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Maldives
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Free of Cost

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Visa on Arrival
E-Visa
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Issued on arrival at the airport

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Not Applicable

Maldives Tourist Visa for Indians

Planning a trip to the Maldives? Here’s some great news! Indian travellers do not need to apply for a visa in advance. The Maldives offers a free 30-day visa on arrival to Indian passport holders, making the process simple and stress-free. Whether you're looking forward to staying in overwater villas, relaxing on white sandy beaches, or exploring vibrant coral reefs, here’s everything you need to know about the Maldives tourist visa, entry rules, and travel requirements.

What is the Maldives Tourist Visa?

The Maldives Tourist Visa is a short-term visa granted on arrival to eligible travellers visiting for tourism purposes. Indian citizens receive a 30-day single-entry visa free of charge upon arrival, provided they meet the entry requirements set by the immigration authorities of the Maldives.

Free Visa on Arrival (Tourist Visa).

30 days from the date of entry (can be extended up to 90 days total by applying with Maldives Immigration if you plan to stay longer).

Single Entry.

Maldives Consulate General Details

Maldives Honorary Consulate – Bangalore

GCC HOUSE, 3rd Floor, #340, 5th Main, Indiranagar Double Road, Bangalore – 560038

+91 80 2297 2754

Embassy of Maldives in India

Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in India

C 6/11, Block C, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110057

+91 11 4143 5701

Application Process for a Maldives Tourist Visa

Step 1: Check Your Passport Validity

Before you plan your Maldives trip, make sure your passport has a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) and is valid for at least one month beyond your date of arrival. Handwritten passports or passports nearing expiry may not be accepted at immigration, so it’s important to verify this first.

Step 2: Book Flights and Accommodation

Next, book a confirmed return or onward flight showing that you will leave the Maldives within 30 days. At the same time, ensure that your accommodation is prepaid and confirmed at a registered hotel, resort, or guesthouse for the duration of your stay. If you plan to stay with friends or family or in unregistered accommodation, be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses.

Step 3: Complete the Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA)

Within 96 hours (four days) of your arrival, you must submit the Traveller Declaration Form through the official IMUGA portal (https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller). This form collects travel, passport, and accommodation details. Complete the form carefully and save the receipt, as it will be required at immigration on arrival.

Step 4: Arrive in the Maldives and Proceed to Immigration

Upon landing at the Maldives international airport, proceed to the immigration counters. Present your passport, return or onward flight ticket, hotel confirmation or proof of funds, and your Traveller Declaration Form receipt. The immigration officer may ask a few questions about your travel plans and intended stay.

Step 5: Receive Your Tourist Visa

Once the officer verifies your documents, a 30-day tourist visa will be stamped in your passport free of charge. You can now explore the Maldives as a tourist.

Step 6: Apply for Visa Extension (Optional)

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the Maldives Immigration office before your visa expires. Extensions are generally granted for up to 90 days total, subject to approval and applicable fees.

Important Note: Indian tourists cannot engage in any paid or unpaid work while on a tourist visa.


Step 1: Secure a Sponsor

For work, business, or dependent visas, your first step is to find a sponsor in the Maldives. This could be a Maldivian employer, a business partner, or a family member. Your sponsor will be responsible for submitting a pre-approved visa application on your behalf before you travel.

Step 2: Sponsor Submits Visa Application Online

Your sponsor must complete the visa application through the Maldives Immigration online portal. The application should include details about the purpose of your visit, the duration, and supporting documentation relevant to the visa category.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

Depending on the visa type, different documents are required. For a work visa, you need a valid MRZ passport, a job offer letter, proof of medical insurance, and a work permit approval from Maldives Immigration. For a business visa, a business invitation letter and company registration certificate are required. For a dependent visa, proof of relationship and financial support documentation are needed.

Step 4: Pay the Applicable Visa Fee

Visa fees depend on the type of visa being applied for. Your sponsor will pay the fee as part of the application process. Work visas are free for the first 15 days, while dependent visas and marriage visas have specific fees.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Approval

Maldives Immigration reviews the submitted application and supporting documents. Once approved, you will receive a visa approval notice, which must be carried while travelling to the Maldives.

Step 6: Arrival and Immigration Clearance

Upon arrival at the Maldives airport, present your passport, visa approval notice, and any additional documents required for your visa category, such as an employment contract, business invitation, or proof of relationship. Once verified, you will be granted entry under the sponsored visa, allowing you to work, conduct business, or join your family in the Maldives legally.


Frequently asked F2F Interview Question

A face-to-face interview (F2F) is not required for a Maldives visa application. Therefore, there are no frequently asked interview questions for Indian travellers.

