Planning a trip to Maldives? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Maldives's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Maldives need free visa on arrival (all nationalities), with an official government fee of Free (US$0).
Maldives visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Free visa on arrival (all nationalities) |
| Government fee | Free (US$0) |
| Processing time | Immediate on arrival |
| Validity | Issued on arrival at Velana International Airport |
| Permitted stay | 30 days |
| Where to apply | https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Maldives?
Free visa on arrival (all nationalities): All nationalities including Indian and Singapore passport holders
Maldives visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free visa on arrival (all nationalities) | Free (US$0) | 30 days | Immediate on arrival | https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv |
Documents required
For the Free visa on arrival (all nationalities):
- Passport valid at least 1 month beyond stay (6 months recommended)
- Confirmed onward/return ticket
- Confirmed hotel/accommodation booking
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Completed IMUGA Traveller Declaration
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Free visa on arrival (all nationalities): https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv — allow Immediate on arrival.
- Arrival formalities: IMUGA Traveller Declaration — mandatory & free within 96 h before arrival — imuga.immigration.gov.mv
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Maldives visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Maldives visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Maldives.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: IMUGA Traveller Declaration — mandatory & free within 96 h before arrival — imuga.immigration.gov.mv — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Maldives application.
- Processing: allow Immediate on arrival. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Maldives
- Arrival card / declaration: IMUGA Traveller Declaration — mandatory & free within 96 h before arrival — imuga.immigration.gov.mv
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Only imuga.immigration.gov.mv is official; no departure form since Aug 2024.
Maldives visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Maldives visa?
Free visa on arrival (all nationalities): Free (US$0). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Free visa on arrival (all nationalities): Immediate on arrival.
Things to do once your Maldives visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Maldives you can book on HolidaySG:
- Maldives Day Tour from Hulhumale — from SGD 312
- Male Island Hopping Tour — from SGD 211
- Malé Local Food Tour — from SGD 88
- Sandbank, Snorkeling, and Sunset Cruise Experience in Hulhumale — from SGD 183
- The Original Villimale Eco Walking Tour — from SGD 81
Official sources
- Maldives Immigration — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.