Maldives entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Malé International Airport with the right documents and you'll be stamped in. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 1 month of validity from your departure date from Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport ask for proof of onward travel. A printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking works. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | Most visitors arrive with a resort or guesthouse booking. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but your airline might check it before issuing a boarding pass. Have a copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $100 per day of stay | Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds — $100 per day is the unofficial benchmark. A credit card statement or cash in USD works. In practice, almost nobody gets checked. | Recommended |
| IMUGA — Maldives 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 free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — show it at immigration on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30-day entry on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv before you fly. It's mandatory and will get you through immigration faster — no paper forms to fill at the airport.
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Ghana (a yellow fever endemic country), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
No visa fee
The visa on arrival for Ghanaian passport holders is free. No payment is required at the airport. Don't pay anyone who asks for a fee.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. Do this between 96 hours and 24 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, boarding pass, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will check your IMUGA QR code, stamp your passport, and you're in. No fee is charged for the visa on arrival.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard option for longer stays beyond initial 30 days.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marine Research Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$325 USD)
For researchers with approved project from relevant ministry.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) plus processing
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) initial fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (minimum $2,000/month). Allows stay without work rights.
investor visa
Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 100,000 (~$6,500 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $1 million in Maldives. Includes residency for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before current stay expires. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD). | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Velana International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight, 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 (e.g., Ghana). Must present certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for short stays, 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
Maldives Immigration Headquarters
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport.
Practical information for GH 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
The standard visa on arrival is granted for 30 days. There's no fixed maximum stay listed in the database, but 30 days is the norm. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé.
Yes, extensions are possible. You'll need to visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your initial 30 days expire. The cost and exact extension duration aren't fixed in the database, so check with the office directly. Plan ahead — don't wait until the last day.
Yes, it's mandatory. You must complete it online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv before you travel. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Do it between 96 hours and 24 hours before your flight. Without it, you'll be held up at immigration while they process you manually.
You'll likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. If you're not sure of your exact departure date, book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country (like Sri Lanka or India) that you can cancel later.
Yes, if you're arriving from Ghana (which is a yellow fever endemic country), you'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Make sure your yellow card is up to date — they do check.
Yes, but the process is different. You'll need to clear immigration at a designated port of entry (like Malé or Gan). Contact the Maldives Immigration in advance for specific requirements. The standard visa on arrival rules still apply, but the procedure is handled by port officials.
You'll be refused entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. There are no exceptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.