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Maldives

🇲🇻Maldives Visa 2026: Entry Requirements

Asia· Updated 10/10/2026

Do you need a visa for Maldives?

It depends on your passport. Out of 194 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 194 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.

Visa on arrival

194

nationalities

Check the rule for your nationality

Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.

Data updated on · Official source

Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (immigration.gov.mv), read on .

Pick your nationality to see the rule

Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal

Online arrival form

Traveller Declaration (IMUGA). A mandatory formality, separate from the visa.

When:
Within 96 hours before arrival.
Who:
All travellers, on arrival only: nothing to fill in on departure since 15 August 2024.

Free: beware of websites that charge for it.

Fill it in on the official website (imuga.immigration.gov.mv)

Checked on · source: imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Maldives visa requirements by nationality

The entry regime Maldives applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.

All nationalities

Maldives visa types, fees and processing times

Every visa category Maldives publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.

Maldives visa types published by IziVisas, 2026. Data updated on . Government fees only. Application centres and agencies charge their own service fee on top.
VisaCategoryAllowed stayOfficial feeProcessing timeEntriesOfficial source
Short-stay (tourism)Short stay0 USDPortal
Business visaBusiness90 days750 MVR15 business daysMultiplePortal
Work visaWork1 year (renewable)750 MVR30 business daysMultiplePortal
Student visaStudyDuration of programme20 business daysMultiplePortal
Family ReunificationFamily1 year800 MVR30 business daysPortal

Visas

Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)

Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.

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See activities

Information

Capital

Malé

Population

531,553

Currency

Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR Rf)

Languages

Dhivehi, English

Continent

Asia

Calling code

+960

Timezone

Indian/Maldives

Area

298 km²

Government

Presidential republic

National day

26 July - Independence Day

Internet domain

.mv

About

The Maldives is an archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands. It is an Islamic republic heavily reliant on tourism and fishing. Threatened by rising sea levels, the country works to preserve its islands.

Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)

Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

See SafetyWing coverage

Safety

Risk level:Overall safety level low to moderate for tourists, with low violent crime but vigilance required against petty thefts and maritime risks.

Risk areas

Malé - Petty crime and protestsRemote atolls - Maritime risks and occasional piracy

Crime(Low)

  • Avoid wearing visible valuables
  • Stay vigilant in tourist areas

Terrorism(Low)

  • Follow local authorities' advice
  • Avoid political gatherings

Transport

  • Check the safety of boats
  • Wear a life jacket

Natural risks(Moderate risks of monsoons, cyclones, and sea level rise)

  • Follow weather alerts
  • Avoid sea outings during monsoons

Health(Limited healthcare system, hospitals in Malé only for serious cases)

  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies
  • Comprehensive travel insurance mandatory

Practical tips

  • Respect Islamic customs (modest clothing)
  • Do not consume alcohol outside resorts
  • Protect the coral environment

Accommodation (Hotels.com)

Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

Compare places to stay

Cost of living

Accommodation

Studio in the city centre$600 – $950
1-bedroom apartment in the city centre$800 – $1,200
1-bedroom apartment outside the centre$600 – $850
3-bedroom apartment in the city centre$1,600 – $2,600
3-bedroom apartment outside the centre$1,100 – $1,700

Food

Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6.50
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant$45
McDonald’s meal or equivalent$9
Cappuccino$3.60
Bottled water (1.5 L)$0.60
Bread (500 g)$1.80
Milk (1 L)$2.40
Eggs (12)$3.40
Chicken fillets (1 kg)$7
Apples (1 kg)$4.50
Bananas (1 kg)$3

Transport

Public transport, one way$0.65
Taxi, starting fare$2.30
Taxi, per km$1
Petrol (1 L)$1

Leisure

Gym (monthly membership)$50
Tennis court (1 h at the weekend)$15
Cinema ticket$7

Health

GP consultation$25
Dentist consultation$32
Antibiotics (one pack)$6.50
Cold medicine (6 days)$6.50

Others

Home internet (60 Mbps or more, monthly)$60
Mobile plan (calls + 10 GB, monthly)$22
Utilities for an 85 m² home (monthly)$180
Levi’s 501 jeans or similar$80
Nike sports shoes$110
International primary school (monthly)$650

Indicative prices in USD in Malé · estimated in October 2026

eSIM data (Saily)

Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

Choose an eSIM

Practical information

Electricity

Voltage230V
Frequency50Hz
Plug typesType D, Type G, Type J

Emergency numbers

Police119
Ambulance102
Fire department118

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

unsafe

Tipping

10-15% in restaurants and hotels

Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)

Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

See activities

Photos

Maldives

Maldives

Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Maahid Photos

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Maldives

Abdulla Hafeez

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Maldives

Maahid Photos

Maldives

Maldives

Maahid Photos

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Mikhail Nilov

Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

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Maldives

Sarita Mittal

Maldives

Maldives

Mo Eid

Maldives

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Asad Photo Maldives

Plan your trip

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Guides to prepare your trip

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a visa to travel to Maldives?▾

It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Maldives across 194 nationalities: 194 with a visa on arrival. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.

Check by my nationality →
How much does a Maldives visa cost?▾

Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 0 USD (Short-stay (tourism)). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.

Is it dangerous to travel to Maldives?▾

The overall risk level is currently rated "Overall safety level low to moderate for tourists, with low violent crime but vigilance required against petty thefts and maritime risks.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.

What currency is used in Maldives?▾

The official currency is Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR Rf). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.

What is the capital of Maldives?▾

The capital of Maldives is Malé. The main spoken languages are: Dhivehi, English.

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