Maldives entry requirements for Serbia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Serbian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no advance application needed. You'll receive a free 30-day tourist visa when you land at Velana International Airport. This policy is confirmed for 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 time you plan to stay in the Maldives. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Maldives Immigration, but your airline may enforce a 6-month rule — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at Male Airport. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping your 30-day visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel or resort booking. While not always checked at immigration, your resort booking is often needed to arrange the speedboat or seaplane transfer from Male Airport to your island. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having $100–$150 USD per day available (cash or card) covers any unexpected questions. ATMs are available in Male but scarce on resort islands. | 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 IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Submit the form, get a QR code, and show it at immigration in Male.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. Show the QR code at immigration — it cuts your queue time significantly.
6-month passport rule is strict
Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out IMUGA form
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and complete the arrival declaration. You can do this up to 96 hours before your flight. Save the QR code or screenshot the confirmation.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport
After landing in Malé, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day tourist visa — no fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard option for most tourists; extension possible once.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$325 USD)
For foreign spouses of Maldivian citizens.
work visa
Employment Visa (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) plus employer fees
For foreigners 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
MVR 15,000 (~$975 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) minimum investment
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Maldives business or real estate. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (up to 60 days total)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | 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
Serbian passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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)
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-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (May–November).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk 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 permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Velaanaage, 4th Floor, Malé
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for RS 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. It's free and issued at immigration. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé — the fee is 750 MVR (about $50 USD).
Yes, you can apply for one 30-day extension. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the airport) with your passport, a completed application form, and 750 MVR. Processing usually takes 1-2 working days.
Yes, it's required for all arrivals. You fill it out online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Without it, you'll still be processed at immigration, but the queue will be longer.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. Immigration requires proof of onward travel — a flight out of the Maldives within 30 days. A letter from a friend is not enough. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
The Maldives does not automatically deny entry for all criminal records, but serious offenses (especially drug-related) can lead to refusal. There's no formal pre-clearance process — it's at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.
Overstaying costs 50 MVR (about $3.25 USD) per day, plus a 750 MVR fine. You'll need to pay at immigration before leaving. Serious overstays (more than 30 days) can result in a ban from re-entering the Maldives.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.