Maldives Visa on Arrival: Eligibility, Documents, Requirements, Traveller Declaration & Entry Process

Last Updated: 26 August 2026

The Maldives is one of the easiest Asian destinations for tourists regarding visa requirements. Tourist Visa is granted on arrival, and foreign tourists generally do not need to obtain pre-approval for a tourist visa before travelling.

However, travellers must satisfy the Maldives Immigration entry requirements, including having a valid passport, confirmed return or onward travel, confirmed accommodation or approved sponsorship, sufficient funds, and a completed Traveller Declaration through the official IMUGA portal.

This guide explains Maldives Visa on Arrival eligibility, nationalities, required documents, online Traveller Declaration, passport requirements, accommodation requirements, visa duration, entry conditions and the arrival process.

Quick Facts About Maldives Visa on Arrival

Requirement	Details
Visa Type	Tourist Visa on Arrival
Pre-Approval	Not required for tourists
Eligible Nationalities	Tourists generally receive visa on arrival subject to entry requirements
Traveller Declaration	Mandatory
Declaration Portal	Official IMUGA portal
Declaration Fee	Free
Declaration Submission	Within 96 hours before arrival
Passport Requirement	Machine-readable passport/travel document
Minimum Passport Validity	1 month
Return/Onward Ticket	Required
Accommodation	Confirmed prepaid booking at a registered facility, or approved sponsorship
Sufficient Funds	Required
Yellow Fever Certificate	Required if applicable
Main International Airport	Velana International Airport
Tourist Visa Fee	Visa on arrival; no pre-arrival tourist visa fee
Entry Guarantee	No — final admission is determined by Immigration

Maldives Immigration states that the tourist visa is granted on arrival and does not require pre-approval.

Who Can Get a Maldives Visa on Arrival?

The Maldives provides Tourist Visa on Arrival to foreign tourists, subject to satisfying the country’s entry requirements.

Unlike many countries, the Maldives does not operate a standard system where tourists from only a small list of nationalities qualify for Visa on Arrival. The Maldives Immigration tourist visa information states that tourist visas are granted on arrival, provided visitors meet the required entry conditions.

Therefore, eligibility is primarily determined by whether the traveller satisfies the Maldives’ entry requirements, rather than by a conventional published list of “Visa-on-Arrival eligible countries.”

Important Exception: Israeli Passports

Since 15 April 2025, entry to the Maldives is prohibited for travellers holding Israeli passports, following an amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act.

This means Israeli passport holders should not rely on the standard tourist Visa on Arrival facility.

Maldives Visa on Arrival Eligibility Criteria

To receive a tourist visa on arrival, travellers must satisfy the applicable entry requirements.

The main requirements include:

A valid passport or travel document with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
At least one month of passport validity
Confirmed return or onward ticket
Confirmed prepaid accommodation at a registered facility, or an approved sponsorship arrangement
Sufficient funds to cover the stay
Completed Traveller Declaration through IMUGA
Visa/entry requirements for the next destination, where applicable
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

Meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. The final decision is made by Maldives Immigration officers at the port of entry.

Passport Requirements for Maldives Visa on Arrival

Travellers must carry a passport or travel document with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).

The passport must have at least one month of validity at the time of travel.

Maldives Immigration specifically notes that travellers with passports showing extended validity are not permitted to enter on that basis.

Important

Children and minors must have their own passport to enter the Maldives.

Documents Required for Maldives Visa on Arrival

Travellers should prepare the following documents before travelling.

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must:

Have an MRZ
Have at least one month of validity
Be the passport used for your travel

2. Return or Onward Ticket

Travellers must have a confirmed return journey or onward ticket.

The ticket should demonstrate that the traveller intends to leave the Maldives within the permitted period.

3. Confirmed Accommodation

Travellers should have a prepaid confirmed booking at a registered accommodation facility.

This can include an eligible:

Resort
Hotel
Guesthouse
Registered accommodation facility

Alternatively, an approved sponsorship arrangement may be used where applicable.

4. Proof of Sufficient Funds

Travellers must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the Maldives.

The immigration authority may assess the traveller’s financial ability as part of the entry process.

5. Traveller Declaration

All travellers arriving in the Maldives must complete the Traveller Declaration electronically through the official IMUGA portal.

