Maldives Visa and Entry Requirements 2026

Good news: entering the Maldives is straightforward for most travelers. The country offers visa-free entry to virtually all nationalities, making it one of the easiest tropical destinations to visit.

Here's everything you need to know for 2026.

Visa Requirements

The Basics

Visa on arrival: Available to ALL nationalities Cost: Free Duration: 30 days Extensions: Possible up to 90 days total

Yes, you read that right. Citizens of every country receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport (Malé).

What You Need for Entry

To receive your visa on arrival, you must have:

1. Valid passport - At least 6 months validity from entry date
2. Confirmed accommodation - Hotel booking or resort confirmation
3. Return or onward ticket - Proof you're leaving
4. Sufficient funds - Generally $100-150 per day (rarely checked)

At Immigration

The process is straightforward:

1. Fill out the arrival card (often done online now)
2. Present passport and hotel confirmation
3. Receive stamp - that's it

Processing time is usually 5-15 minutes depending on queue length.

Online Immigration Declaration

The Maldives now has an online Traveler Declaration form.

When to complete: Within 96 hours before arrival

Where: imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Required information:

• Passport details
• Flight information
• Accommodation details
• Health declaration

Completing this online speeds up airport processing significantly.

Health Requirements

Vaccinations

Required: Yellow fever vaccination if arriving from an infected country Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid (standard travel vaccinations)

COVID-19 (Current Status)

As of early 2026:

• No vaccination requirement
• No testing requirement
• No quarantine

*Note: Requirements can change. Always check official sources before travel.*

Travel Insurance

Requirement: Strongly recommended but not mandatory

Recommended coverage:

• Medical evacuation (important given island location)
• Trip cancellation
• Diving coverage if you plan to dive

Customs Regulations

Prohibited Items

The Maldives is a Muslim country with strict import laws:

Absolutely prohibited:

• Alcohol (unless staying at resorts - they import)
• Pork products
• Religious materials contrary to Islam
• Pornography
• Drugs (severe penalties)
• Idols or religious statues

Restricted:

• Drones (require prior permission)
• Satellite phones
• Firearms and weapons

Alcohol Rules

• Cannot bring alcohol into the Maldives personally
• Resorts import alcohol legally and serve to guests
• Local islands are completely dry
• Duty-free alcohol can be stored at airport for collection on departure

Luggage Scanning

All luggage is scanned on arrival. Prohibited items will be confiscated.

Extending Your Stay

Standard Extension

You can extend your 30-day visa to 90 days total.

Where to apply: Maldives Immigration (Malé)

Cost: Approximately $750

Requirements:

• Continued accommodation booking
• Proof of funds
• Return ticket

Long-Stay Options

For stays beyond 90 days, you'll need to explore:

• Business visa
• Work permit
• Special permits (limited categories)

Most tourists don't need these - 90 days is plenty for a holiday.

Airport Information

Velana International Airport (MLE)

The main and usually only entry point.

Location: Hulhulé island, near Malé Facilities: Duty-free, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange Transfer options: Speedboat, seaplane, domestic flight (depending on resort)

Seaplane Terminal

If your resort uses seaplanes:

• Terminal is adjacent to main airport
• Allow 1-2 hours for transfer and check-in
• Seaplanes only operate in daylight (roughly 6am-4pm)

Domestic Terminal

For resorts requiring domestic flights:

• Short walk from international terminal
• Several domestic carriers operate
• Flights to various atolls

Currency and Money

Currency Official: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) Practical: US dollars widely accepted everywhere Resort pricing: Usually in USD

Money Tips - Bring USD for tips and incidentals - Credit cards accepted at all resorts - ATMs available in Malé and some local islands - Resort bills can be charged to room and paid at checkout

Important Contacts

Maldives Immigration: +960 333 0444 Tourism Ministry: +960 332 3224 Emergency: 119 (police), 102 (fire), 102 (ambulance) Airport Information: +960 333 2211

Common Questions

Can I enter with a damaged passport? Not recommended. Any damage to the photo page or chip may cause denial.

Do I need a hotel booking for the entire stay? You need confirmed accommodation, but you can book additional nights later.

Can I work on a tourist visa? No. Working requires a work permit through an employer.

What if my passport has Israeli stamps? No issue. The Maldives admits all passport holders regardless of travel history.

Can I visit on a one-way ticket? Technically no - you need proof of onward travel. A return ticket is simplest.

Final Checklist

Before you travel:

• [ ] Passport valid for 6+ months
• [ ] Hotel/resort confirmation
• [ ] Return flight booked
• [ ] Online declaration completed
• [ ] Travel insurance purchased
• [ ] No prohibited items packed
• [ ] Sufficient funds accessible

The Bottom Line

Entering the Maldives is remarkably simple. Free visa on arrival, minimal paperwork, and efficient processing make it one of the easiest destinations to visit.

Just remember: no alcohol in your luggage, passport valid for six months, and a hotel booking ready to show. That's essentially it.

Paradise awaits - and it's not hard to get there.