Maldives entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Indian passport holders can enter the Maldives without a prior visa. A free visa on arrival is granted at Malé International Airport, valid for up to 30 days. No advance application is needed — simply present the required documents upon arrival. This policy has been in effect since 2023.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
| IMUGA Complete before arrival | A required arrival form or digital pre-registration. Complete before your flight. | Required |
Passport validity counts from arrival date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the Maldives — not from your departure date. Double-check the expiry date before booking.
No visa-on-arrival at sea borders
The free visa on arrival applies only when you arrive by air at Malé International Airport. If you arrive by yacht or cruise, you must obtain a visa in advance from a Maldivian embassy or consulate.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There are separate queues for Maldivian citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, boarding pass (if kept), return ticket (printed or on phone), and hotel booking confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay length and where you'll be staying.
3
Receive your visa on arrival
The officer stamps your passport with a free entry permit allowing up to 30 days. No fee is charged. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Walk to the baggage claim area, pick up your bags, then proceed through customs. Declare any dutiable goods if necessary.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,200 (~$78 USD)
Apply at Maldives Immigration before travel or upon arrival if eligible.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
CostMVR 2,000 (~$130 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; requires prior approval.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostMVR 1,500 (~$98 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 3,000 (~$195 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient monthly income (approx. $2,000+). Allows stay in Maldives without employment.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years based on investment
MVR 15,000 (~$975 USD) plus investment minimum
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Maldives business or real estate. Offers longer-term residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, longer stay)For stays beyond 30 days, apply at Maldives Immigration. | MVR 1,200 (~$78 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)For frequent travellers; valid for 90 days. | MVR 2,000 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) |
| Stay Extension (per 30 days)Extensions are not available for visa-on-arrival; apply for a tourist visa instead. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Indian passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and having a confirmed onward flight 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)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Sun exposureHigh risk
Strong UV rays year-round; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration (Counter at Velana International Airport)
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issues and immediate assistance.
Practical information for IN 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
No. Indian passport holders get a free visa on arrival at Malé International Airport, valid for 30 days.
You are allowed to stay up to 30 days. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with that duration. Extensions are not officially granted under this scheme, but you can apply at the Department of Immigration in Malé for a case-by-case extension (usually limited).
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Maldivian immigration. The 6-month requirement is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
No. The visa on arrival for Indians is completely free of charge.
As of 2025, there is no mandatory online arrival declaration for most tourists. However, Maldivian authorities sometimes introduce an electronic arrival/departure card. Check the official Maldives Immigration website a day before travel to see if an online form is required.
No. You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket before you check in. Airlines check this before boarding. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will likely get you denied.
Officially, the visa on arrival is not extendable. However, you can visit the Maldives Department of Immigration (in Malé) to request a special extension. Approval is at their discretion and usually requires a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency). It's better to rebook your departure within 30 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.