Maldives entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no advance application needed. Just arrive at Malé International Airport with your passport and you'll be stamped in. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Malé International Airport will deny boarding if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration at Malé requires a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines and full-service carriers both check this before issuing your boarding pass — no ticket, no flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | While not strictly required by law, most resorts and guesthouses need a booking confirmation for your speedboat or domestic flight transfer from Malé. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but if you're staying at a budget guesthouse or arriving without a pre-paid package, they may request to see cash or a credit card. $50–$100 per day is a safe buffer. | 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 get a QR code — show it at immigration along with your passport. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30 days on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before you land. You'll get a QR code that lets you skip the paper form queue at Malé Airport.
6-month passport rule is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Before you fly, go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the Traveller Declaration. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will stamp you in — no payment required. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Show IMUGA QR code at immigration
When you reach the immigration desk, show your IMUGA QR code. This is separate from the visa process but required for entry.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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) or ~$50 USD if applied in advance
Standard option; can be extended once for free.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company; longer stays possible.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires proof of marriage.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows stay on a resort island or local island.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years
~$2,000 USD+
For those investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayCharged per day overstay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 150 MVR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher on local islands; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Sun exposure and heatstrokeModerate risk
Strong tropical sun; use sunscreen, hat, and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very 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
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for extensions and visa inquiries; bring passport, arrival card, and proof of funds.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and immediate issues; no extension services.
Practical information for LA 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
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. There's no set maximum stay listed in the database, but in practice you get 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your 30 days expire. The extension fee and duration are determined case by case — expect to pay around 750–1,500 MVR depending on the length.
Yes, the visa on arrival itself is free. There is no fee at the airport. The IMUGA arrival declaration is also free.
You can still fill it out at the airport on arrival, but you'll waste time in a separate queue. Better to do it online up to 96 hours before your flight and have the QR code ready.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for the Maldives. No vaccine proof or test results are needed. Always double-check closer to your travel date in case of sudden changes.
No. All international flights arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE). If you're flying to a domestic airport like Gan or Hanimaadhoo, you'll first clear immigration in Malé and then take a domestic flight.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Malé. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.