Maldives entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no advance application needed. Just arrive at Malé International Airport with the required documents and you'll be stamped in. This policy remains in effect as of 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 Entebbe will check this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors book a resort or guesthouse in advance — island transfers are arranged through your accommodation. Have the booking confirmation handy, though immigration rarely asks for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds — roughly $100 per day is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or credit card 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 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 a free 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is free — don't pay for it
The Maldives arrival declaration (IMUGA) is completely free. Some third-party websites charge a fee to submit it on your behalf. Always use the official site: imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
Alcohol and pork restrictions
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Bringing alcohol, pork products, or pornographic material into the country is illegal and items will be confiscated at customs. Alcohol is available only at resort bars and licensed venues.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. Do this 24–96 hours before your flight. 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' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and IMUGA QR code. The officer will check everything and stamp your passport. No fee is charged for Ugandan passport holders.
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 · Uganda 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
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$49 USD) for extension
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$49 USD) for extension
For business purposes; requires invitation letter.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Maldives. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (institution-sponsored)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Maldives. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$1,000–$5,000 USD (investment-dependent)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Maldives. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension fee for additional 30 days; apply at immigration. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed; no maximum cap specified. | MVR 500 (~$32 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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
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 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 extensions and visa inquiries.
Hulhumalé
Immigration Office Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for visitors staying near the airport.
Practical information for UG 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
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a total of 90 days. The extension fee is 750 MVR (about $50 USD) per month.
No, the visa on arrival is free for Ugandan passport holders. You don't pay anything at the airport.
You can still fill it out at the airport using the kiosks or your phone, but it takes longer. Doing it online beforehand saves time and avoids the queue at the immigration counter.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and the fee. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements. No test, no vaccination card needed. But always check the latest health advisories before you travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Malé. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
The visa on arrival is available at Malé International Airport (MLE) and at all official seaports of entry. If arriving by yacht or private boat, you'll go through immigration at the port. The same documents are required.
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.