The declaration can be submitted within 96 hours (4 days) before arrival and is completely free.

6. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required if applicable, depending on the traveller’s previous travel or departure location.

Children under one year of age are exempt from the Yellow Fever vaccination requirement.

Is Maldives Visa on Arrival Free?

The Tourist Visa is granted on arrival, and Maldives Immigration does not require tourists to obtain a pre-approved tourist visa before travelling.

The official tourist visa information does not list a standard pre-arrival tourist visa application fee for the ordinary Visa on Arrival process.

However, travellers should understand that the Traveller Declaration is completely free.

Maldives Immigration specifically warns travellers about unofficial websites charging money to submit the Traveller Declaration.

Is Online Pre-Approval Required for Maldives Visa on Arrival?

No.

This is one of the most important points about travelling to the Maldives.

Maldives Immigration clearly states:

Tourist visa is granted on arrival and no pre-approval is required for tourists.

However, travellers must complete the Traveller Declaration online before arrival.

Therefore:

Requirement	Required?
Tourist Visa pre-approval	❌ No
Online Tourist Visa application before arrival	❌ Not normally required
Traveller Declaration	✅ Yes
IMUGA submission	✅ Yes
Traveller Declaration fee	✅ Free
Confirmed accommodation	✅ Yes
Return/onward ticket	✅ Yes
Sufficient funds	✅ Yes

The Traveller Declaration should not be described as a visa pre-approval. It is a mandatory self-declaration required by Maldives Immigration.

What Is the Maldives Traveller Declaration?

The Traveller Declaration is a mandatory electronic self-declaration for travellers entering the Maldives.

It is submitted through the official IMUGA portal operated by Maldives Immigration.

The declaration:

Is mandatory
Is completed online
Is free
Can be submitted within 96 hours before arrival
Requires personal and travel information
Includes accommodation information
Must be presented/available for immigration processing upon arrival

How to Complete the Maldives Traveller Declaration Online

Step 1: Visit the Official IMUGA Portal

Go to the official Maldives Immigration IMUGA portal.

The official portal is:

imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Travellers should avoid third-party websites charging fees for the Traveller Declaration.

Step 2: Select Traveller Declaration

Select the Traveller Declaration service.

Step 3: Enter Your Passport Information

The online system allows travellers to provide their passport information.

The current IMUGA system also provides a passport-scanning facility to help populate the declaration.

Step 4: Select Your Purpose of Visit

For ordinary tourists, select the appropriate tourism/holiday purpose.

The system includes different purposes of travel, including:

Holiday
Leisure
Business
Conference
Official/Diplomatic
Sponsorship
Employment
Dependent
Crew

Step 5: Enter Travel Information

Provide the required travel information, including the relevant arrival details.

Step 6: Provide Accommodation Details

Enter the accommodation information for your stay in the Maldives.

Step 7: Submit the Declaration

Review your information and submit the declaration electronically.

There is no fee for submitting the Traveller Declaration through the official IMUGA portal.

Step 8: Keep the Declaration Information

Keep the submitted declaration/confirmation available for your journey and immigration processing.

When Should You Submit the Maldives Traveller Declaration?

The Traveller Declaration can be completed up to 96 hours (4 days) before your arrival in the Maldives.

Travellers should therefore plan to complete it within the permitted window before their flight.

Maldives Visa on Arrival Process at the Airport

The arrival process is generally straightforward.

Step 1: Arrive in the Maldives

Arrive at your designated international airport or eligible entry point.

Step 2: Proceed to Immigration

Proceed to the immigration counters with your passport and required travel documents.

Step 3: Immigration Verification

Immigration officers may verify:

Passport
Traveller Declaration
Return/onward ticket
Accommodation booking
Financial capability
Onward destination requirements
Yellow Fever certificate, where applicable

Step 4: Tourist Visa on Arrival

Once the traveller satisfies the entry requirements, the tourist visa is granted on arrival.

Step 5: Immigration Clearance

The immigration officer determines whether the traveller is admissible and grants entry accordingly.

A confirmed hotel booking and return ticket do not guarantee entry. The final decision is made by Maldives Immigration at the port of entry.

