Maldives entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up at Malé International Airport with the right documents. This policy is confirmed for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| IMUGA — 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 Maldives IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your departure. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. If you don't have one, you may be refused entry or asked to buy a ticket at the airport. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | While not formally required for entry, having a confirmed hotel or resort booking speeds up immigration. Many resorts require a booking for island transfer arrangements. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having a credit card or cash (around $100 per day) covers you if questioned. ATMs are available in Male and on resort islands. | Recommended |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the IMUGA traveller declaration online before you fly. It's free and takes 5 minutes. You'll skip the paper form queue at the airport.
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 you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the traveller declaration. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone. Do this within 96 hours of landing, not earlier.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There are separate queues for locals and foreigners — join the foreigner queue.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), accommodation booking, and show 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. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 750 (~$48 USD)
Apply at Maldives Immigration for extension.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
For frequent travellers; extension possible.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD + processing fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD + employer fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Employer handles sponsorship.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years
~$1,000–$5,000 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Renewable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before current stay expires. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD). | MVR 500 (~$32 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Malé
Maldives Immigration – Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For arrival/departure issues and transit queries.
Practical information for BH 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
30 days from the date of entry. You can extend this once for another 30 days by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension fee is about 750 MVR (around $50 USD).
Yes, you can extend once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé with your passport, a completed extension form, and the fee (approximately 750 MVR). Processing usually takes a few hours.
Yes, it's mandatory for all travellers arriving in the Maldives. Fill it out at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — show it at immigration. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bahrain is not a risk country, so you don't need it. No other vaccines are required for entry.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Maldives immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
No. You must show a return or onward ticket. Immigration checks this at the counter. A one-way ticket will get you refused entry.
No, the 30-day visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders is free. No payment is required at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.