Maldives Visa
Requirements 2026
The Maldives is one of the most straightforward destinations in the world for entry. All nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. The only pre-travel requirement is the IMUGA online Traveller Declaration — a free, 5-minute online form completed before you fly.
No visa is needed before you travel. All nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport. Before flying, all visitors must complete the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv — this takes around 5 minutes and must be done within 96 hours of your flight.
The IMUGA Traveller Declaration
IMUGA is the official Maldives Immigration online system. All visitors arriving in the Maldives must complete the free Traveller Declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv before their flight. The form is free — there are no fees. Several third-party websites charge for this service. Do not use them. The official government portal charges nothing.
As of August 2024, the IMUGA declaration is required for arrival only. Departure declarations are no longer required. Complete your declaration within 96 hours before your inbound flight departs.
How to complete IMUGA — step by step
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv on any device. Select Traveller Declaration. Do this within 96 hours of your scheduled arrival time in the Maldives — the system does not accept submissions made earlier than this window.
You can upload a photo of your passport data page — the system reads it automatically. Or enter your details manually: full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and expiry date.
You will need your airline, flight number, arrival date, and the name of your resort or accommodation. Have your booking confirmation ready — this step takes under 2 minutes with the details in front of you.
The form asks whether you have been in a yellow fever risk country in the previous 6 days, and basic customs questions about items you are carrying. Most guests can answer these quickly.
A clear selfie or passport photo is required. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background. A smartphone selfie in good light is sufficient.
On completion you receive a QR code. Save it to your phone and take a screenshot as a backup — Wi-Fi at some transit airports can be unreliable. You will show this QR code at Velana International Airport immigration.
What you need to enter the Maldives
Extending your stay
The standard visa on arrival grants 30 days. Extensions of up to 60 additional days can be applied for through the Maldives Immigration Department in Male. Extensions are not automatic — you must apply with proof of funds and confirmed accommodation for the extended period. Applications are assessed at the discretion of the immigration officer. If you plan an extended stay, factor in the application process when booking your accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
No visa application is required before travel. The Maldives grants a free 30-day visa on arrival to all nationalities at Velana International Airport. There are no fees, no advance application, and no embassy visit required. All visitors must complete the IMUGA online Traveller Declaration before arrival — this is separate from the visa and is free of charge.
IMUGA is the official Maldives Immigration online portal at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. All visitors must complete the free online Traveller Declaration through IMUGA within 96 hours before their flight arrives in the Maldives. The form collects your passport details, flight information, and accommodation details. Upon completion you receive a QR code to present at immigration. The form is free — do not pay third-party websites claiming to offer this service.
To enter the Maldives you need: a valid passport, a completed IMUGA Traveller Declaration QR code, a confirmed resort or accommodation booking, a return or onward flight ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever risk country in the previous 6 days.
The standard free visa on arrival permits a 30-day stay. Extensions for up to 60 additional days can be applied for through the Maldives Immigration Department in Male, subject to approval. Extensions are not guaranteed and require documentation including proof of funds and accommodation for the extended period.
Your passport must be valid for at least one month from your date of arrival in the Maldives. However, most airlines and travel advisors recommend having at least six months validity beyond your travel dates as a precaution. Check your passport expiry well in advance of booking.
Yes — children of all ages are welcome in the Maldives. Every traveller including infants must submit a separate IMUGA Traveller Declaration form. Children travelling on a parent's passport will still require their own IMUGA declaration. Standard visa on arrival rules apply to all ages.
Our Niche Getaways team handles every detail of your Maldives holiday as part of your all-in package — resort, transfers, and pre-arrival guidance.
Enquire NowWhatsApp UsEntry requirements sorted. Our Niche Getaways specialists handle the rest — resort selection, transfers, and all pre-arrival guidance as part of your all-in package.