Maldives Tourist Visa Duration

The Maldives provides tourist visas on arrival to eligible visitors, subject to the conditions determined by Maldives Immigration.

Travellers should check the visa/stay granted at immigration and comply with the permitted period.

The Maldives Immigration FAQ confirms that many nationalities are eligible for short-stay tourist Visa on Arrival, subject to entry requirements

Can Maldives Tourist Visa Be Extended?

Yes.

Maldives Immigration has a process for tourist visa extensions.

The tourist visa extension system was streamlined under the Maldives 2.0 initiative, effective from 23 April 2026, with more information being populated automatically from existing immigration records.

Travellers who need to stay longer should apply for an extension through the applicable Maldives Immigration process before their permitted stay expires.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents

UAE residency does not by itself create a separate Maldives Visa on Arrival category.

The Maldives generally provides tourist Visa on Arrival to foreign tourists subject to the applicable entry requirements.

A UAE resident should therefore travel with:

Valid passport
UAE residence documentation where relevant
Confirmed return/onward ticket
Confirmed accommodation
Sufficient funds
Completed Traveller Declaration

The traveller’s passport remains the primary nationality/travel-document consideration for immigration purposes.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens travelling to the Maldives as tourists can generally obtain the tourist visa on arrival, provided they meet the Maldives’ entry requirements.

Indian travellers should have:

Valid passport
Confirmed return/onward ticket
Confirmed accommodation
Sufficient funds
Completed Traveller Declaration
Yellow Fever certificate if applicable

The same basic tourist entry requirements apply.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens travelling to the Maldives for tourism can generally use the tourist Visa on Arrival facility, subject to satisfying the Maldives Immigration entry requirements.

Travellers should ensure that their passport, accommodation, return/onward ticket, funds and Traveller Declaration meet the current requirements.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for Bangladeshi Citizens

Bangladeshi citizens travelling as tourists can generally obtain the Maldives tourist Visa on Arrival, subject to meeting the applicable entry requirements.

Travellers should complete the Traveller Declaration within the required period and carry the required travel documents.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for Philippine Citizens

Philippine passport holders travelling to the Maldives as tourists can generally obtain the tourist Visa on Arrival, provided they satisfy the Maldives Immigration requirements.

The traveller should have the required passport validity, accommodation, return/onward ticket, sufficient funds and Traveller Declaration.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for Sri Lankan Citizens

Sri Lankan citizens travelling to the Maldives as tourists can generally receive the tourist Visa on Arrival subject to meeting the applicable entry requirements.

Travellers should complete the Traveller Declaration and carry their required travel documents.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for Children

Children and minors must have their own passport to enter the Maldives.

Parents or guardians should ensure that the child’s travel information is correctly included in the required immigration declarations and that the child has the appropriate travel documentation.

Yellow Fever Requirements for Maldives

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be required if the traveller is arriving from or has relevant travel history involving a Yellow Fever risk area.

The Maldives Immigration tourist visa requirements specifically identify the Yellow Fever certificate as an entry requirement where applicable.

Children under one year old are exempt from the Yellow Fever vaccination requirement.

Can I Enter the Maldives Without a Hotel Booking?

A confirmed prepaid booking at a registered accommodation facility is one of the standard tourist entry requirements.

Alternatively, a traveller may enter using an applicable pre-approved sponsorship visa where the sponsorship arrangement satisfies Maldives Immigration requirements.

Travellers should therefore not assume that a hotel booking can simply be arranged after arrival.

Can I Enter Maldives Without a Return Ticket?

A confirmed return journey or onward ticket is part of the standard tourist entry requirements.

Travellers should therefore have a confirmed return or onward ticket before travelling.

Can I Enter Maldives Without Proof of Funds?

Travellers must have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the Maldives.

Immigration officers may assess the traveller’s financial ability as part of determining admissibility.

Important Maldives Visa Rules

1. Israeli Passport Restriction

Entry to the Maldives on an Israeli passport has been prohibited since 15 April 2025 under an amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act.

2. Traveller Declaration Is Mandatory

All travellers must submit the Traveller Declaration through IMUGA within the required 96-hour window.

3. Traveller Declaration Is Free

There is no charge for submitting the official Traveller Declaration.

Maldives Immigration has specifically warned travellers about unofficial websites charging for this service.

