Maldives entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No application needed before you travel — just show up with the right documents. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Free 30-day entry for all nationalities | You get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. No application needed beforehand. Bring your passport and boarding pass to the immigration counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 1 month of validity from your arrival date. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the border. A flight booking out of the Maldives within 30 days works. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking recommended | Most visitors book a resort or guesthouse before arrival. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but your resort needs your flight details for the speedboat transfer from the airport. | 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. Mandatory online form within 96 hours of departure | Fill in the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv before your flight. It takes 2 minutes — enter your passport, flight, and accommodation details. Save the QR code you get; show it at immigration on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is mandatory — do it before you fly
The Maldives requires all visitors to complete the IMUGA arrival declaration online. It's free and takes 2 minutes. Do it within 96 hours of your flight to avoid delays at immigration.
No extension available
The 30-day visa on arrival for Thai passport holders cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential deportation. Plan your exit before day 30.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration form. Do this within 96 hours of your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the 'Visa on Arrival' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Get your visa stamp
The immigration officer will check your documents, take a photo, and stamp your passport. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes. No fee is charged.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
Apply at Maldives embassy abroad; allows longer stay than VOA.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostMVR 2,000 (~$130 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Multiple entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostMVR 3,000 (~$195 USD)
For frequent visitors; apply at embassy.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) + proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient monthly income (approx. $2,000/month). Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years
MVR 25,000 (~$1,625 USD) + investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Maldives (e.g., business, real estate). Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)Visa on arrival is free for Thai nationals. | Free (VOA) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Extension possible at Maldives Immigration for up to 60 days total stay. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap may apply; pay at immigration before departure. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Thai passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit (e.g., overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE), Malé
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19 (updated booster)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (May–November). Use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
Intense tropical sun; use high-SPF sunscreen, wear hats, and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most travellers. However, mosquito bites are common.
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 visa inquiries. Bring passport, arrival card, and proof of funds.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying in Hulhumalé or near the airport.
Practical information for TH 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
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You get a free 30-day visa on arrival. It's not extendable — you must leave or apply for a different visa before day 30.
No, it's completely free. There is no fee for the 30-day visa on arrival for Thai passport holders.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa category before your 30 days expire.
IMUGA is the Maldives' mandatory digital arrival declaration. Fill it out for free at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — show it at immigration.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket to any destination outside the Maldives. It proves you will leave within the visa-free period.
It's not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from a remote island can cost thousands of dollars. A basic policy covering medical and evacuation is cheap peace of mind.
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.