Maldives entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Australians get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. Land at Velana International Airport, queue at immigration, and present your passport. As of 2026, no prior application is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your departure date from Maldives | Your passport needs at least 1 month validity after your planned departure from Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. No blank page requirement for Maldives entry. | Required |
| IMUGA arrival declarationIMUGA: Maldives' 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. Online pre-registration required before travel | Complete the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. Enter your passport details, flight info, and resort booking. You get a QR code — screenshot it and show at immigration on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Malé International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Most visitors stay at a resort or guesthouse — have your booking confirmation handy. Immigration rarely asks for it, but your resort may need it for the speedboat or seaplane transfer from Malé. If you're staying on a local island, confirm your guesthouse is registered with the Ministry of Tourism. | Recommended |
Visa cannot be extended
The free 30-day visa-on-arrival is fixed. You cannot apply for an extension while in the Maldives. If you overstay, fines start at $12 USD per day. Plan your departure date carefully.
No visa fee for Australians
The Maldives visa-on-arrival is completely free. There’s no application cost, no hidden charges. Ignore any websites asking for payment.
Arrival without a resort booking?
You must have a confirmed hotel reservation. If you’re a backpacker or haven’t booked, you can book a room at a guesthouse in Male before arrival – just have the confirmation ready. If you have no booking at all, you may be refused entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
Disembark and follow signs to ‘Immigration’. There are two queues: one for Maldivians and one for ‘Foreigners’. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Queue and present your documents
When you reach the counter, hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and hotel booking. The officer will scan your passport and take a photo.
3
Receive your visa stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-on-arrival. It’s free. Double-check the stamped departure date before walking away.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and walk through the green channel if nothing to declare. You’re in the Maldives – head to your resort.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostMVR 1,200 (~USD 78)
Apply online before travel for longer stays; requires sponsorship from a resort or hotel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostMVR 1,500 (~USD 97)
For business purposes; requires invitation letter from a Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostMVR 3,000 (~USD 195)
For those married to a Maldivian citizen; renewable.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
MVR 2,500 (~$162 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires sponsor and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) initial fee
For those investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or property. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension available for an additional 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 750 (~USD 49) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | MVR 500 (~USD 32) |
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
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours in the airport transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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; risk higher during rainy season (May–November).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in tourist resorts; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Consider if visiting remote islands.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport, visa, and extension fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and immediate issues upon arrival.
Practical information for AU 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 = 15.44 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. It’s free and usually granted. You cannot extend it – once you’re in, 30 days is the maximum. If you need longer, you’d have to leave and re-enter (not guaranteed).
No. There’s no online arrival declaration required for Australians. On the plane, you might be given a landing card – fill it out with your hotel address and flight details. Some airlines don’t give them anymore, but the officer at immigration may ask you verbally.
You’ll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Male. Renew your passport before booking any flights. No exceptions.
No, it’s completely free for Australian passport holders. Do not pay anyone who asks for money at the visa counter.
Yes, but the process is different. You must get clearance from the Maldives Immigration office in Male. Contact them in advance. For standard flights, it’s automatic.
You can’t extend. You must leave before 30 days. If you overstay, you’ll be fined $12 USD per day and could be banned from returning. Better to plan a shorter trip or leave and come back after a day.
If you stay airside and don’t clear immigration, no visa is needed. But if you want to leave the airport (e.g., for a day trip to Male), you must get the same 30-day visa-on-arrival – it’s free and quick.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.