Photo Requirements

35 mm
45 mm

Size

35mm x 45mm (standard passport photo)

Background

Plain white or light-colored background

Pose

Full face, looking straight at the camera, neutral expression

Headgear

Not allowed except for religious purposes

Quality

Clear, sharp, and recent (taken within the last 6 months)

Do’s and Don’ts for F2F Maldives Visa Interview

Since a face-to-face interview is not part of the Maldives visa process, there are no specific do’s or don’ts to follow. Travelers only need to ensure that all documents for arrival or sponsored visas are complete and accurate.

Tips and Tricks

Even though the Maldives tourist visa is free on arrival, arriving with all documents ready — passport, return ticket, hotel confirmation, and Traveller Declaration receipt — makes immigration smooth and stress-free.

Submit the Traveller Declaration Form online at least 96 hours before arrival. Doing this early ensures you avoid last-minute issues at the airport.

If you’re staying with friends or family instead of a hotel, having evidence of sufficient funds can help you breeze through immigration checks.

The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days. If your plans include a longer stay, check the visa extension process in advance to avoid overstaying.

Maldives is a conservative country, especially on local islands. Dress modestly and follow local laws to ensure a hassle-free trip.

A tourist visa does not allow paid or unpaid work, so make sure your activities are strictly recreational.

If you are applying for a work, business, or dependent visa, ensure your sponsor submits your application via the official Maldives Immigration portal to avoid delays or rejections.

Always have digital or printed copies of your passport, flight tickets, hotel booking, and Traveller Declaration for easy access during travel.

Maldives weather can affect travel plans. Stay updated on seasonal conditions and any travel advisories to make the most of your trip.

Maldives VISA Eligibility Criteria for Indians

Standard Maldives Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indians

Valid Passport

Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 more months from the date of entry into the Maldives and should have at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Proof of Funds

You must be able to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Maldives, including accommodation, travel, and daily expenses.

Proof of Return

You need to present evidence that you will return to India after your visit. This may include a confirmed return or onward flight ticket, proof of employment, or other strong ties to India.

Tourism Purpose Only

Your visit should strictly be for tourism, visiting family, or permitted short term activities. You are not allowed to work (paid or unpaid) on a standard tourist visa.

No Criminal Record

You must have a clean legal history and agree to follow Maldives’ laws during your stay.

Sponsored Maldives Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indians

Valid Passport

Your Indian passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least two blank pages.

Sponsorship Proof

You must have an official sponsorship letter from a person, company, or organisation in the Maldives. This letter should explain the relationship, purpose of your visit, and the sponsor’s commitment to support you during your stay.

Funds for Stay

Either you or your sponsor must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in the Maldives.

Accommodation Details

You must provide details of your accommodation, whether you will stay with your sponsor, in a hotel, or at another registered address.

Proof of Return

You must show proof that you will return to India after your stay, such as a return flight ticket or proof of commitments in India.

No Plans to Work (Unless Permitted)

Unless your sponsored visa specifically allows employment (such as a work permit), you should not intend to take up employment under a standard sponsored visa.

No Criminal Record

You must have a clean legal record and agree to respect Maldives’ laws throughout your stay.

Proof of Relationship (if applicable)

If your visit is to join family, you must provide official documents such as birth or marriage certificates to prove your relationship with your sponsor.

Most Common Reasons for visa rejection for Maldives

Insufficient Evidence of Funds Indian travellers may be denied entry if they cannot demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses during their stay in the Maldives.

Weak Ties to India Failure to show strong ties to India — such as stable employment, family responsibilities, or property ownership — may raise concerns that the traveller will overstay, leading to refusal.

Incomplete or Incorrect Information Errors, inconsistencies, or missing details in the Traveller Declaration Form, passport, or supporting documents can result in visa denial.

Unclear Travel Purpose Not providing a clear purpose of visit, such as missing confirmed hotel bookings or travel itinerary, may lead to rejection at immigration.

Previous Immigration Violations Past overstays, visa violations, or breaches of immigration rules in the Maldives or other countries can affect your eligibility.

Failure to Meet Visa Requirements Not fulfilling the eligibility criteria for standard or sponsored visas — including passport validity, return ticket, sponsorship, or accommodation — may result in refusal.

Unsatisfactory Accommodation Proof Providing incomplete, unverifiable, or questionable accommodation details may lead immigration officers to deny entry.

Health or Criminal Concerns Applicants with serious health issues or criminal records may be considered ineligible to enter the Maldives.

How are rejections conveyed?

  1. Passport Returned Without Visa Stamp

    If a Maldives tourist or sponsored visa is refused, your passport is typically returned without a visa stamp or eVisa approval. There is usually no explicit annotation indicating a refusal, so the lack of a visa in your passport serves as the notification.

  2. No Detailed Explanation Provided

    Maldives immigration authorities generally do not provide specific reasons for refusal. Even if you contact the embassy, honorary consulate, or VFS (for supporting services), they usually cannot disclose the detailed cause of the rejection.

  3. Following MOFA Guidelines

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives (MOFA) instructs consulates and immigration offices not to share refusal reasons publicly, as this information could potentially be misused. This is standard practice across tourist and sponsored visas.

