Maldives entry requirements for Finland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Finnish passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. Just show up at Malé International Airport with a valid passport and a return ticket. This policy started in 2024 and stays the same for 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the Maldives. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Maldivian immigration, but some airlines may ask for 6 months — check with your carrier before check-in. | 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 IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — have it ready on your phone or printed when you go through immigration. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not formally required by immigration, most visitors stay at a resort or guesthouse — your booking confirmation helps speed things up. If you're island-hopping, have the first reservation handy. | Recommended |
IMUGA form saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration online before you fly. It takes 5 minutes and means you skip the paper form queue at the airport. Do it at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
Passport validity is strict
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 form online
Up to 96 hours before your flight, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your personal and travel details. You'll get a QR code — save it to your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
The immigration officer will check your documents, take a photo, and stamp your passport. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the visa stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no additional fee for the visa-on-arrival.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
CostFree (VOA)
Standard entry for Finnish citizens; extension possible but not guaranteed.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (VOA) or pre-arranged
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marine Research Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
Cost~$500 USD
For scientific research; requires approval from Ministry of Fisheries.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD application fee + $1,000 USD annual fee
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay but no work.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (employer pays)
Requires a job offer from a Maldivian company and government approval. Employer handles most paperwork. Allows residence and work.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$1,000–$5,000 USD depending on investment
For investors putting at least $100,000 USD into a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Extensions are not guaranteed; apply at Immigration before current stay expires. | Free (if approved) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap may apply; overstay can affect future entry. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Finnish 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, a visa on arrival is required (free for Finnish citizens).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE), Malé
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (May–November).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water.
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.
Hulhumalé
Immigration Office Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport; same services as Malé.
Practical information for FI 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
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension fee is about 750 MVR (roughly €45).
Yes, you can extend once for up to 30 additional days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé with your passport, a completed extension form, and the fee (around 750 MVR). Processing takes 1–2 working days.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the standard visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Maldivian immigration. No exceptions. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, it's mandatory for all arrivals. It replaced the paper arrival card. Complete it online at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.
Officially, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds (around $100 per day). In practice, Finnish passport holders are rarely asked, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card available just in case.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket booked before you arrive. Immigration will check this at the visa-on-arrival counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.