Maldives entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders can enter the Maldives without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. You just need to meet a few straightforward entry requirements before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Maldives | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you leave the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they won't let you through without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors stay at a resort or guesthouse — have your booking confirmation ready. If you're island-hopping, show the first night's reservation. Immigration rarely asks, but the resort transfer boat won't take you without a booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officials can ask for proof of funds — $100–$150 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A credit card statement or cash in USD works. In practice, almost nobody gets checked unless you look like you're planning to work illegally. | 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. You'll get a QR code — screenshot it and show it at immigration. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30 days free on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is mandatory — do it before you fly
The IMUGA arrival declaration is free and takes 5 minutes. Complete it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. Without it, you'll be held up at immigration while they process you manually.
Passport validity: count from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the Maldives. If it expires sooner, renew it before you go. Airlines check this strictly.
What happens at the border
1
Before your flight
Fill out the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv (free, takes 5 minutes). Save the QR code or screenshot it. Also have your return ticket and hotel booking ready on your phone.
2
At the airport in China
The airline check-in agent will check your passport validity (6+ months) and your return ticket. They may also ask for your hotel booking. Show your IMUGA QR code if asked.
3
Arrival at Malé International Airport (MLE)
Follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport and the IMUGA QR code (on your phone or printed). The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
After immigration
Collect your luggage, then exit to the arrivals hall. If you have a resort transfer (speedboat or seaplane), look for your resort's representative holding a sign. If you're staying in Malé, taxis are available outside.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Visa-free entry is sufficient; no need to apply separately.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries; no separate visa needed.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Business visitors can use visa-free entry; no separate visa needed.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer in Maldives. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 1 year
~$200 USD (institution-sponsored)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Maldives. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD (including processing)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single entry; no separate fee. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within validity; no separate fee. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD). Pay at immigration before departure. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
China passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and having a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, visa-free entry applies (up to 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 disease; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but practice good hygiene; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; 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 issues. Bring passport, return ticket, and proof of funds.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport. Same services as Malé office.
Practical information for CN 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. Chinese citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival. You just need to meet the entry requirements: passport valid 6+ months, return ticket, hotel booking, and the IMUGA form.
Up to 30 days. The visa is granted on arrival. It cannot be extended for tourism purposes. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
IMUGA is the Maldives' mandatory digital arrival card. Fill it out for free at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code to show at immigration — it speeds up the process.
No. The 30-day visa on arrival is not extendable for tourism. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip within 30 days.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Maldives immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
It's not officially required for Chinese passport holders, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is sensible.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can cost thousands of dollars. Most resorts also require proof of insurance for water sports activities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.