4. Visa on Arrival Does Not Guarantee Entry

Even if a traveller has a return ticket and hotel booking, final admission is determined by Maldives Immigration at the port of entry.

5. Passport Must Have an MRZ

The passport/travel document must contain a Machine Readable Zone and have at least one month of validity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Paying for the Traveller Declaration

The official Traveller Declaration is free.

Do not pay an unofficial website or agent simply to submit the form.

2. Confusing Traveller Declaration with Visa Approval

The IMUGA Traveller Declaration is not a visa pre-approval.

The tourist visa is granted on arrival subject to meeting entry requirements.

3. Completing the Declaration Too Early

The Traveller Declaration must be submitted within 96 hours before arrival.

4. Travelling Without Accommodation Confirmation

A confirmed prepaid booking at a registered accommodation facility is part of the standard tourist entry requirements.

5. Travelling Without an Onward Ticket

Travellers should have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

6. Assuming Visa on Arrival Guarantees Entry

Visa issuance and admission remain subject to immigration clearance at the port of entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maldives Visa on Arrival available?

Yes. Maldives Immigration grants tourist visas on arrival to foreign tourists who satisfy the applicable entry requirements.

Do I need to apply for Maldives Visa before travelling?

Generally, no. Tourist Visa on Arrival does not require pre-approval.

Do I need to complete anything online before travelling to Maldives?

Yes. All travellers must complete the Traveller Declaration through the official IMUGA portal within 96 hours before arrival.

Is the Maldives Traveller Declaration free?

Yes. The official Traveller Declaration is completely free of charge.

How many days before arrival can I submit the Traveller Declaration?

The Traveller Declaration can be submitted up to 96 hours (4 days) before arrival.

What documents are required for Maldives Visa on Arrival?

You should have a valid MRZ passport with at least one month validity, confirmed return/onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, sufficient funds and a completed Traveller Declaration. A Yellow Fever certificate may also be required where applicable.

Is Maldives Visa on Arrival available for Indian citizens?

Yes, Indian tourists can generally receive the Maldives tourist Visa on Arrival, subject to meeting the standard entry requirements.

Is Maldives Visa on Arrival available for UAE residents?

Tourist Visa on Arrival is available subject to Maldives entry requirements. UAE residency itself does not replace the passport and immigration requirements.

Do children need their own passport for Maldives?

Yes. Children and minors must have their own passport to enter the Maldives.

Can I enter Maldives without a hotel booking?

Normally, tourists should have a prepaid confirmed booking at a registered accommodation facility, unless they qualify under an approved sponsorship arrangement.

Do I need a return ticket for Maldives?

Yes. A confirmed return or onward journey ticket is one of the standard tourist entry requirements.

Can I extend my Maldives tourist visa?

Yes. Tourist visa extension services are available through Maldives Immigration, subject to the applicable rules. The extension process was streamlined from April 2026.

Can Israeli passport holders enter Maldives?

No. Entry to the Maldives on Israeli passports has been prohibited since 15 April 2025 under the amended Maldives Immigration Act.

