Maldives entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Malé International Airport with a valid passport and the required documents. This policy is current as of 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 period you plan to stay in the Maldives. Airlines at Kathmandu check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied. | Required |
| 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 form for all arrivals | Complete the IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — have it ready on your phone or printed. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, they may deny entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most resorts require a booking confirmation for the speedboat or seaplane transfer from the airport. Keep a printed copy or digital version handy — it's not always checked by immigration, but your resort will ask for it. | Recommended |
IMUGA is mandatory
Complete the free IMUGA travel declaration at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv before you fly. It's quick and saves you time at the airport.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA Declaration Online
Before you fly, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free form. You'll get a QR code or confirmation — save it on your phone. This is mandatory and speeds up arrival.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually straightforward. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
3
Present Documents and Get Stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa on arrival. No fee is charged for Nepali passport holders.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Then head through customs (usually green channel for most tourists). You're free to go.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal 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
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 1,500 (~$97 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Work Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus employer fees
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (approx. $1,500/month). Requires health insurance and no local employment.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,620 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Requires business plan and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Extension fee for additional 30 days, applied at Immigration. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged per day of overstay, no maximum cap mentioned officially. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) |
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
Nepal passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and having a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for 30 days).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE), Malé
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 and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists, but consider if visiting remote islands.
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 permits. Bring passport, visa form, and fee.
Hulhumalé
Immigration Office Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Alternative location for residents of Hulhumalé.
Practical information for NP 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. It's not extendable for tourists — if you need longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
No, the visa on arrival is free for Nepali citizens. You don't pay anything at the airport.
You can still fill it out at the airport on arrival, but it takes longer. Do it online before you fly to skip the queue.
No, immigration requires proof of onward or return travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you're transiting through Malé and not leaving the airport transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable for tourists. You'd need to leave the country and re-enter to get a new 30-day stamp.
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.