Visa on arrival

Indian citizens can obtain a Visa on Arrival when travelling to Maldives for tourism.

Indian citizens traveling to Maldives for tourism purposes are eligible for a free 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA). This visa is granted upon arrival at Velana International Airport, provided all necessary documents are presented and immigration requirements are met. It is essential to complete the Traveler Declaration (IMUGA) online within 96 hours of arrival and departure.

Select visa type & details

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Tourist Visa (Visa on Arrival) — visa details for Indian citizens travelling to Maldives
Detail Tourist Visa (Visa on Arrival)
Verdict Visa on arrival
Validity 30 days
Max stay 30 days
Entries Single entry
Processing time Upon arrival (for Visa on Arrival)
Government fee Fees vary by visa type and nationality, and change often — check the official fee portal.
Best for For tourism purposes, available upon arrival at Velana International Airport for all nationalities, including Indian citizens.

How much does a Maldives visa cost for Indian citizens?

The fee is paid on arrival, and is usually separate from any other charge at the airport.

  • Government fee Paid at the visa-on-arrival counter. The amount depends on your nationality and length of stay.
  • Payment method Some counters take cards, others require local currency in cash — check before you fly.
  • Other charges Airport or tourist taxes, where they apply, are charged separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

Documents required for Indian citizens

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How to apply for a Maldives visa from India

Follow these steps in order.

  1. 1
    Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Maldives.
  2. 2
    Book your accommodation and secure a confirmed onward or return flight ticket.
  3. 3
    Complete the Traveler Declaration (IMUGA) online within 96 hours before your arrival in Maldives.
    IMUGA Portal
  4. 4
    Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, present your passport, confirmed tickets, accommodation details, and completed Traveler Declaration to the immigration officer.
  5. 5
    Receive your 30-day Visa on Arrival stamp in your passport.

Common Maldives visa rejection reasons

Why India → Maldives applications get refused — and how to avoid it.

  • Insufficient passport validity.

    How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Maldives.

  • Lack of confirmed onward/return ticket.

    How to avoid: Always have a confirmed ticket for your departure from Maldives to a country where you have the right of entry.

  • No confirmed accommodation booking or insufficient funds.

    How to avoid: Secure a confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay or be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, credit card) to cover your expenses.

  • Incomplete or inconsistent Traveler Declaration (IMUGA).

    How to avoid: Fill out the IMUGA form accurately and completely within the specified timeframe (96 hours before arrival/departure).

  • Previous immigration violations.

    How to avoid: Ensure you have no prior records of overstaying a visa, deportation, or other immigration law violations in Maldives or other countries.

Trip essentials

Hand-picked tools for your Maldives trip.

Travel insurance

Cover for medical emergencies & delays.

eSIM & data

Get online the moment you land.

Flights

Compare routes to Maldives.

Stays

Hotels & rentals at your destination.

Things to know & places to visit

Practical tips and top destinations.

  • Always carry copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents. Keep original documents in a safe place.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting local islands or religious sites. Swimwear is generally acceptable only on resort islands and designated bikini beaches.
  • Be aware of strict drug laws in Maldives; penalties for drug offenses are severe, including lengthy prison sentences.
  • Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the strong tropical sun by using sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Best time to visit

November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny.

Top places
  • 📍 Malé (capital city)
  • 📍 Addu Atoll (southernmost atoll)
  • 📍 Maafushi Island (local island with guesthouses)
  • 📍 Vaadhoo Island (known for bioluminescent beach)
  • 📍 Banana Reef (popular diving spot)

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes, extensions are possible, but you must apply to Maldives Immigration before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to immigration approval.

  • No, a tourist visa does not permit employment or any form of paid work in Maldives. Engaging in such activities is a violation of immigration laws.

  • If you remain in the transit area of the airport and do not pass through immigration, a visa is generally not required. However, if you need to enter the country for any reason, the tourist visa on arrival would apply.

  • No, the 30-day tourist visa on arrival for Indian citizens is granted free of charge.

  • The Traveler Declaration (IMUGA) is an online health and immigration form that must be completed by all travelers within 96 hours prior to their arrival in and departure from Maldives.

  • Your passport must be valid for at least one month beyond your intended period of stay in Maldives for Visa on Arrival. However, it is strongly recommended to have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining to avoid any potential issues upon arrival. If your passport has less than one month of validity after your planned departure, you may face complications. Always verify the latest official requirements before your trip.

  • You may be asked to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Maldives upon arrival. This typically means having a daily amount set by Maldives Immigration, or proof of a confirmed hotel reservation. Acceptable proof can include cash, credit/debit cards, or recent bank statements. It is advisable to carry a combination of these and be prepared to show them if requested by immigration officials.

  • Yes, as an Indian citizen traveling to Maldives for tourism, you receive a Visa on Arrival, so there is no need for a prior application. You can plan your trip at short notice, provided you meet all other entry requirements upon arrival. Ensure you have your valid passport, confirmed return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Always check for any last-minute travel advisories or changes before your departure.

  • Being self-employed generally does not directly affect your eligibility for a Visa on Arrival in Maldives as an Indian citizen. The primary requirements are a valid passport, confirmed return ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay. However, immigration officials may inquire about your occupation or financial stability to ensure you are genuinely visiting for tourism. Be prepared to provide evidence of your financial means, such as bank statements, if requested.

  • When traveling to Maldives with your child, ensure they have their own valid passport with at least one month's validity beyond the intended stay. You should also carry their birth certificate to prove parentage. If only one parent is traveling with the child, it is advisable to carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent. All travelers, including children, must have a confirmed return ticket and accommodation booking.

  • The fee is paid on arrival, and is usually separate from any other charge at the airport. Government fee: Paid at the visa-on-arrival counter. The amount depends on your nationality and length of stay. Payment method: Some counters take cards, others require local currency in cash — check before you fly. Other charges: Airport or tourist taxes, where they apply, are charged separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

  • You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Maldives visa is valid for the whole country — including Malé, Addu Atoll, Maafushi Island and Vaadhoo Island. Apply once for Maldives and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.

This page is AI-assisted and last verified on 12 Jul 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm on the official source before you travel.