Maldives entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just arrive at Malé International Airport with the right documents and you'll be stamped in. This policy is active 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 stay in the Maldives. Airlines at check-in will verify this — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| 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 for all arrivals | Complete the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get a free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed when you land.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A flight booking out of the Maldives within 30 days of arrival satisfies this. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | While not formally required, most travellers arrive with a confirmed resort or guesthouse booking. Many island transfers require a booking reference. Have a printed or digital copy of your reservation handy. | Recommended |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before arrival. You'll get a QR code that lets you skip the paper queue at Malé Airport.
6-month passport rule is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA Declaration
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your travel details. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone. Do this 1–4 days before your flight.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present Documents and Get Stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in — no fee, no fuss. You'll get a 30-day stay by default.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're in.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity30 days from arrival
CostFree (VOA)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from arrival
CostFree (VOA) or apply in advance
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor-based)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Permit)
1 year, renewable
Sponsor-paid; ~$500–$1,000 USD
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (approx. $2,000/month). Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
Varies by investment amount
For individuals investing in Maldives (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment typically $100,000+ USD. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard 30-day stay, extendable. | Free (VOA) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Maldives Immigration for up to 60 additional days. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | MVR 500 (~$32 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australia visas may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
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).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk higher during rainy season (May–November). Use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
Intense sun exposure; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most tourists. Risk may be slightly higher in remote atolls.
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 visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Hulhumalé
Maldives Immigration Hulhumalé Branch
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near Hulhumalé Hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for visitors staying in Hulhumalé or near Velana International Airport.
Practical information for ZM 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. If you need 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.
No, the visa on arrival is free. There are no charges at the airport. The only potential cost is if you apply for an extension later.
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. You'll need a valid passport, a completed application form, and the fee. Extensions are not guaranteed — you must show you have funds and accommodation.
You can still enter, but you'll have to fill out a paper form at the airport, which takes longer. The IMUGA form is free and saves you time in the queue. Do it online before you fly.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for the Maldives. No test, no vaccination card needed. But always check the latest health advisories before you travel.
No. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport first.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 1,000 MVR (about $65 USD) per day for the first 15 days, then 2,000 MVR per day after that. You may also be banned from re-entering for a period. Don't overstay — apply for an extension if you need more time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.