Maldives entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders can enter the Maldives without a visa and get a free 30-day visa on arrival. No pre-approval needed — just show up with the right documents. This policy is in effect 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 the entire time you plan to be in the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at Velana International Airport will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| 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 — just hand over your passport at the immigration counter. They stamp you in immediately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration checks this at the border | You need a confirmed onward or return flight ticket. Immigration officers at Malé ask for it routinely, and airlines also verify before letting you board. A printed or digital copy works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Resort or hotel booking | Most visitors book a resort or guesthouse before arriving. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but your resort needs your flight details to arrange the speedboat or seaplane transfer from the airport. | Recommended |
| Maldives 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 form before departure | Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You fill in your passport, flight, and accommodation details — it takes 2 minutes. Show the QR code at immigration upon arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is mandatory
All travelers must complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before landing. Do it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv — it's quick and saves you time at the airport.
No extensions available
The 30-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll be fined and may face issues on future visits. Plan your trip accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and complete the free arrival declaration. Do this between 96 hours and 1 hour before your flight lands. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Land at Velana International Airport (Malé)
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — no payment needed.
3
Show your IMUGA QR code
At immigration, present the QR code from your IMUGA form. This speeds up the process significantly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives for up to 30 days.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 month from issue
CostFree (VoA included)
Standard VoA for tourism; extension available.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 month from issue
CostFree (VoA for business)
Requires invitation letter from Maldives company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires proof of marriage.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 3,000 (~$195 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
MVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Maldives. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) per year
For those investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)Not required; VoA is free. | Free (not applicable as VoA covers this) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Not available; VoA is single entry only. | Free (not applicable) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Extension possible at Immigration for up to 30 additional days. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged per day overstay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Vietnam passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit up to 24 hours at Velana International Airport. Must stay in transit area and have onward ticket.
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic cases reported.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists, but consider if visiting remote islands.
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 issues. Bring passport, arrival card, and proof of funds.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the mosque
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for those staying near the airport. Same services as Malé office.
Practical information for VN 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
30 days from the date of entry. You cannot extend this visa — if you need more time, you must leave and re-enter.
No, it's completely free. You don't pay anything at immigration.
You can still fill it out at the airport using the free Wi-Fi, but it will take longer. Better to do it online before you fly.
No. Immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling.
If you're transiting through Velana International Airport and not leaving the transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the airport (e.g., for a day trip), you'll need the visa on arrival.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. Also have your IMUGA QR code ready.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism. Any paid work requires a separate work permit arranged by your employer.
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.