Maldives entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents. This policy is current for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in the Maldives. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | While not formally required for visa-on-arrival, having a confirmed resort or hotel booking speeds up the process. Many resorts arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers — they need your flight details to coordinate pickup. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carrying a credit card or cash (USD or local currency) covers incidentals. ATMs are available at the airport and on major islands. | Recommended |
| 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 free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get a free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves you time
Complete the free IMUGA form online up to 96 hours before you fly. You'll get a QR code that lets you skip the paper arrival card queue at the airport. Do it on your phone or laptop before you leave.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before you board. If you have less than 6 months left, you won't be allowed to fly. Check your passport now, not at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. Fill in your personal details, flight info, and accommodation. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped in
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in for 30 days free of charge. No payment needed. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Show your IMUGA QR code if asked. You're now free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA)
Standard entry for Bulgarian passport holders; no fee.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or apply in advance
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For foreigners with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (approx. $100,000 in assets or $2,000/month income). Allows long-term stay but no work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstay fines apply daily; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | $50 USD per day (approx. MVR 770) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and leaving within 24 hours.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommended
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 on local islands; practice safe eating.
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 inquiries; extensions not available for VOA.
Malé
Velana International Airport Immigration
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
Handles entry and exit; no extension services.
Practical information for BG 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Bulgarian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport. No pre-application needed.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments up to a total of 90 days. The fee is around 750 MVR (about $50 USD) per extension. You must apply before your current visa expires.
Overstaying is fined at 1,000 MVR (about $65 USD) per day. You'll also be required to pay the fine before leaving the country. Avoid it by applying for an extension or leaving on time.
Yes. All travellers must complete the IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Without it, you may face delays at immigration.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding, so you'll be denied travel.
Yes. Immigration requires proof of onward or return travel regardless of your accommodation arrangements. A friend's invitation letter won't replace a ticket.
ATMs at Velana International Airport dispense Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Credit cards are widely accepted at resorts and hotels, but cash is useful for local markets and small islands. Exchange desks at the airport offer fair rates.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.