Maldives entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No pre-application is needed — just arrive at Malé International Airport with your passport and a return ticket. 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 only for the length of your stay in the Maldives. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before issuing the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | You need a confirmed booking for your entire stay. Resorts and guesthouses require this for island transfers, and immigration may ask to see it at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least $100 USD per day or a credit card with available limit. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids any issues. | 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. Online pre-registration required before travel | Complete the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form online before you fly. It's mandatory and cuts your queue time at the airport significantly.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — no exceptions.
No visa fee for Japanese passport holders
The 30-day visa on arrival is completely free. No payment needed at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online (within 96 hours before arrival)
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your personal and flight details. It's free. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Land at Malé International Airport (MLE)
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in for 30 days.
3
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the visa stamp, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you pre-arranged a transfer (speedboat or domestic flight), your hotel rep will be waiting outside.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard visa-free entry for Japanese; extension available at immigration.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 2,500 (~$162 USD)
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local sponsor and health insurance.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Employer must sponsor and provide contract.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension fee for additional 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, with no official cap. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Japanese passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Velana International Airport. You can stay in the transit area for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 disease present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks reported.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food or water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for tourists staying in resorts.
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 visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa form, and fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and immediate issues upon arrival.
Practical information for JP 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
You get a free 30-day visa on arrival. If you need more time, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about $50 USD) and takes a few days to process.
No. Japanese passport holders get a visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Maldivian immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes. It's a digital arrival card required by Maldivian immigration. Complete it at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the main jetty). The extension costs 750 MVR and gives you an additional 30 days. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and proof of accommodation.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for the Maldives. No test, no vaccination card needed. But always check the official Maldives immigration website before you travel.
You'll be fined 1,000 MVR (about $65 USD) per day for each day over your 30-day limit. Pay at the airport before departure. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
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.