Maldives entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no need to apply before you travel. You'll get a free 30-day tourist visa stamped at the 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 at least the length of your stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Malé International Airport enforces it. No minimum 6-month validity is required beyond your departure date. | Required |
| 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. Mandatory online pre-registration | Complete the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll enter your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. After submitting, you get a QR code — have it ready on your phone or printed when you land.Open IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Malé International Airport asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not formally required for entry, having a hotel or resort booking confirmation helps speed things up. Many resorts arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers, so they'll need your booking details anyway. | Recommended |
IMUGA is mandatory — do it before you fly
The Maldives requires all visitors to complete the IMUGA Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of arrival. It's free and online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. You'll get a QR code — save it. Without it, you'll be held up at immigration.
No visa fee for Rwandans
The 30-day tourist visa on arrival is free. No payment needed at the airport. Just have your documents ready.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the Traveller Declaration. You'll get a QR code — save it or screenshot it. Do this within 96 hours of your flight.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Get your visa stamped
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport with a 30-day tourist visa, and you're through. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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)
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (VOA) or apply in advance
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 1,000 (~$65 USD) plus fees
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 1 year
MVR 500 (~$32 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Maldives. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 2,000 (~$130 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before current visa expires. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD). | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and leaving within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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-diphtheriaEssential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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 visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Hulhumalé
Maldives Immigration Hulhumalé Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near Central Park
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport.
Practical information for RW 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. It's free. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé — but it's not guaranteed.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your visa expires. Extensions are granted case by case, typically for up to 60 more days. There's a fee — around 750 MVR (about $50 USD) for a 30-day extension.
Yes. The IMUGA Traveller Declaration is mandatory for everyone entering the Maldives, including visa-on-arrival passengers. It's free and takes 5 minutes online. Do it within 96 hours of your flight.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Malé airport. There are no exceptions. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward or return travel. Without it, you may be denied entry. A one-way ticket is not enough.
No. The 30-day tourist visa on arrival is completely free. There are no hidden charges at the airport.
You'll be fined $10 USD per day for each day over your 30-day limit. You'll need to pay at immigration before leaving. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.