Maldives entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Israeli passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No pre-travel application is needed — just arrive at Malé International Airport with the required documents. This policy is effective for 2026.
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. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Malé will deny boarding if your passport expires before your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration in Malé always asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before you board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not formally required, most visitors book a resort or guesthouse before arrival. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and island transfers are arranged through your accommodation. Have your booking confirmation handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but it's smart to carry at least $100–$200 USD per day or have a credit card. The Maldives is expensive, and you'll need cash for island transfers and tips. | Recommended |
| 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 Maldives IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. You'll receive a QR code to show at immigration in Malé.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. It gives you a QR code that lets you use the faster queue at Malé Airport. Without it, you will wait longer.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding — if it is close, renew before you fly.
No visa fee
The 30-day visa on arrival for Israeli citizens is free. No payment, no application fee, no hidden charges.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your travel details. It is free and takes about 5 minutes. Do this between 96 hours and 1 hour before your flight. Save the confirmation QR code on your phone.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There are separate queues for pre-cleared passengers (IMUGA) and those who did not fill it out. The IMUGA queue is usually faster.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. No fee is charged.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You are free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard visa on arrival for tourism; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
For business meetings; requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marine research visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
CostVaries
For researchers; requires approval from Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (approx. $2,000/month). Allows long-term stay but no work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension fee for an additional 30 days, applied at Immigration. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
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
Israeli passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have 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 30 days).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE), Malé
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (May–November).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
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 fee.
Hulhumalé
Immigration Office Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport or Hulhumalé.
Practical information for IL 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
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Israeli citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. No pre-approval or payment is needed.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It is not extendable — you must leave before it expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. All travelers must complete the IMUGA arrival declaration before landing. It is free and takes 5 minutes at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Without it, you will be directed to a slower queue at the airport.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling — but for most tourists, 30 days is sufficient.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. The IMUGA QR code is also helpful but not always checked if you have the form completed.
No. The 30-day visa on arrival for Israeli passport holders is completely free. No payment is required at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.