Maldives visa on arrival for citizens of Canada: conditions and fees 2026
A visa is required for the Maldives, and citizens of Canada can obtain it on arrival.
Data updated on
Mandatory arrival form: Traveller Declaration (IMUGA). Within 96 hours before arrival. Free: beware of websites that charge for it.
Fill it in on the official website (imuga.immigration.gov.mv)
Indicative information: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Processing time
On arrival
Our guide to the Maldives visa from Canada
Yes, an entry document is required, but it is easy to obtain: Canadian citizens receive a tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives, paired with a prior online registration. Completing the process online before departure, on the official IMUGA portal, is recommended to avoid airport queues.
For a tourist stay in the Maldives, Canadians receive a visa on arrival, now combined with a prior online declaration on the official IMUGA portal. Filling in the form online before the flight makes for a smoother passage at Malé airport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months; check any fees and current conditions on the official portal.
Do you need a visa for the Maldives?
Yes, but the formality is light. Canadian travellers receive a tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives, and the authorities require a prior online traveller registration (e-VOA / IMUGA). A Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry is required.
How much does a visa for the Maldives cost from Canada?
The official fee for a visa for the Maldives is not published in a source we can verify. Check the amount on the official portal before paying anything, third-party sites often add service fees on top.
What does a visa for the Maldives really cost?
- Government feeNot published in a source we can verify
- Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
What documents are required for a visa for the Maldives?
The exact list for the Maldives is not published in a source we can verify. Every short-stay tourist application is nonetheless built on the same core:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Compliant passport photo
- Proof of accommodation
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
Treat this as the common core, not the official list, confirm it with the consular authorities of the Maldives before you apply.
Documents and fees
Bring a Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months, a confirmation of accommodation (registered hotel or guesthouse), a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds. The tourist visa on arrival is traditionally free, but fees or taxes may apply; this guide does not guarantee any amount. Check the current conditions on imuga.immigration.gov.mv before travelling.
How to apply for a visa for the Maldives from Canada
- 1Check before departure that your entry point actually issues the visa on arrival.
- 2Prepare the supporting documents and the fee, often required in cash.
- 3Complete the form at the dedicated counter after landing.
- 4Pay the fee and collect the sticker before immigration control.
How and where to apply
The process is completed online, from Canada, on the official portal imuga.immigration.gov.mv before departure. There you enter your passport details, your accommodation and your travel dates, then receive a confirmation to present to immigration. The visa itself is stamped on arrival at Malé airport.
Where do you apply for a visa for the Maldives from Canada?
A visa on arrival for the Maldives is issued at the border post itself, at a counter placed before immigration control.
- Not every crossing issues it. Confirm that your specific airport or land border does before you book.
- The counter is reached after landing and before immigration. Follow the visa signs rather than the exit.
- The fee is usually paid on the spot, sometimes in cash and in a specific currency. Card is not guaranteed.
You live in Canada on another passport?
The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Canada but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.
Pick your nationality to see the rule
How long does a visa for the Maldives take?
A visa on arrival is issued at the counter of the entry point when you cross the border: there is no processing time to plan for before departure.
Processing time and practical tips
The IMUGA registration is usually completed in the days before travel; do it early to avoid any surprises. Check the spelling of your name and your passport number, which are linked to your record at the border check. Keep the confirmation (printed or on your phone) and your accommodation documents handy on arrival.
Before you fly, and at the border
Passport validity, border checks, minors, overstays: the rules common to every trip are gathered on our travel tips page. Formalities before you leave
Common mistakes
Use only the official IMUGA portal: third-party sites charge unnecessary service fees. Do not overlook the 6-month passport validity, which is often checked at boarding. Finally, make sure your accommodation is entered correctly on the form, as a missing or unregistered address can complicate passage through immigration.
Plan your trip
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Flights (Trip.com)
Compare flights and airlines for your trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
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Other visa types for Maldives
A tourist stay is not the only purpose. These are the other permits the destination issues and that your nationality is eligible for, each with its own fee and processing time.
Official sources
- IMUGA: Maldives Immigration official portal
- Maldives Immigration
- Government of Canada: Travel advice and advisories for Maldives
Guide generated automatically on July 26, 2026, from the verified catalogue.
Short-stay (tourism)
Visa on arrival
Entry regime
Visa on arrival
Price
Free
Official websiteVerified
Business visa
Consular visa
Duration
90 days
Price
750 MVR
Processing time
15 business days
Official websiteVerified
Work visa
Work visa
Duration
1 year (renewable)
Price
750 MVR
Processing time
30 business days
Official websiteVerified
Family Reunification
Family reunification
Duration
1 year
Price
800 MVR
Processing time
30 business days
Official websiteVerified
Student visa
Student visa
Duration
Duration of programme
Processing time
20 business days
Official websiteVerified
Tips for extending your stay in the Maldives
- Plan your visa extension in advance to avoid any complications.
- Check local requirements for visa extensions.
Example: If you plan to stay more than 30 days, make sure to contact local authorities for extension procedures.
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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
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