Maldives entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
New Zealand passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No pre-application needed — just show up at Malé International Airport with a valid passport and you'll be stamped in. This policy is in place for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 1 month of validity remaining from your departure date from Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all arrivals | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. If you arrive without one, they may deny entry or put you on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended — resort booking often needed for island transfers | While not formally required for immigration, you need a confirmed hotel or resort booking to arrange the speedboat or seaplane transfer from Male. Many resorts require full prepayment. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended — rarely checked | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carry a credit card or cash (around $100 per day) in case they do. ATMs are available at the airport and in Male. | Recommended |
| IMUGA arrival declarationIMUGA: Maldives' 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 — complete within 96 hours before arrival | All travellers must submit the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before departure. This is not a visa — you get 30 days free on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA traveller declaration online before you fly. It takes 5 minutes and means you'll skip the paper form queue at the airport. Do it at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the traveller declaration. You can do this up to 72 hours before your flight. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Save the QR code or confirmation email.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. There are separate queues for Maldivians and foreigners. Join the foreigner queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in with a 30-day visa on arrival. No payment is taken. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for hotel check-ins.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for tourists. Exit into the arrivals hall where drivers and hotel reps wait.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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 (Visa on Arrival)
Standard visa-free entry for New Zealand passport holders.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (Visa on Arrival)
For business purposes; must show invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
For foreign spouses of Maldivian citizens; requires marriage certificate and sponsor letter.
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 $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires local sponsor or property ownership.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) initial fee
For investors who invest at least $1 million in Maldives. Includes residency rights and family inclusion. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (30 days)Extensions are possible but not guaranteed; apply at Immigration before expiry. | Free (if approved) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have 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 NZ passport holders).
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use insect repellent and avoid bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Sun exposureHigh risk
Strong tropical sun; use sunscreen, wear hat and sunglasses.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives, but present in some outer atolls; consider prophylaxis if visiting remote areas.
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; arrive early to avoid queues.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and immediate issues upon arrival.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. New Zealand passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. No pre-application is needed.
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry by Maldivian immigration. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Yes. It's a digital arrival card required by Maldivian immigration. Complete it free at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 72 hours before your flight. It speeds up your entry significantly.
No. The 30-day visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need more time, you must leave the country and re-enter.
Your valid passport, a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking confirmation. Having the IMUGA confirmation handy also helps.
No. The 30-day visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders is completely free. No payment is taken at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.