Great news: All nationalities receive a FREE 30-day visa on arrival. No advance applications, no fees, no complications.
The Maldives operates one of the world's most welcoming visa policies: every nationality receives a free tourist visa on arrival at Velana International Airport. No advance applications, no visa fees, no nationality restrictions. This makes booking Maldives trips remarkably simple compared to most international destinations.
Whether your clients are from the United States, India, China, Russia, Nigeria, or anywhere else on Earth, the process is identical: land at Male airport, present your passport and documents, receive a 30-day tourist visa stamp, and head to your island paradise.
This liberal visa policy exists because the Maldives economy depends heavily on tourism, which accounts for approximately 28% of GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange earnings. The government recognizes that complicated visa procedures discourage visitors, so they've eliminated barriers for tourists while maintaining strict security and customs controls.
No nationality exceptions. Everyone gets the same treatment.
Zero visa fees. No processing charges. No hidden costs.
Automatic 30-day stay. Extensions available up to 90 days.
Working on a tourist visa is a serious offense in Maldives. If caught, consequences include immediate deportation, lifetime entry ban, fines up to USD 5,000, and potential imprisonment. Some resorts have been raided by immigration authorities checking work permits. Never advise clients to work illegally.
While the visa itself is automatic and free, travelers MUST meet these requirements to receive it. Immigration officers can deny entry to anyone not meeting all criteria.
Example: For a 7-day trip: (USD 150 x 7 days) + (USD 50 x 7 days) = USD 1,400 minimum. Many resorts cost USD 300-1,000/night, so paid resort booking essentially proves sufficient funds.
Velana International Airport (MLE), formerly Male International Airport, is located on Hulhule Island adjacent to the capital Male. Nearly all international visitors arrive here. The visa-on-arrival process is straightforward if you have proper documentation.
Exit aircraft and follow "Arrivals" signs. The airport is small and well-marked. Immigration is directly ahead after duty-free shopping area.
If required by current health regulations, complete the traveler health declaration form (usually digital via IMUGA platform). Check requirements 48 hours before travel.
Join queue at immigration counters. Officers will request: passport, return ticket, hotel confirmation. They may ask about funds (credit card visible in wallet usually suffices). Process takes 2-5 minutes per person.
Officer stamps your passport with tourist visa valid for 30 days from entry date. No fee charged. The stamp includes your allowed stay period and visa expiry date.
Proceed to baggage claim. Carousels are marked by flight number. Baggage carts are free. Porters available for tips (USD 1-2 per bag).
Pass through customs with green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (items to declare). Random bag checks occur. Exit to arrivals hall where resort representatives wait with name boards.
From landing to arrivals hall: 20-40 minutes for most flights. Peak period (evening arrivals from Middle East and Europe): 45-60 minutes. Fast-track services are not available for immigration, but business class passengers sometimes get priority lanes.
| Issue | Why It Happens | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No hotel confirmation | Officers must verify accommodation for all tourists | Print resort confirmation email before flight. If lost, contact resort via phone to email copy to officer |
| Passport expiring soon | Less than 6 months validity from entry date | Renew passport before travel. No exceptions granted at airport |
| No return ticket | One-way tickets suggest potential overstaying | Book return/onward flight before arrival. Some airlines won't board without proof |
| Previous overstay | Computer system flags past immigration violations | Explain circumstances honestly. May require supervisor approval. Previous serious violations can result in entry denial |
| Suspicious travel pattern | Frequent short visits, unusual routes, or inconsistent story | Be honest about trip purpose. Business travelers should get proper business visa, not abuse tourist visa |
The standard tourist visa allows 30 days. Extensions are possible up to a maximum 90-day total stay (initial 30 days plus two 30-day extensions). This requires applying to Maldives Immigration before your initial 30 days expire.
| Extension Duration | Fee (USD) | Maximum Total Stay |
|---|---|---|
| First 30-day extension | USD 250 | 60 days total |
| Second 30-day extension | USD 500 | 90 days total |
| Special circumstances extension | USD 750+ | Case by case |
Maldives Immigration
18 Ameenee Magu, Male 20294, Maldives
Phone: +960 332-3701
Email: info@immigration.gov.mv
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Closed Friday, Saturday, and public holidays)
If staying at a resort, request assistance from resort management. Many resorts have staff who handle visa extensions for guests as a paid service (resort charges USD 50-100 service fee plus government fees).
