Maldives entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Cyprus passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. Just show up at Malé International Airport, fill in the IMUGA form online beforehand, and you're through. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou get the visa when you land – no need to apply in advance. Free of charge | Citizens of Cyprus can obtain a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. No prior application is needed. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's less than 6 months away, renew before you travel. 6 months from entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in the Maldives. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a completely empty page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa-on-arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration will check you have a flight out of the country. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward flight ticket departing the Maldives within your visa-free stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a credit card or cash – it's rarely checked but best to be prepared. Not routinely checked | No specific amount is required, but you should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declaration (IMUGA)Fill in the free online form before you fly – you'll get a QR code to show on arrival. Online form | All travellers must complete the Maldives IMUGA online arrival declaration within 96 hours before departure. | Required |
| Visa extensionPlan your trip to fit within 30 days – extensions are not possible. Not available | The visa-on-arrival cannot be extended. You must leave the Maldives within 30 days. | Not required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before landing. You'll skip the paper form queue and get through immigration faster.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — no exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the arrival declaration. Do this between 96 hours and 1 hour before your flight lands. You'll get a QR code — screenshot it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — no fee, no fuss.
3
Collect luggage and exit
Once stamped, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes if you've done IMUGA.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (on arrival)
Must have a sponsor letter from a Maldivian company. Same process as tourist visa.
Marriage visa
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days
CostMVR 1,500 (approx. $97)
For foreign spouses of Maldivian citizens. Requires marriage certificate and sponsor.
digital nomad
Maldives Nomad Residence Permit
1 year
$1,000 application fee + $500 per dependent
For remote workers earning at least $100,000/year. Allows stay up to 1 year, renewable. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation.
Apply at Maldives Immigration Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 60 days total)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. | MVR 750 (approx. $49) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect IMUGA declaration30%
Insufficient funds for stay25%
Lack of return or onward ticket20%
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing immigration do not need a visa. If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage can stay airside up to 24 hours.
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 ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanusEssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional cases reported.
Sunburn and heatstrokeHigh risk
Extreme sun exposure; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in Malé and resorts; moderate in some outer atolls. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but 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
Sunday–Thursday 08:00–14:00
Malé
Immigration Counter – Velana International Airport
Arrivals Hall, Velana International Airport
24/7
Practical information for CY 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 = 15.45 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
You get 30 days on arrival. If you want to stay longer, 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 cost is around 750 MVR per extension.
Yes, it's completely free. No fee at the counter. The IMUGA form is also free.
You can still fill it out at the airport using the free Wi-Fi, but it'll slow you down. The queue for people without IMUGA is usually longer. Best to do it before you fly.
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the airport). You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a fee of about 750 MVR per 30-day extension. Maximum total stay is 90 days.
Yes, you still need a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration will ask for it at the counter. A flexible ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country works.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Maldives immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, it's not officially required. But medical evacuation from a remote island can cost thousands. Strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.