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Maldives Visa for Indians: A Complete Guide to On Arrival Visa, Requirements & Costs

Last Update: 15-10-2024

Aerial view of Maldives beach resort.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Maldives?

No, Indians do not need a pre-arranged visa to visit the Maldives. Indian citizens are eligible for a free visa on arrival when travelling to the Maldives for tourism. The Maldives visa for Indians is typically granted for a stay of up to 30 days.

Is Maldives Visa Free for Indians?

Yes, Indian citizens are eligible for a free visa on arrival when travelling to the Maldives for tourism which allows stays for up to 30 days. If you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension of up to 60 additional days for a fee.

Maldives Visa on Arrival for Indian Passport Holders

Entry requirements for Maldives Tourist Visa on Arrival Indians


To enter the Maldives, tourists must meet the following entry requirements:

  1. Valid Passport: A passport or travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) is required, with at least one month of validity remaining. Passports with extended validity periods are not accepted.
  2. Travel Itinerary: Travellers must provide a complete travel itinerary, which includes a confirmed return ticket, a prepaid and confirmed booking at a registered hotel in the Maldives, and proof of financial means to support their stay or a pre-approved visa sponsorship from Maldives Immigration.
  3. Onward Destination Requirements: Ensure that you meet the entry requirements for your onward destination after leaving the Maldives, such as visa and passport validity.
  4. Traveller Declaration Form: All foreign visitors must complete and submit the Traveller declaration form, which can be filled out online via the IMUGA portal. This form must be submitted within 96 hours (4 days) before arrival in the Maldives and is free of charge.
  5. Minors: Children and minors must have their own passport to enter the Maldives.

Maldives IMUGA portal to fill traveller declaration form

Process to Obtain Maldives Visa on Arrival at the Airport


You do not need to apply for a visa prior to travelling to the Maldives for a holiday. Indian tourists are eligible to receive a 30-day visa free of charge upon arrival in the Maldives.

To obtain a Maldives visa on arrival at the airport, you will need to provide the following:

  • A valid passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) that meets the standard requirements with at least one month of validity remaining.
  • A confirmed return flight ticket or an onward flight ticket, indicating departure within 30 days of arrival.
  • Either proof of a confirmed hotel/resort booking or evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the Maldives.
  • Completed traveller declaration form.

Important Notes:

  • You are not allowed to engage in any paid or unpaid work or participate in business activities while in the country on a Maldives tourist visa. Visitors found working or overstaying their visa may face deportation or fines.
  • The issuance of a Maldives tourist visa is entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer. Although most tourists are granted a 30-day visa, it is not guaranteed for everyone.

Renewal of Maldives Tourist Visa

The initial 30-day visa can be extended for an additional 60 days by applying directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration before the current visa expires. For more details, you can visit the Maldives Immigration website.


- Related Article: 29 Countries with Visa on Arrival for Indians

Maldives Business Visa

A business visa is a temporary, multiple-entry visa issued to foreign nationals, including Indians, who intend to stay in the Maldives for business purposes. This visa allows short-term stays for attending business-related activities, such as meetings or conferences.


Business visa applications must be submitted through the Ministry of Economic Development's Business Visa Portal. The visa itself will be issued by Maldives Immigration upon the applicant’s arrival in the country.

Maldives Work Visa

A work visa permits foreign nationals to stay in the Maldives for employment purposes. Upon arrival, workers are granted a 15-day period if they hold a valid Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Economic Development.


The work permit must be obtained within 90 days of issuance, and travellers must use the passport linked to their work permit.


Foreign nationals can re-enter the Maldives without a visa as long as their work permit is valid. If the work permit is still active, one re-entry is allowed before obtaining the actual work visa.

Entry Requirements for a Work Visa


To apply for a Maldives Work Visa, the following entry requirements must be met:

  • A machine readable zone (MRZ) passport with at least 1 year of validity.
  • A valid Entry Pass not exceeding 90 days from the date of arrival.
  • The same passport as mentioned in the Work Permit.
  • Traveler Declaration submitted within 96 hours prior to departure via the IMUGA portal.

Maldives work visa process for declaration form

Maldives Work Visa Application Process

The employer or their representative must submit the application for a Work Visa. The documents required for work visa are as follows:


  • Employee’s passport
  • A passport-size photo (compliant with Maldives Immigration standards)
  • A medical health screening report from an authorised hospital or clinic (if required)
  • Submission receipt of IM29 form (generated from the Xpat System)

Once the application is submitted online, it will be processed within 48 hours. After processing, the applicant can book an online appointment to submit their passport(s) for the visa. The visa issuance takes 3 working days, and the applicant will be notified when their passport is ready for collection.

Maldives Marriage Visa

A Maldives Marriage Visa allows a foreign national to stay in the Maldives if they are married to a Maldivian national. 


To apply for a Marriage Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

  1. Application for Permit Extension Form (IM23), stamped by the family court.
  2. Colour copy of your passport biodata page.
  3. Last arrival stamp page (for first-time applicants arriving on sponsorship to register their marriage).
  4. Copy of the last visa page (for those with an existing visa).
  5. Colour copy of the Marriage Certificate.
  6. ID card copy of your Maldivian spouse.
  7. Passport-size photo in accordance with Maldives Immigration standards.
  8. Medical health screening report from an authorised hospital or clinic (required for first-time applicants).
  9. Health insurance (required for first-time applicants).

Note: All Marriage Visa applications must be submitted online via the IMUGA portal. Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification via text message and an appointment to submit your passport for the visa.


Sponsorship Requirement: Before arriving in the Maldives, you must be sponsored. The Sponsorship Declaration must be submitted online through the IMUGA portal, which is the Maldives' digital immigration service platform.

