Maldives entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Norwegian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application is needed — just arrive at Malé International Airport with your passport and a return ticket. This policy applies for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport just needs to cover the dates you're in the Maldives. Airlines rarely check for 6 months validity, but having at least 3 months remaining avoids any boarding issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of the country within 30 days of arrival satisfies this requirement. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors arrive for a resort stay, and the resort handles your speedboat or seaplane transfer. Have your booking confirmation ready — immigration rarely asks, but the resort needs it for your transfer. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration doesn't formally check bank statements or cash. Carry a credit card for resort expenses and some USD for tips or local island purchases. | 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 upon arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities receive a free 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves you time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It is quick and 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 entry date. Airlines check this at check-in — if you are under, you will not board.
No visa fee for Norwegians
The 30-day visa on arrival is free. No payment needed at the airport or online.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online (96 hours before)
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the arrival declaration. You will get a QR code — screenshot it. This is free and takes 5 minutes.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa on arrival. No fee. The process takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the visa stamp, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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)
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible at immigration.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or sponsored
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
For foreign spouses of Maldivian citizens.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year (employer-paid)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and quota approval. Common in tourism and construction.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,620 USD) per year
For investors who invest at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD). | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day |
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
Norway passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa for stays up to 24 hours in the airport transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for tourism).
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Rare but present; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport.
Practical information for NO 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
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. For a longer stay, apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about $50) and takes 2–3 working days to process.
Yes, you can apply for one 60-day extension. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé with your passport, a completed extension form, and the fee (approximately 750 MVR). Processing takes 2–3 working days. Overstaying without an extension incurs a fine of about $10 per day.
Yes, it is mandatory for all arrivals. You must complete it within 96 hours before your flight. It is free and takes 5 minutes at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. If you skip it, you will be directed to a terminal at the airport to fill it in — which wastes time.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Malé. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you stay airside and your connecting flight is within 24 hours, you do not need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you will need to go through immigration and get the visa on arrival — same process as for tourists.
No. You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration checks this at the visa counter. If you do not have one, you will be refused entry and may have to buy a ticket on the spot.
No, it is completely free for Norwegian passport holders. No payment is required at the airport or online.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.