Maldives entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival when landing in the Maldives. No visa application needed before you travel. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied at the gate. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of the Maldives within 30 days of arrival works — they rarely check the exact date, but you need something. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking for your stay | Most travellers book a resort or guesthouse before arriving — the Maldives is all islands, so you need a place to stay. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but your airline might check at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your trip costs | Officials can ask for proof of sufficient funds, but in practice they almost never do. Having a credit card or a few hundred USD in cash is enough if questioned. | 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. Online pre-registration required before travel | Complete the Maldives IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — it's a free digital arrival card that all nationalities must submit. Have the confirmation QR code ready on your phone or printed.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. It's not optional — it's required. Doing it online means 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 your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Before your flight, go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your personal and travel details. It's free and takes 5 minutes. 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.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport, boarding pass, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your IMUGA QR code (or look it up in their system).
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa on arrival. No fee. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. You're now in the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 ~$50 USD if pre-arranged
Standard option for longer stays; apply at Maldives Immigration.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (plus proof of pension/investment)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income or investment. Allows long-term stay but no work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years
~$5,000 USD (minimum investment $100,000)
For those investing in Maldives real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Extension is possible but not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before expiry. | Free (subject to approval) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; pay at immigration before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 150 MVR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Philippines 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 most).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (May–November). Use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water.
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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Velaanaage, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles overstay fines and re-entry permits.
Practical information for PH 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, the visa on arrival for Filipino passport holders is not extendable. You must leave the Maldives within 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
No, the 30-day visa on arrival is free for Filipino passport holders. No payment is required at immigration.
You can still fill it out at the airport using the kiosks or your phone, but it's slower. The queue for people who haven't done it can be longer. Best to do it online up to 96 hours before your flight.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will check this. If you don't have one, you may be denied entry. A refundable ticket works if you're unsure of your plans.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to go to a hotel overnight), you'll need the visa on arrival.
USD is widely accepted. The local currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). ATMs at the airport dispense MVR. Credit cards work at most resorts and hotels. Bring some cash for small islands or local shops.
No, the visa on arrival is for tourism only. For business or work, you need a separate visa or work permit arranged by your employer in the Maldives.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.