Maldives entry requirements for Turkey 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

Turkish passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up at Malé International Airport with the right documents. This policy is in effect for 2025.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the date you arrive in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Maldives
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket showing you'll leave within 30 days. Without one, they may deny entry or only grant a shorter stay.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel or resort booking for your stay
Most visitors arrive at Male and transfer directly to a resort island — having a confirmed booking speeds up immigration and is needed for the resort speedboat or seaplane transfer. A simple hotel confirmation email works.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 form for all travellers
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — have it ready on your phone or printed. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30 days free on arrival.Complete IMUGA formRequired
IMUGA is mandatory
Don't skip the IMUGA arrival declaration. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and without the QR code you'll be stuck in a longer queue at immigration. Complete it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check the 6-month validity rule before you board. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly to the Maldives. Check your passport now.

What happens at the border

1
Complete IMUGA online
Up to 96 hours before your flight, go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for visa-on-arrival and pre-arranged visas. The visa-on-arrival queue is usually straightforward.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, show your IMUGA QR code, and have your return ticket and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day 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 · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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 (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension

Standard option for tourism; extension available once.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.

Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$324 USD)

For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires proof of marriage.

work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 15,000 (~$972 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (e.g., pension). Allows stay without employment. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,240 USD) initial fee
For investors who invest at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Includes family members. Fast-track residence.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension fee for an additional 30 days, applied at immigration.MVR 750 (~$48 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity.MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day
Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration.MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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

Turkish passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For stays up to 24 hours, a free transit visa is available on arrival.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
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)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease; risk higher during rainy season.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Risk is low but can occur; practice good hygiene.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.

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 and extension form.

Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7

For arrival/departure procedures; limited extension services.

Practical information for TR 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
updated May 22
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
Police119
Medical102
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Maldives

5,524 kmgreat circle distance
~8hfrom Turkey
Find flights

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. 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 around 750 MVR (about $50).
Yes, completely free. There is no charge for the 30-day visa on arrival for Turkish passport holders.
Yes, you must complete the IMUGA arrival declaration online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It's free and gives you a QR code that speeds up your entry.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Malé. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The cost is about 750 MVR. You must apply before your initial 30 days expire.
Yes, a return or onward ticket is mandatory regardless of where you're staying. Immigration checks this at the counter.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 100 MVR per day (about $6.50) and may face a ban from re-entering the Maldives. Always apply for an extension or leave on time.

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.