Maldives entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no need to apply in advance. This has been the policy since 2024 and is straightforward if you have the right documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in the Maldives. Airlines at departure may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at Male International Airport. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors arrive with a resort or guesthouse booking — immigration rarely asks for proof, but having a printed or digital confirmation avoids delays. If you're staying on a local island, your booking must be with a registered property. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration does not formally check bank statements or cash, but carrying at least $100–$150 per day in USD or local currency covers incidentals and island transfers. | 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 form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll receive a QR code — show it at immigration upon arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get a free 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
The IMUGA form is free and takes 5 minutes online. Doing it before you fly means you skip the paper arrival card queue at the airport.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Before your flight, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. You'll get a QR code — screenshot it.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and show your IMUGA QR code if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa — no fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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)
Standard option for most visitors.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
CostFree (VOA) or apply in advance
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) plus processing
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 3,000 (~$195 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires sponsorship and valid contract. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) plus proof of funds
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires health insurance and local sponsor. Allows stay without work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing at least $100,000 in Maldives. Requires business registration and local partner. Fast-track residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard 30-day visa on arrival is free. | Free (VOA) |
| Stay extensionApply at immigration office before current visa expires. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for 30-day extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD). | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Iraqi passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit up to 24 hours at Velana International Airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, 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)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (May–November).
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most 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
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Hulhumalé
Immigration Office Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for those staying near the airport.
Practical information for IQ 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You get 30 days. It's free and can be extended once for another 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension fee is about 750 MVR (around $50 USD).
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the main port). The cost is roughly 750 MVR. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee.
You can still fill it out on arrival using the airport's free Wi-Fi, but it's faster to do it before you fly. The form takes about 5 minutes.
Yes, you still need a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration will ask for proof that you're leaving the country.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the 30-day visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders is free. There are no fees at the airport.
No. The visa on arrival is for tourism only. If you plan to work, you need a proper work visa arranged by your employer before you arrive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.