Maldives entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Entry not permitted
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 are not admitted to the Maldives. There is no visa on arrival, no eVisa, and no visa-free entry — you will be refused entry at the border. Plan alternative destinations or check for any rare diplomatic exceptions before booking.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitIsraeli citizens are not eligible for any visa or entry permit for the Maldives; entry is refused. No admission for Israeli passport holders | The Maldives does not admit Israeli passport holders. You must not travel to the Maldives on an Israeli passport. No visa or eVisa application is possible. | Not required |
| Passport validityEven if you had a valid visa, your passport would need to meet this validity rule. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in the Maldives. Since entry is not permitted for Israeli passport holders, this requirement is moot but listed for completeness. | Not required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a blank page for entry/exit stamps. At least 1 blank page | A minimum of 1 blank passport page is required for entry stamps. This is not applicable because Israeli passport holders are not admitted. | Not required |
| Arrival declaration (IMUGA)The IMUGA declaration is normally mandatory, but you cannot travel to the Maldives on an Israeli passport. Online submission required within 96 hours before arrival | All travellers must complete the Maldives Immigration IMUGA online arrival declaration within 96 hours before arrival. However, Israeli passport holders are not permitted to enter, so this step is not applicable. | Not required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration usually require proof of onward travel. Proof of onward travel | Travellers must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket. This is not applicable for Israeli passport holders because entry is refused. | Not required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask for evidence of financial means. Sufficient funds for stay | Visitors may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. Not applicable for Israeli passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationIsraeli citizens are excluded from any visa process for the Maldives. Not available for Israeli passport holders | The Maldives does not offer an eVisa for Israeli passport holders. Do not attempt any eVisa application; entry is not permitted. | Not required |
You will be refused entry
Israeli citizens are not admitted to the Maldives. Do not book travel expecting to get in — you will be turned away at the border, even if you have completed the IMUGA form and have a valid passport.
IMUGA is mandatory but not sufficient
All travellers must complete the IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before arrival. However, for Israeli passport holders, this does not grant entry — it's just a formality that won't override the ban.
What happens at the border
1
Check for any updates before booking
Before purchasing flights or accommodation, contact the Maldives Immigration or the nearest Maldivian embassy to confirm the current policy. As of August 2026, the restriction is in place, but diplomatic relations can change.
2
Do not travel without prior approval
If you arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE) without explicit prior approval from Maldives Immigration, you will be held in a transit area and put on the next flight back. There is no appeal process at the airport.
3
If you have a special case, apply for an exception
In extremely rare cases (e.g., official diplomatic missions), an exception might be granted. You must apply through the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Maldivian embassy well in advance. Do not rely on this.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
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 |
|---|---|
| Entry permission (not granted)Israeli passport holders are not admitted to Maldives. | N/A |
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
Transit visa required
Israeli passport holders are not permitted to enter Maldives, including for transit. Airside transit is not allowed.
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.
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 = 15.45 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
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The Maldives grants visa on arrival to many nationalities, but Israeli citizens are explicitly excluded. You will not be allowed to board a flight to the Maldives without a pre-approved exception.
No. The Maldives does not offer an eVisa for Israeli passport holders. The only possible route is a rare diplomatic exception processed through the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You will be refused entry and placed on the next available flight back to your departure point. You may be held in a transit area and could face fines or a ban from future travel to the Maldives.
If you hold another passport that is eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, you can enter using that passport. However, if you present your Israeli passport, you will be refused.
Transit is generally not permitted for Israeli passport holders unless you stay airside and do not pass immigration. Check with your airline, as many will not allow boarding if the itinerary includes a Maldives stop.
As of August 2026, the restriction remains in place. The Maldives has historically not admitted Israeli citizens, and there is no indication of a change. Always verify with official sources before planning travel.
Contact your airline and travel insurance provider immediately. You may be able to claim a refund or credit under 'denied boarding' or 'travel advisory' clauses. Do not attempt to travel without written approval.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.