  4. No Automatic Rejection Letter

    Applicants do not automatically receive a formal rejection letter or email. If you need written confirmation for travel planning, refunds, or reapplication purposes, you may have to request an official statement from the consulate or embassy.

  5. No Formal Appeal Process

    The Maldives does not offer a structured appeal process for tourist or sponsored visa refusals. Applicants who are denied entry are generally advised to address any potential issues and reapply after some time, sometimes waiting a recommended period (e.g., 3–6 months) before reapplication.

Documents Required To Apply For Maldives Visa for Indians

Standard visa

• Valid Passport: Must have at least 1 month of validity from the date of arrival and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).

• Confirmed Return or Onward Flight Ticket: Proof that you will leave the Maldives within 30 days.

• Hotel/Resort Booking Confirmation OR Proof of Sufficient Funds: Either a prepaid accommodation confirmation or evidence of adequate funds to cover your stay.

• Completed Traveller Declaration Form: Must be submitted online via the IMUGA portal within 96 hours (4 days) before arrival.


Sponsor Visa

• Valid Passport: With at least 1 month of validity and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).

• Pre-Approved Visa Sponsorship Letter: Issued by Maldives Immigration through your sponsor.

• Confirmed Return or Onward Flight Ticket to India or another destination.

• Proof of Accommodation or Sponsor’s Details: Details of where you will stay, whether with your sponsor or in a registered hotel.

• Completed Traveller Declaration Form: Submitted online via IMUGA within 96 hours prior to arrival.


Additional points to keep in mind

Arrival Requirements Even though Indian travellers can get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, it is essential to carry all required documents — passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, and Traveller Declaration receipt — to avoid delays at immigration.

Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA) The Traveller Declaration Form must be completed online within 96 hours before arrival. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can result in entry refusal.

Visa Extensions If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at Maldives Immigration before your visa expires. Extensions are subject to eligibility and fees.

Purpose of Visit A Maldives visa is strictly for tourism, visiting family, or permitted business activities. Engaging in paid or unpaid work on a tourist visa is prohibited.

Health and Safety Ensure you are in good health before travelling. Serious medical conditions may be checked at immigration and could affect entry.

Respect Local Laws and Culture Maldives has specific cultural norms and laws, especially on local islands. Dressing modestly and following local regulations will ensure a smooth stay.

Sponsored Visa Applicants For work, business, or dependent visas, ensure that your sponsor submits all applications via the official Maldives Immigration portal and provides accurate supporting documents.

Keep Copies of Documents Always carry digital and printed copies of your passport, flight tickets, hotel bookings, Traveller Declaration Form, and sponsorship letters for reference during your stay.

Travel Updates Check seasonal weather conditions, travel advisories, and any updated immigration guidelines before your trip to avoid surprises.

FAQ

For a standard tourist visa, you need a valid passport with at least 1 month of validity and MRZ, a confirmed return or onward flight ticket, hotel or resort booking confirmation (or proof of sufficient funds), and a completed Traveller Declaration Form submitted online via IMUGA within 96 hours before arrival. For sponsored visas, a pre-approved visa sponsorship letter from your sponsor is also required.

Indian travellers receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. You may apply for a visa extension at Maldives Immigration to stay longer, subject to eligibility and fees.

You should have enough funds to cover your accommodation, travel, and daily expenses for the entire duration of your stay. If you are not staying at a hotel, a minimum of $100 plus $50 per day of stay is generally considered sufficient.

Travel insurance is not mandatory for standard tourist visas, but it is strongly recommended. For sponsored or work visas, medical coverage may be required. Insurance should cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Indian travellers can get a visa on arrival for tourism, so no prior application is required. For sponsored visas, the sponsor must submit the application online via Maldives Immigration. Visiting a VFS or consulate is usually not necessary.

For tourist visas, no prior application is needed. Ensure your Traveller Declaration Form is submitted within 96 hours (4 days) before arrival. For sponsored visas, applications should be submitted well in advance to allow processing by Maldives Immigration.

No, a Maldives visa is only valid for entry into the Maldives. It cannot be used to travel to other countries, including European countries.

If your visa is refused, your passport will be returned without a visa stamp. Detailed reasons are generally not provided, and Maldives does not offer a formal appeal process. You may reapply after addressing potential issues, sometimes after a recommended waiting period.

For standard tourist visas, no invitation letter is required. For sponsored visas, a sponsorship letter from your employer, business partner, or family member in the Maldives is mandatory.

Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at Maldives Immigration before your visa expires. Extensions are subject to eligibility and applicable fees, allowing you to stay beyond the initial 30 days.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is accurate as of 1 January 2026 and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date details and requirements regarding the Maldives Tourist or Sponsored Visa for Indian citizens, please refer to the official website of the Maldives Immigration or contact the nearest Maldives Embassy or Honorary Consulate in India.