Maldives entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No pre-application needed — just show up with the right documents. This policy is valid 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 stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration in Malé will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport always asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you don't have one, they'll direct you to a ticket desk to buy one before clearing immigration. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | Most visitors book a resort or guesthouse before arriving, and immigration may ask for the booking confirmation. If you're staying on a liveaboard or a local island, have that reservation ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having a credit card or cash (around $100 per day) covers you if they do. 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 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 free 30-day entry 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 the airport.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. Fill in your personal details, flight info, and accommodation. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After landing in Malé, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa on arrival. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard VOA is free; extension costs MVR 750.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Maldivian company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (minimum $100,000 in assets or $2,000/month pension). Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,620 USD) per year
For investors who invest at least $1 million in the Maldives (e.g., real estate, business). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)One-time extension possible at Immigration, subject to approval. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; pay at Immigration before departure. | MVR 500 (~$32 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Velana International Airport (MLE) for up to 24 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in the 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 overstay payments.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For entry/exit and urgent visa issues on arrival.
Practical information for MT 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You get 30 days on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about €45) and takes a few days to process.
No. Maltese passport holders get a free visa on arrival at Velana International Airport. No pre-approval or eVisa is needed.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes. All travellers must complete the IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before arrival. It's free and takes 5 minutes online. Without it, you'll have to fill out a paper form at the airport, which takes longer.
Yes, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The fee is about 750 MVR. You'll need a valid reason (e.g., tourism, medical). Processing takes 2–3 working days.
Your passport (6+ months validity), your return or onward ticket, and your accommodation booking. The IMUGA QR code is checked at a separate counter before immigration. Have everything ready to speed things up.
No. The 30-day visa on arrival for Maltese passport holders is completely free. No payment required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.