving from India, the good news is: the Maldives tourist visa on arrival is FREE of charge. According to several travel portals, Indian citizens do not pay a visa fee for the standard 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. 

However:

• If you apply for extensions (beyond 30 days) or different visa types (business, work, marriage, dependent), fees will apply. 
• Although the visa is free, you will still need to cover your return/ onward ticket, hotel stay booking and may be asked for proof of funds.
• Also remember costs for local transfers in Maldives (seaplanes, speedboats) may add significant additional spend beyond your visa fees—so budget accordingly.

Step-by-Step: Maldives Visa Process (Indian Citizen)

Here’s a simple, Indian-friendly process guide for the Maldives visa and entry for a typical holiday-maker:

1. Book your flights from India → Malé (or other islands via Malé).
2. Book your resort/hotel in the Maldives and keep confirmation handy.
3. Ensure your passport is valid (with MRZ zone) and ideally at least 1-6 months valid from entry date.
4. Within 96 hours of departure, fill in the Traveller Declaration via the IMUGA portal. 
5. Carry return/ onward flight ticket proof and accommodation booking with you when you fly.
6. On arrival in Malé (or other entry port), proceed to immigration: present passport, booking proof, return ticket, traveller declaration, potentially show funds/proof. Pay no visa fee (for standard tourist).
7. You’re granted up to 30-day tourist visa automatically. Enjoy your Maldives stay!
8. If you wish to stay longer: Before your 30 days expire, apply for extension via Maldives Immigration office in Malé (documents required include updated booking, funds proof etc).
9. Departure: Ensure you leave before your visa stay ends – overstaying can lead to fines or issues.

Bonus tip for Indian families or groups: Carry a print-out of accommodation (especially if staying in guest-houses on local islands, not just resort). Though resorts are most common, local island stays are growing. Immigration might ask for this.

Paperwork Required for Maldives Visa

Although Indians enjoy a visa on arrival in the Maldives, travelers must still carry a few important documents and travel papers to ensure smooth entry at Malé International Airport. Having these ready makes immigration quick and stress-free.

Essential Documents Checklist

1. Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of travel and one blank page for stamping.
2. Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure within 30 days is mandatory for visa approval.
3. Hotel or Resort Booking Confirmation: Immigration officers may ask for your confirmed stay details for the full duration of your trip.
4. Proof of Funds: You should be able to show enough funds — generally USD 100 + USD 50 per day per person — via cash, card, or recent bank statements.
5. IMUGA Declaration Form: This is the online arrival and departure declaration, which must be completed on the official portal (imuga.immigration.gov.mv) within 96 hours before your flight.
6. Travel Insurance (Recommended): Though not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical emergencies or trip delays is highly advisable.
7. Vaccination or Health Documents (If Applicable): Currently, no COVID-19 certificates are needed, but health authorities may request proof of vaccination for other diseases if required at the time of travel.

Note:

Keep digital and printed copies of all these documents handy — especially your IMUGA form confirmation and hotel booking. The Maldivian immigration officers are friendly, but having your paperwork in order saves time and avoids unnecessary delays.

IMUGA Form for Maldives Travel

Before traveling to the Maldives, every visitor — including Indian citizens — must complete the IMUGA form, an online arrival and departure declaration issued by Maldives Immigration. It’s a mandatory step, even though the Maldives visa itself is granted on arrival.

What is the IMUGA Form?

The IMUGA form records your travel details, accommodation, passport information, and health declaration for immigration clearance. It helps the authorities ensure smooth and quick processing on arrival.

How to Fill the IMUGA Form Online

1. Visit the official portal: imuga.immigration.gov.mv
2. Click Traveller Declaration → Submit Form.
3. Upload your passport and photo, and enter flight and stay details.
4. Submit the form within 96 hours before your flight (both for arrival and departure).
5. Download or screenshot the confirmation QR code to show at the airport.

