Maldives entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Argentina passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up at Malé International Airport (MLE) with your documents. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Malé International Airport will refuse entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| IMUGA — Maldives Arrival DeclarationMaldives' mandatory online arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Complete it within 96 hours before departure. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Mandatory online pre-registration | Complete the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — immigration officers scan it on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration officers at Malé International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Resort or hotel booking confirmation | Most visitors stay at a resort or guesthouse — immigration may ask for your booking confirmation. Have a printed or digital copy of your reservation handy, especially if you're taking a seaplane or speedboat transfer to your island. | Recommended |
IMUGA is mandatory
Every traveler must complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before landing. Do it online at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv — it's quick and saves you waiting in line at the airport kiosk.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out IMUGA online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and complete the free arrival declaration. You can do this up to 96 hours before landing. Save the QR code on your phone or print it.
2
Land at Malé International Airport
Follow signs to 'Immigration' after disembarking. The visa-on-arrival counters are clearly marked. No separate visa application booth — just join the regular immigration queue.
3
Present documents to the officer
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), accommodation confirmation, and your IMUGA QR code. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. No fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 2,000 (~$130 USD) plus processing
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient monthly income (approx. $2,000). Allows stay without employment. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,625 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing at least $100,000 in Maldives (business or property). Offers longer validity and family inclusion.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before current visa expires. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD). | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Maldives
No transit visa needed
Argentina passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit up to 24 hours at Velana International Airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for 30 days).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Malé
Maldives Immigration Headquarters
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Hulhumalé
Maldives Immigration Hulhumalé Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for those staying near the airport or Hulhumalé.
Practical information for AR travellers
Country basics
CapitalMalé
LanguageDhivehi
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceDriving not applicable for most visitors (resort islands).
Money
CurrencyMaldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 15.43 MVR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h (EST) / +9h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13h (PST) / +12h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
G,J,KType D, G, J, K, L — various sockets. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Resorts provide drinking water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
30 days from the date of entry. It's free. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (cost: about 750 MVR).
Yes, but only once. You can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The fee is approximately 750 MVR (around $50 USD). You must apply before your initial 30 days expire.
A screenshot on your phone is usually fine. But if you want to be safe, print a copy. Immigration may ask to see it at the counter.
You'll be directed to a kiosk at the airport to complete it on arrival. It's free either way, but doing it online beforehand saves time — the queue at the kiosk can be long during peak hours.
No. The 30-day visa on arrival is free for Argentine passport holders. No payment required.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Maldives immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, but the process is different. You'll need to clear immigration at the port of entry (usually Malé or a designated port). The same visa-on-arrival rules apply — valid passport, return ticket, accommodation, and IMUGA form.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.