Maldives entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up at immigration in Malé with the right 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 Doha check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport always asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you'll be refused entry and put on the next flight back to Doha. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most travellers book a resort or guesthouse in advance — immigration rarely asks for proof, but your airline might. Have a printed or digital booking confirmation ready just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration doesn't routinely check funds, but they can ask. Carry at least $100 USD per day or have a credit card with available limit — cash is king on the local 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. Online pre-registration required before travel | 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 on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30 days free entry.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. It's not optional — but doing it online 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 date of entry. No exceptions. If it's close to expiring, renew before you book.
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 or print it.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Present Documents & Get Stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will verify your details, stamp your passport, and grant a 30-day visa on arrival. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes per person.
4
Collect Luggage & Exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives. Keep your passport handy for hotel check-in.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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 date
CostFree (VOA) or ~$50 USD if applied in advance
Standard option for most tourists; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers 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 annually
~$1,000 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (e.g., $2,000/month). Allows long-term stay but no work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD (plus investment)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Extension fee for additional 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond permitted period. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) |
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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but present; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For entry/exit and immediate visa queries upon arrival.
Practical information for QA 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs 750 MVR (about $49 USD) and processing takes a few days.
Yes, you can extend once for an additional 60 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the airport) with your passport, a completed application form, and 750 MVR. The extension is not automatic — you must apply before your initial 30 days expire.
Yes, it's mandatory for all travellers entering the Maldives. You must complete it online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of your flight. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Without it, you may be delayed at immigration or denied boarding.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. No exceptions are made at the border.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to stay overnight in a hotel), you'll need the visa on arrival. Check with your airline if you're unsure.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward or return travel. Without it, you may be refused entry. A one-way ticket is not enough — you need a confirmed booking out of the Maldives.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 1,000 MVR (about $65 USD) per day for the first 15 days, and 2,000 MVR per day after that. You may also be banned from re-entering the Maldives for a period. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.