Maldives entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadians get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No application needed before you travel — just show up with the right documents and fill out the IMUGA form online within 96 hours of arrival. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in the Maldives. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Maldivian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | 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. 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 the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. A booking confirmation showing you leave within 30 days works. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Resort or hotel booking confirmation | While not formally required by immigration, you'll need a confirmed booking for your island transfer — most resorts and guesthouses arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers only for guests. Have your booking confirmation handy. | Recommended |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of arrival. It's quick and eliminates the paper queue at immigration.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
No visa fee on arrival
The 30-day visa on arrival is completely free. No payment is required at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out IMUGA online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of your flight landing. Enter your passport, flight, and accommodation details. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After deplaning, follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for Maldivians and foreigners. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, the IMUGA QR code (or confirmation), return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1-2 minutes.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. No visa fee is charged. You're free to enter for up to 30 days.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VOA) or ~$50 USD if pre-arranged
Standard option for most tourists; extension possible at immigration.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Multiple entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent visitors.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer in Maldives. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (e.g., $100,000+ in assets). Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD (plus investment)
For those investing in Maldivian business or real estate (minimum $100,000). Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (up to 60 days total)Extensions are possible at immigration offices; fees may apply for additional extensions. | Free (first extension) or ~$50 USD (subsequent) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Velana International Airport. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water.
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
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for extensions and visa inquiries. Bring passport, arrival card, and proof of funds.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and immediate issues upon arrival.
Practical information for CA 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. If you need more time, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about 50 USD) and takes a few business days.
Yes, you can apply for one 60-day extension. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé with your passport, a completed application form, and the fee (approximately 750 MVR). Processing usually takes 2-3 business days.
Yes, it's mandatory. You must complete it online within 96 hours before your arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Without it, you'll be asked to fill out a paper form at the airport, which takes longer.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Malé. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Officially, immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay, but in practice it's rarely requested for Canadian passport holders. Still, having a credit card or bank statement handy is a good idea.
The Maldives doesn't have specific restrictions based on where you're coming from for Canadian passport holders. However, always check the latest travel advisories from the Maldivian government and your airline before departure.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are widely accepted at resorts, hotels, and most tourist establishments. ATMs are available in Malé and on some resort islands. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels.
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.