Maldives entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
90 days
Max stay
90 days
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 can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives, valid for up to 90 days. No prior application is needed — just arrive with a valid passport and you'll be stamped in at the airport. The process is straightforward, but you must complete the IMUGA online declaration before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou get the visa when you land at Malé airport — no need to apply in advance. Free visa on arrival for 90 days | Sri Lankan passport holders receive a free 90-day visa on arrival. No prior application is needed. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in the Maldives. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| Arrival declaration (IMUGA)This is a digital form you fill out online before you fly — don't skip it or you may be delayed on arrival. Complete within 96 hours before arrival | All travellers must complete the Maldives Immigration IMUGA online arrival declaration within 96 hours before departure. Submit at imuga.immigration.gov.mv and keep the confirmation. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit flight booking — have it ready. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the Maldives, with a departure date within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationNot always checked, but having a booking printout helps speed up arrival. Hotel booking or invitation | You may be asked to show a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Maldives. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration rarely asks, but it's good to have a card or cash ready. For your stay | You should be able to show you have enough money to cover your stay (e.g., cash, credit card, or bank statement). No fixed amount is published. | Recommended |
| Vaccination certificateOnly needed if your journey starts or transits through a yellow-fever zone. Yellow fever if arriving from risk country | If you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Not required for direct travel from Sri Lanka. | Not required |
IMUGA declaration is mandatory
You must complete the IMUGA online declaration before arrival. Without it, you may face delays at immigration. Do it within 96 hours of your flight — it's free and takes about 5 minutes.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's shorter, you won't be allowed on the plane.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill out the arrival declaration within 96 hours before your flight. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Save the QR code or confirmation email.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for tourists and residents — join the tourist line. Have your passport, IMUGA QR code, and return ticket ready.
3
Get your visa stamped
Hand over your passport and QR code. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa on arrival. No payment is required. This usually takes a few minutes.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 90 days from issue
CostMVR 1,500 (approx. $98)
Requires a sponsor in the Maldives and approval from Maldives Immigration.
Long-term visa (work/residence)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued based on employment or residence permit
CostVaries (typically MVR 2,000–5,000, approx. $130–$325)
Must be arranged by employer or sponsor before arrival.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 90 days total stay)Apply at Maldives Immigration in Malé before current visa expires. | MVR 750 (approx. $49) |
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 Lankan citizens transiting through Malé International Airport do not require a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area or staying overnight in a hotel, 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, 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 = 15.45 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 visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with a valid passport and the IMUGA declaration.
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter.
No, the visa on arrival is free for Sri Lankan citizens. You won't be charged at immigration.
IMUGA is the Maldives' online arrival/departure declaration system. You must complete it within 96 hours before your arrival. Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv, fill in your details, and you'll get a QR code to show at immigration.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Malé. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter to get a new visa.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It's a standard requirement for tourist visas — have it ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.