Overstaying your visa is a criminal offense in Maldives with harsh consequences:
Never overstay. If circumstances prevent departure, go to Immigration immediately before visa expires to request emergency extension. Late applications (even by one day) are treated as overstays.
The Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation with strict import restrictions. Violating these rules can result in confiscation, fines, imprisonment, or deportation. This is not negotiable or discretionary.
Penalty: Confiscation + USD 1,000 fine + possible imprisonment
Details: All alcoholic beverages are prohibited for import. This includes duty-free alcohol purchases. Customs will confiscate on arrival and may fine you. Resorts serve alcohol in designated areas under special licenses, but you cannot bring your own. The alcohol will be stored and returned on departure (sometimes) or simply confiscated permanently.
Penalty: Confiscation + fines + possible prosecution
Details: All pork and pork-derived products (bacon, ham, lard, pork-based medicines) are strictly banned. Check ingredient labels on processed foods. Resorts do not serve pork. If you must have specific dietary items, verify they're pork-free before packing.
Penalty: Confiscation + deportation + entry ban
Details: Non-Islamic religious texts, statues, idols, symbols, and proselytizing materials are prohibited. This includes Bibles, Hindu statues, Buddhist amulets, etc. You can carry a personal Bible for private use, but customs may confiscate if deemed for distribution. Proselytizing any religion other than Islam is illegal.
Penalty: Life imprisonment + heavy fines + deportation after sentence
Details: Drug trafficking carries life sentences. Even small amounts for personal use result in multi-year imprisonment. This includes marijuana (even if legal in your country), cocaine, heroin, synthetic drugs, etc. Prescription drugs require proper documentation.
Penalty: Confiscation + fines + possible imprisonment
Details: Magazines, videos, digital files, or any material deemed pornographic. Customs checks devices and may request to inspect phones/laptops. Interpretation can be strict - Western media considered normal elsewhere may be problematic here.
Penalty: Confiscation + variable penalties
Details: This catch-all category includes anything customs deems offensive to Islamic values. Examples: immodest clothing for sale, anti-Islamic literature, gambling equipment, etc.
Drones require special permits from Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Tourist drone use is restricted. Some resorts allow drone use with their permission on resort property only. Flying drones over Male or inhabited islands without permits is illegal. Customs will hold drones and require permit proof before release.
| Item | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco | 200 cigarettes OR 25 cigars OR 250g tobacco | Must be for personal use. Commercial quantities taxed. |
| Perfume | Small quantity for personal use | No specific limit but must be reasonable. |
| Personal effects | Unlimited | Clothing, toiletries, electronics for personal use. |
| Gifts | Up to MVR 5,000 value (approx USD 325) | Must declare if exceeding limit. |
All passengers must complete a customs declaration form (usually provided on flight or available at airport). Declare:
Pro Tip: When in doubt, declare it. The penalty for failure to declare is far worse than declaring and being told it's fine. False declarations or concealment are criminal offenses.
Departure is simpler than arrival. Check-in at your airline counter (arrive 3 hours before international flights during peak season), proceed through security, pay any outstanding bills, and depart. There's no exit immigration interview unless you have violations.
Airport Departure Tax: Usually included in ticket price (USD 30-50 depending on airline). Verify with your airline whether it's included or must be paid separately at airport.
With visa-free entry for all nationalities, booking Maldives is easier than ever. Browse our curated resort packages and local island experiences.
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