Post-Arrival Process for Marriage Visa

Once in the Maldives, you must complete the legal marriage registration process and apply for a Marriage Visa within the designated period. If you are already in the Maldives, you need to transfer your existing visa to a Marriage Visa once the marriage registration is complete.


Marriage Visa Duration and Fees

  • New Marriage Visas are issued for 1 year.
  • Extensions for Marriage Visas can be granted for up to 5 years.
  • You can apply for an extension via the IMUGA portal, starting 3 months before your current visa expires.
  • A fee of MVR 50 is charged for the visa card.

By following these steps and requirements, you can obtain and manage your Marriage Visa efficiently.

Maldives Meeting Visa

A meeting visa is issued to foreign nationals visiting the Maldives to attend conferences, meetings, or conventions. This visa is granted to individuals who fulfil the entry requirements for the country.


  1. Purpose of Visit: You must be visiting to attend a meeting, conference, or convention in the Maldives. This includes events organised by businesses approved by the Registrar of Businesses, government or state meetings, or events approved by relevant government authorities.
  2. Travel Itinerary: Provide a complete travel itinerary that includes a confirmed return ticket, a prepaid booking at a registered hotel, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Maldives.
  3. Traveller Declaration: Complete and submit the Traveller Declaration form.
  4. Passport Requirements: Your passport or travel document must have Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) and at least 1 month of validity. Note that passports with extended validity are not accepted for entry.
  5. Entry to Other Destinations: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for your onward destination, including visa and passport validity.

Important Notes:

  • The Meeting Visa cannot be extended.
  • While in the Maldives on a Meeting Visa, you are not eligible to apply for a Business Visa.

Maldives Dependent Visa

A dependent visa is issued to immediate family members of expatriates working in professional roles in the Maldives. This visa allows family members to stay with the worker during their employment in the country.


To apply for a Dependent Visa, you will need:

  • Application Form: IM23 for permit extension.
  • Passport: Colour copy of the biodata page.
  • Photo: Recent passport-sized photo meeting Maldives Immigration standards.
  • Work Visa: Copy of the expatriate worker’s visa.
  • Proof of Relationship: Marriage or birth certificate.
  • Medical Report: Health screening from an authorised hospital/clinic (required for both new applications and renewals).
  • Health Insurance: Required for both new applications and renewals.
  • Previous Visa: Copy of the last visa page if applicable.
  • Visa Fee: MVR750 per 3 months and MVR50 for the visa card.

Note:

Applications must be submitted via the IMUGA online portal. You can extend the Dependent Visa from 3 months before it expires.

Maldives Visa Fee for Indians

Following are the Maldives visa cost for Indian nationals:

Visa TypeFee

Tourist Visa

  • Free of cost
  • Extension of another 60 days: INR 4,100/-

Business Visa

Free of cost

Work Visa

Free of cost

Marriage Visa

INR 270/- (visa card)

Dependent Visa

INR 4,100/- per 3 months + INR 270/- (visa card)

Contact Information of the Maldives Immigration Department

For all inquiries related to immigration services about Maldives visa for Indians, you can reach out to various departments as follows:

DepartmentContact Information

Head Office

First Floor, Velaanaage, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives

Call Centre

  • Phone: 1434
  • Hours: Working days, 08:30 - 15:00

Email

info@immigration.gov.mv

Medical Emergencies (Passport Service)

Phone: 9555333

Velana International Airport Duty Officer

Gan International Airport Duty Officer

Phone: 9199173

Conclusion

In summary, Indian travellers do not need a pre-approval visa to visit the Maldives. The Maldives visa on arrival provides a hassle-free way to enter the country for tourism, with no visa fee required. This guide has outlined everything from the Maldives visa cost for Indians to specific details about the Maldives work visa and other types. For a smooth travel experience, ensure you have all the necessary documents, understand the Maldives visa requirements, and are aware of any additional costs if applicable. Enjoy your trip to the beautiful Maldives!

FAQs

Do I need a passport to travel to the Maldives?

Yes, Indian travellers need a valid Indian passport with at least six months' validity from the date of entry in to the Maldives.

Do I need pre-approval for a tourist visa to visit the Maldives?

No, you do not need pre-approval for a tourist visa. Maldives Immigration issues a visa on arrival to all tourists who meet the entry requirements.

How long can I stay in the Maldives?

Tourists are initially granted a 30-day visa on arrival. This can be extended for an additional 60 days if necessary. To extend your stay, you'll need to show a confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for the entire duration of your visit.

What is the processing time for a Maldives tourist visa?

Indian nationals do not need to apply for the Maldives tourist visa in advance, as they receive a visa on arrival. The processing time for this visa is immediate upon arrival at the Maldives airport.

Do Indian travellers need a yellow fever vaccination certificate?

No, Indian travellers are not required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry into the Maldives.

Can I apply for a Maldives visa before travelling?

No, you do not need to apply for a Maldives visa before travelling. Indian tourists can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.

What should I do if my visa on arrival is denied?

If your visa on arrival is denied, you should contact the Maldives Immigration authorities immediately. Ensure you have all necessary documents and meet all entry requirements to avoid complications.

Are there any specific entry requirements for Indian travellers?

Indian travellers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months and must provide proof of a return ticket, hotel booking, and sufficient funds for their stay. Additionally, completing the Traveller Declaration form via the IMUGA portal is required.

How long does it take to process a visa extension for the Maldives?

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days, you need to apply for an extension through the Maldives Immigration Department. This process takes 2 to 3 days, so it's advisable to apply well before your current visa expires.

How long does it take to process a work visa for the Maldives?

For a work visa, the application process can take up to 3 working days once the necessary documents are submitted. This includes obtaining the work permit and the visa itself

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