Maldives entry requirements for India passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
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 visit the Maldives visa-free for up to 90 days. You'll need to complete the free IMUGA online declaration before you travel. This applies for visits in 2026 and beyond.
Apply for Maldives eVisaFree 30-day on-arrival visa for most nationalities. IMUGA for pre-registration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter without a visa and get a tourist visa on arrival. Visa-free entry for Indian citizens | Indian passport holders do not need a visa to enter the Maldives for tourism. A free 30-day visa is granted on arrival, extendable once for up to 60 more days (total 90 days). | Not required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the Maldives. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| IMUGA Arrival DeclarationFill this online form before you fly — it's mandatory and quick. Online pre-arrival form | Complete the Maldives Immigration IMUGA online declaration within 96 hours before departure. Submit it at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and keep the confirmation (QR code) to show on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter, showing departure from the Maldives before your visa-free stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationHave your booking confirmation handy — it's often checked on arrival. Hotel booking or invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Maldives, covering your entire stay. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but good to have proof you can support yourself. Financial means for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit card, or bank statement) to cover your expenses during your stay in the Maldives. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtects you against unexpected medical costs or trip disruptions. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for the Maldives. | Recommended |
IMUGA is mandatory — don't skip it
Every traveller must complete the free IMUGA online declaration within 96 hours before departure. Without the QR code, you'll face delays at Malé airport. Do it for every person in your group, including kids.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration in Malé will deny entry if it's not. Renew early if needed.
Visa-free for 90 days — no fees
Indian citizens can stay in the Maldives for up to 90 days without a visa. There are no visa fees, and the IMUGA declaration is free. Just make sure you have a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration
Within 96 hours before your flight, go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv, fill in your personal and flight details, and submit. You'll receive a QR code by email — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Check in and board your flight
At the airport in India, the airline will check your passport and may ask to see your IMUGA QR code and return ticket. Have them handy.
3
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign visitors. Have your passport, IMUGA QR code, and return ticket ready. The officer will scan your QR code, stamp your passport, and you're in — usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Exit the airport
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you're taking a seaplane or speedboat to your resort, the transfer desk is just outside the arrivals hall.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable up to 90 days)
ValiditySingle entry; must be used within 30 days of issue
CostFree (on arrival) or $50 if applied in advance
Requires a letter from the sponsoring company in Maldives and proof of accommodation.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for the duration of employment contract
CostMVR 1,500 (approx. $97) plus processing fees
Requires a job offer from a Maldivian employer and approval from Maldives Immigration.
Residence permit
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityRenewable
CostMVR 5,000 (approx. $324) per year
For long-term residents; requires proof of income, health insurance, and police clearance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (first 30-day extension)Apply at Maldives Immigration in Malé before current visa expires. | MVR 750 (approx. $49) |
| Visa extension (subsequent 30-day extensions)Maximum total stay is 90 days; extensions beyond 30 days require a sponsor. | MVR 750 (approx. $49) per extension |
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 Malé (Velana International Airport) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport transit area (e.g., to stay overnight at a hotel), you must obtain a visa on arrival (free) or a transit visa in advance.
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 = 15.45 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. Indian passport holders get visa-free entry for tourism for up to 90 days. You just need to complete the free IMUGA online declaration before you travel.
IMUGA is the Maldives' online traveller declaration system. You fill it out at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It asks for your personal details, flight number, and accommodation. After submitting, you get a QR code — show it at immigration. It's free.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-enter, but that's at the discretion of immigration. Best to plan your trip within 90 days.
You'll be asked to fill it out on arrival, but that can cause delays. There are kiosks and staff to help at Malé airport, but it's much smoother to do it online beforehand. Don't risk missing your seaplane connection.
No visa fee. The IMUGA declaration is also free. You only pay for your flights, accommodation, and any departure taxes that might be included in your ticket.
The Maldives requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's shorter, you'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport before you book your trip.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own IMUGA declaration. You can add multiple travellers in one submission on the website.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.