Maldives entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Russian passport holders can visit the Maldives without a visa for tourism. You can stay up to 90 days. This policy is in effect 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 be in the Maldives. Airlines at check-in will verify this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | Most visitors book a resort or guesthouse in advance — island transfers depend on it. Have your booking confirmation ready, either printed or on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration rarely asks, but having a credit card or bank statement showing enough for your trip avoids any hassle. No set minimum amount is published. | 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. Online pre-registration required before travel | Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — show it at immigration on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities receive a free 30-day entry on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is mandatory
Complete the free IMUGA form at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of your flight. Without it, you may be delayed or denied entry. Save the QR code on your phone.
No visa extensions
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. Overstaying results in fines starting at $10 per day. Plan your exit accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA Declaration
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill out the free online form. You can do this up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign visitors. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present Documents to Immigration Officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in. This usually takes 1-2 minutes. No visa fee.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to leave the airport.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not needed for stays up to 90 days; listed for reference.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For business activities; requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Work visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost~$500 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (e.g., pension or savings). Requires health insurance and a local sponsor. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business registration. Allows long-term stay and family inclusion.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)No tourist visa required for stays up to 90 days. | Free (not applicable – visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No multiple entry visa needed for visa-free access. | Free (not applicable – visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available (N/A) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; avoid overstaying as it may affect future entry. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Russian 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 or staying overnight, a visa-free entry applies (up to 90 days).
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (May–November).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in all tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short stays.
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-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Malé
Maldives Immigration – Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
Handles entry/exit issues; contact for transit or overstay problems.
Practical information for RU 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Russians get a free 90-day tourist visa on arrival. No application needed.
Up to 90 days. This is granted on arrival. You cannot extend it.
IMUGA is the Maldives' mandatory digital arrival declaration. You must complete it online at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of your flight. It's free and saves you time at immigration. Without it, you may be delayed or denied entry.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first night's accommodation booking. IMUGA QR code is also checked. That's it.
No. The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. You must leave before it expires or face overstay penalties.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in the Maldives are high — a hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars per day.
You'll be fined $10 per day for the first 14 days, then $20 per day after that. You may also be banned from re-entering for a period. Don't risk it.
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.