Maldives entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwe 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 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 at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| 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 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 QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket showing you leave within 30 days. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. A flight booking or ferry ticket to another country works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors arrive with a resort or guesthouse booking. Immigration rarely asks for it, but your airline might. If you are staying on a local island, have the booking confirmation handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers almost never ask for proof of funds for short stays. If you are staying longer than a week or look under-budget, having a credit card or $100–$200 cash visible helps. | Recommended |
IMUGA is free — do it online
The Maldives arrival declaration (IMUGA) is completely free. Complete it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code that speeds you through immigration.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to the limit, renew first.
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 arrival declaration. It's free. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents
Have your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and IMUGA QR code ready. Keep them in a folder or on your phone for quick access.
3
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There are dedicated counters. Queue up, hand over your passport and documents.
4
Get your visa stamp
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and wave you through. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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 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
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
work visa
Employment Visa (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD + proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (approx. $2,000/month). Allows long-term stay but no work rights.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$5,000–$50,000 USD (investment dependent)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (up to 60 days total)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstay to prevent future entry issues. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and having a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for 30 days).
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; no prophylaxis is 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
Maldives Immigration Headquarters
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for extensions and visa inquiries. Bring passport, arrival card, and proof of accommodation.
Hulhumalé
Maldives Immigration Hulhumalé Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport. Same services as Malé.
Practical information for ZW 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard visa on arrival is granted for 30 days. It is not extendable for Zimbabwe passport holders. If you need longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
No, the visa on arrival for Zimbabwe passport holders is free. There is no charge at the airport.
You will be denied entry. The airline may also refuse to let you board. Renew your passport before travelling.
No, a screenshot or the email on your phone is fine. But if your phone dies, a printout is a good backup.
Yes, the same visa on arrival policy applies at all official ports of entry, including Malé International Airport and seaports. The process is the same.
You can still fill it out on arrival at the airport kiosks, but it will take longer. Doing it online beforehand is faster.
It's not mandatory for entry, but medical costs in the Maldives are very high. A simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance is a smart move.
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.