Maldives entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. Just show up at Malé International Airport with your passport and a return ticket. No advance application needed — this has been the policy since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the Maldives. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| 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 pre-registration | Complete the Maldives IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the confirmation QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight ticket. A booking confirmation showing your departure within 30 days of arrival is sufficient. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | While not formally required by immigration, you need a confirmed booking for your island transfer (speedboat or seaplane). Most resorts require prepayment or a deposit. Carry a printed confirmation. | Recommended |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA traveller declaration online before you fly. It's a digital arrival card that lets you skip the paper form queue at Malé Airport. Do it up to 96 hours before your flight at imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
Alcohol and pork restrictions
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Importing alcohol or pork products is illegal. You can buy alcohol at resort bars and restaurants, but not in local shops or on inhabited islands. Respect local customs, especially outside resort islands.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and complete the free traveller declaration. You can do this up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it as a screenshot or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for Maldivian citizens and foreigners. The visa-on-arrival queue moves quickly.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. No fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (VOA) or pre-arranged
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) per year
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
Work Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries by employer
Requires job offer and sponsorship from Maldivian employer.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$649 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies by employer (approx. MVR 5,000–15,000)
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Employer handles sponsorship and most fees.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,245 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $1 million in Maldives. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Visa on arrival is free for eligible nationalities. | Free (VOA) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Standard tourist entry is single-entry only via VOA. | Not available |
| Stay ExtensionExtensions up to 60 days total stay, subject to approval. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) per extension |
| Overstay FineMaximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
South African passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit up to 24 hours at Velana International Airport.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 extensions and visa inquiries.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For arrival/departure procedures and immediate issues.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 15.44 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. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about $50 USD) and takes a few days to process.
Yes, you can apply for one 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The fee is about 750 MVR. You must apply before your initial 30 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines of 1,000 MVR per day.
No. If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the standard 30-day visa on arrival.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Malé Airport. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes. It's a digital arrival card required by Maldivian immigration. You can fill it out at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Without it, you'll be asked to complete it on arrival, which slows you down.
No. Immigration will ask for proof of onward or return travel. A one-way ticket is not enough. If you don't have a return ticket, you may be refused entry and put on the next flight back.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are widely accepted at resorts, hotels, and most tourist businesses. ATMs are available at the airport and in Malé. Credit cards work at most resorts. Bring some cash for small purchases or tips.
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.