Maldives entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Croatian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Malé International Airport with the right documents. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Croatian passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Maldivian immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport always ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines enforce this strictly at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Resort or hotel booking confirmation | While not formally required for visa-on-arrival, most travellers need a confirmed resort booking for the speedboat or seaplane transfer from the airport. Have your booking confirmation handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carry a credit card or cash (USD or local currency) to cover your stay. Resorts typically require full prepayment anyway. | 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. This is not a visa — all nationalities get a free 30-day entry on arrival. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. You'll receive a QR code to show at immigration.Complete IMUGA declaration | Required |
IMUGA form is free — do it online
The IMUGA arrival declaration is completely free. Avoid third-party sites that charge a fee. Only use https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
6-month passport rule strictly enforced
Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew early.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. Do this within 96 hours before your flight lands. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the 'Visa on Arrival' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will stamp you in with a 30-day visa. No fee. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes.
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 · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 most tourists; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 2,500 (~$162 USD)
For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires proof of marriage.
digital nomad visa
Maldives Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation Visa)
1 year, renewable
MVR 15,000 (~$975 USD) plus processing fee
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum $100,000/year). Allows stay up to 1 year with no local tax liability. Requires health insurance and accommodation booking.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) plus bank guarantee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings (minimum $2,000/month). Requires local sponsor or property lease. Includes dependent coverage.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) plus investment proof
For investors committing at least $1 million in Maldives (real estate, business, or government bonds). Includes family and fast-track residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (up to 60 days total)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD). | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Croatian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Velana International Airport (MLE) for up to 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no checked luggage to collect may stay airside without a visa.
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., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (May–November). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives, mainly in rural areas; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for tourists staying in resorts.
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; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Malé
Maldives Immigration – Velana International Airport Office
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
Handles arrivals and departures; limited extension services.
Practical information for HR 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. Extensions are possible but not automatic — you'd need to apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your visa expires. Extensions cost around 750 MVR (about $50 USD) and can add up to 60 more days.
Yes, but you must apply before your 30 days are up. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the airport). The extension fee is approximately 750 MVR, and you can get up to 60 additional days. Overstaying without permission results in fines.
Yes. Every traveler must complete the IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before landing. It's free and takes about 5 minutes at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Without it, you'll be held up at immigration while they process you manually.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Malé. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside the Maldives is fine. It just proves you're leaving. Immigration may ask to see it, so have a printed or digital copy ready.
No. You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you'll be denied boarding or entry. If you're unsure of your plans, book a refundable onward ticket.
You'll be fined approximately 750 MVR per day of overstay. The fine is paid at the immigration office in Malé before you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
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.