Maldives entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives — no advance application needed. Just arrive at Malé International Airport with a valid passport and the required documents. This policy applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia enforce this strictly — no ticket, no boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | While not formally required by immigration, most resorts and guesthouses ask for a booking confirmation before they arrange your speedboat or seaplane transfer. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration officers rarely ask for proof of funds for short stays, but having $100–$200 USD per day in cash or card is sensible. ATMs are available in Malé and on resort islands. | 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. Mandatory online pre-registration | Complete the Maldives IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form online before you fly. It's not optional — it's mandatory. Doing it in advance means you skip the paper form queue at the airport.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before you board. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill out the free arrival declaration. Do this 24–72 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, show your IMUGA QR code (on phone or printed), and your return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa on arrival. 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 · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 on arrival for tourism; extension available once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
For business purposes; requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
CostMVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus processing fees
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
MVR 2,500 (~$162 USD) plus tuition fees
For enrolled students at recognized educational institutions in Maldives. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) plus proof of pension/investment
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income or investment. Requires proof of pension or assets and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension possible once for an additional 30 days, subject to approval. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap, but fines accumulate daily. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australian visas may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
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, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in Maldives, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks reported; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives, but prophylaxis may be considered for travel to remote atolls. Consult a travel health specialist.
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, and extension fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter – Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For entry/exit procedures and immediate visa issues upon arrival.
Practical information for LK 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
No. Sri Lankan passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. No pre-approval needed.
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter.
Yes. It's a mandatory health and immigration declaration. Fill it out at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 72 hours before arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Maldivian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The 30-day visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need more time, you must leave the country and re-enter.
No, there is no formal proof of funds requirement for Sri Lankan passport holders. However, immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — having a credit card or cash is wise.
You may be denied entry. Airlines also check this before boarding. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.