Maldives entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Saudi passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No prior application needed — just arrive at Velana International Airport with a valid passport and a return ticket. This policy is effective for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | Most travellers to the Maldives stay at a resort or guesthouse — immigration may ask for a booking confirmation. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready, especially if you are taking a domestic flight or speedboat transfer. | Recommended |
| IMUGA — Maldives 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. Mandatory online pre-registration | Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — have it ready on your phone or printed. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is not a visa
The IMUGA arrival declaration is a mandatory online form, not a visa. All nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Complete it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstay fines are MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day, capped at MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD). If you overstay, visit the immigration office in Malé before your departure to pay and avoid issues at the airport.
Visa on arrival is free
Saudi passport holders get a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost. No prior application, no fee. Just show up with a valid passport and return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your personal and flight details. Do this between 96 hours and 1 hour before departure. Save the QR code on your phone.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Get your visa on arrival
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa on arrival — free, no fee. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
4
Exit and transfer
If your resort is on a different island, you'll take a speedboat or domestic flight from the airport. Show your booking confirmation to the transfer desk.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 (Visa on Arrival)
Standard option for tourism; can be extended once.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Visa on Arrival for business purposes)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires a job offer and work permit approval. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD (including processing)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income or savings. Allows stay in Maldives for up to 1 year, renewable.
investor visa
Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (initial fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $1 million USD in Maldives. Includes residency rights for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Extension fee for an additional 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond permitted period. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (maximum cap)Maximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
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
Saudi passport holders transiting through Maldives do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in Maldives; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
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, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to remote atolls.
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 extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and extension fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter – Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For entry/exit procedures and immediate visa issues upon arrival.
Practical information for SA 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
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can extend once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (Boduthakurufaanu Magu, open Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00). The fee is MVR 750 (~$48 USD). Bring your passport, visa, and the fee.
You'll be fined MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day, with a maximum cap of MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD). Pay at the immigration office before you leave.
No. If you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours, you don't need a visa. This applies at Velana International Airport.
Yes. Complete it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It's free and gives you a QR code. Immigration officers scan it on arrival — without it, you'll be held up.
Lack of a return ticket (25% of denials), insufficient funds (30%), and unconfirmed accommodation (20%). Also, multiple short visits in a row can raise suspicion of unauthorized work. Have proof of funds (bank statement or cash) and a confirmed booking.
No. Tourist visa holders cannot work. For employment, you need a work visa sponsored by a Maldivian company. The cost is around $500 USD and it's valid for 1 year, renewable.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio). Malaria risk is low, but prophylaxis is advised for remote atolls.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.