Important Notes

• The form is free and takes only a few minutes to complete.
• Ensure that all information matches your passport and travel documents.
• You’ll need to submit a separate form for your return journey as well.

Pro Tip: Keep a printed or digital copy of your IMUGA confirmation handy — immigration officers in Malé may request it during entry.

Maldives Visa Processing Time for Indians

One of the best parts about traveling to the Maldives from India is how quick and effortless the Maldives visa process really is. Since Indians are eligible for a visa on arrival, there’s no waiting period or lengthy approval step before your trip. Everything happens right at the airport.

When you land at Velana International Airport in Malé, simply proceed to the immigration counter with your required documents — passport, return ticket, confirmed hotel booking, and your Traveller Declaration (filled online through IMUGA). The visa is issued within 5–10 minutes on the spot.

Even during peak travel months like December to March, the processing time rarely exceeds 15–20 minutes, depending on airport queues. Once the officer reviews your documents, your passport will be stamped with a 30-day Maldives Tourist Visa, free of charge.

• Average visa processing time: 5–10 minutes
  
• Type: Visa on Arrival (Tourist)
  
• Fee: Free for Indian citizens
  
• Pre-approval required: None

This instant and hassle-free entry is one of the biggest reasons Indian travelers love visiting the Maldives — it’s a dream destination that truly rolls out the welcome mat from the moment you land.

How Long Can You Stay? 

For the typical tourist visiting from India, the process is pleasantly simple: you’ll be granted a stay of up to 30 days on arrival for tourism. Sources suggest Indian nationals can extend the stay by another 60 days (i.e., up to 90 days total) via application with Maldives Immigration. 

If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, it’s wise to look at the extension process before you travel, so you’re prepared. You’ll likely need to apply in Malé and show updated accommodation, proof of funds, etc.

Special Notes & Tips for Indian Travellers

• Currency & funds: While you may not be asked for heavy proof of funds, carrying a modest statement (₹ or USD) helps your confidence at immigration.
• Return ticket timing: Some travellers choose open-ticket or flexible tickets. That’s fine—but ensure you can show intent to leave within your visa period.
• What about local islands vs resorts? If you stay on local-inhabited islands (guest-houses) instead of luxury resorts, keep in mind that the regulations for accommodation bookings may differ slightly. Still, the visa rules remain the same.
• Clothing & culture: The Maldives is a Muslim country. While resorts often allow beachwear freely, if you plan to visit local islands and inhabited villages, carry modest clothing (shoulders covered, etc.). This cultural sensitivity helps avoid misunderstandings.
• Health precautions: Even though there may not be mandatory vaccination requirements for most Indian travellers, it is wise to have travel insurance, carry basic medications, and check for any advisory (for example Yellow Fever if you’re arriving from an endemic country).
• Inter-island transfers: Many Indian travellers pay special attention to the seaplane or speed-boat transfers in Maldives. Include transfer time in your arrival and accommodation planning to avoid delay or missed connections at immigration.
• Peak season & early booking: Indian school vacations, Diwali breaks, January all attract high demand in the Maldives. Early booking of flights + resort + confirmation helpful for smoother visa/entry.
• Extensions: If you plan to stay more than 30 days (say honeymoon plus a week on a local island), apply for extension early. Doing so ensures you don’t overstay.

Plan Your Maldives Getaway with Confidence 

Now that you know everything about the Maldives Visa process — from on-arrival entry to extension and processing time — nothing stands between you and that turquoise-blue paradise. For Indian travelers, the Maldives is truly one of the easiest international destinations to visit: no visa hassles, short flight duration, and breathtaking beauty just a few hours away.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a luxury resort retreat, or a family island escape, BookYourOwn.net makes it easy to design your perfect Maldives holiday package. From curated stays in Malé to private overwater villas, we handle every detail — flights, transfers, activities, and exclusive offers — so you can focus on relaxing.

Why wait? Your Maldives story begins the moment you land.
Book your next island escape with BookYourOwn.net and experience a trip that’s as smooth as the waves of the Indian Ocean.