Maldives entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up at Malé International Airport with the right documents. This policy is confirmed 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 may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport 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 | Most visitors arrive with a resort or guesthouse booking — immigration rarely asks for proof, but having a printed confirmation helps if questioned. If you're staying on a liveaboard, bring the booking voucher. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration does not formally require proof of funds for a 30-day visa on arrival. Carry a credit card or cash (USD is widely accepted) for incidentals — no specific amount is enforced. | 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 Maldives IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before departure. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code that lets 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 the day you land. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Up to 96 hours before your flight, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the 'Visa on Arrival' queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and receive visa
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa on arrival. No fee. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,200 (~$78 USD)
Requires application at Maldives Immigration; proof of funds and accommodation needed.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 2,400 (~$156 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity1 year multiple entry
CostMVR 3,000 (~$195 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company; for business purposes.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) + processing
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires sponsorship and work permit approval. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) + investment
For investors who invest at least $1 million in Maldives. Includes residency rights and family sponsorship. Requires proof of funds and business plan.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) + proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient pension or savings. Requires health insurance and local sponsor. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
MVR 3,000 (~$195 USD) + tuition
For students enrolled at a Maldivian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Part-time work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Extension for additional 30 days; apply at Maldives Immigration before initial stay expires. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged per day overstay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 90 days)For longer stays; apply at Maldives Immigration office. | MVR 1,200 (~$78 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within validity; for frequent travellers. | MVR 2,400 (~$156 USD) |
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australia visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours.
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE), Malé
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., Kenya). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-DiphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in populated islands. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Rare but present; same prevention as dengue.
Food and Waterborne IllnessesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most travellers. Use mosquito avoidance measures.
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, photo, and fee in cash.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Velaanaage, 4th Floor, Malé
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa applications and overstay fines; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for KE 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
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You get 30 days from the date of entry. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a total of 90 days. The extension fee is 750 MVR (about $50 USD) per month.
Yes, you can extend it. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the airport) before your 30 days expire. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and the fee. Extensions cost 750 MVR per 30 days.
Yes, the 30-day visa on arrival is completely free. No payment is required at the airport. Extensions cost 750 MVR per month.
You can still fill it out at the airport on arrival, but you'll have to queue at a separate counter. It's much faster to do it online beforehand — the QR code lets you skip the paper form queue.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside the Maldives works. It just needs to show you're leaving within the 30-day visa period.
No. Your passport must be in good condition — no tears, water damage, or missing pages. Immigration officers can refuse entry if the passport looks tampered with or unreadable.
Malé International Airport operates 24/7. Immigration counters are staffed for all arriving flights. The visa on arrival process is the same regardless of arrival time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.