Planning a trip to the Maldives? Understanding the Maldives Visa on Arrival process, requirements, documents, eligibility, and entry rules can help you prepare for a smooth journey. The Maldives Visa on Arrival requirements generally include the necessary travel documents, a valid passport, confirmed accommodation, return or onward travel arrangements, and sufficient funds for your stay. Knowing the Maldives Visa on Arrival documents and Maldives Visa on Arrival fee requirements before travelling can make the arrival process easier.Travellers can also check Maldives Visa on Arrival eligibility, Maldives Visa on Arrival eligible countries, and Maldives Visa on Arrival nationalities before planning their holiday. The Maldives tourist visa and Maldives tourist visa on arrival process is an important part of understanding the country's entry requirements. Travellers should also review the latest Maldives visa requirements for tourists and Maldives immigration requirements before departure.The Maldives Traveller Declaration, also known as the Maldives IMUGA Traveller Declaration, is an important travel requirement that eligible travellers may need to complete before arrival. Travellers searching for Maldives visa online, Maldives visa pre approval, or whether Maldives visa pre approval required should check the latest official immigration information.This guide also covers Maldives Visa on Arrival for UAE residents, Maldives Visa on Arrival for Indians, Maldives Visa on Arrival for Pakistanis, Maldives Visa on Arrival for Bangladeshis, and Maldives Visa on Arrival for Filipinos. It also explains Maldives Visa on Arrival 2026, Maldives tourist visa 2026, Maldives entry requirements 2026, Maldives travel requirements 2026, and whether the Maldives is visa free or visa on arrival for different travellers.For updated travel guidance and assistance with your Maldives travel planning, ADSONZ GO provides practical support to help travellers understand visa and entry requirements.Visitor preparing to travel must carefully examine theMaldives visa requirementsfor their nationality and purpose of visit. The Maldives Visa on Arrival processis especially relevant for tourists visiting on vacation, and travellers should ensure that they have theirnecessary Maldives Visa on Arrival documentsready for inspection when going through customs. Refer toMaldives Visa on Arrival eligibilityandMaldives Visa on Arrival eligible countriesbefore travelling to prevent any unnecessary issues.Travellers should additionally be aware ofMaldives Visa on Arrival fee, Maldives Visa on Arrival passport validity, Maldives Visa on Arrival requirements, andMaldives Visa on Arrival conditions of stay. For numerous visitors, theMaldives tourist visa on arrivalis associated with meeting the common entry requirements for the nation, rather than with acquiring a visa ahead of departure. But eligibility and the process of purchasing a Maldivian visa might vary based on nationality and situation.How to submitMaldives Traveller Declaration? The Maldives IMUGA Traveller Declarationis part of the travel preparations which apply to virtually all nationals, so it must be remembered even if no Maldivian visa on arrivalis relevant. Those searching forMaldives visa online, Maldives visa pre approval, or wondering "do I need aMaldives visa pre approval" ought to make sure they are familiar with the latest information onVisa on Arrival to ensure a fuss-free vacation. Visitors researchingaboutMaldives Visa on Arrival for UAE residents, Maldives Visa on Arrival for Indians, Maldives Visa on Arrival for Pakistanis, Maldives Visa on Arrival for Bangladeshis, Maldives Visa on Arrival for Filipinos, Maldives Visa on Arrival 2026, andMaldives entry requirements 2026 should ensure they are up to date with the latest requirements.Booking well in advance can make an overseas trip to the Maldives a hassle-free experience. Before departing for the islands, it is advisable to gather essential travel details and keep relevant documents in a safe place. Passport details, hotel reservations, confirmation of return or onward flights, and proof of adequate funds can be asked for during travel.Having copies of documents in electronic and paper form is highly recommended. Emails with booking approvals, copies of flight tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance details and photo ID can be stored on a smart phone in case needed while travelling. All plans should be checked before getting to the airport, and a fully charged phone with essential files saved offline is important.Confirming your accommodation plans will ensure that your money has been properly paid and understood. If accommodation has been booked at a hotel, resort or guesthouse, note down the name and address, booking confirmation and local contact details. This can be relevant during the immigration process or in case the place of stay needs to be located in an unfamiliar area.Visitors should also think about their transportation from the airport. If you have to transfer from an international airport to an island resort by speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane this should be checked before leaving home to prevent unnecessary delays or stress. It may also be helpful to purchase a suitable travel insurance cover plan in case of unexpected disruptions or other issues.It is always recommended to check government and immigration websites close to the travel date since entry policies and document specifications may change and information on social media or unofficial sites may not be current. Early planning allows time for corrections to be made, and for inquiries to be submitted, prior to traveling to Maldives.

Official Maldives Visa Information

For the most accurate and current information, travellers should use the official Maldives Government immigration websites.

Maldives Immigration – Tourist Visa:
Official Maldives Tourist Visa Information

Maldives Immigration – Official Website:
Maldives Immigration

IMUGA – Official Immigration Portal:
Official IMUGA Portal

Traveller Declaration:
Official Traveller Declaration Portal

Destination

ASIA

BEIJING

CHANGSHA

CHENGDU

China

Guangzhou

HONGKONG

NANNING

SHANGHAI

Shaoxing

SHENZHEN

TIANJIN

Wenzhou

Maldives Visa on Arrival: Eligibility, Documents, Requirements, Traveller Declaration & Entry Process