🇲🇻 Maldives visa requirements

Everyone gets 30 days on arrival in the Maldives. You don't need to apply beforehand.

Who Gets In (And For How Long)

Most nationalities, including US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, get a free 30-day tourist visa stamp upon arrival. Just show your passport, a return flight ticket, and proof of sufficient funds (though they rarely ask for it). It’s that simple. No visa application, no fees. Just walk off the plane and get stamped.

There are a handful of countries whose citizens get a longer stay, usually 90 days. This includes citizens of India, Sri Lanka, and a few others. Check the official Maldives Immigration website if you're from a country not listed here, as the list can change.

Then there are the countries whose citizens do need to apply for a visa before arriving. This is a much smaller group, mostly from South Asia and Africa. If you fall into this category, you'll need to go through the online application process via the Maldives Immigration portal. Don't try to wing it; you'll be denied entry.

Gotchas: What Happens When You Overstay

That 30-day stamp sounds great, but what if your plans change? The Maldives takes overstays seriously. While the initial tourist visa is free, extending it costs money and requires you to apply before your current visa expires. A standard extension is usually for another 30 days, and it costs $75 USD per person, per extension. The application is done online through the same immigration portal.

The real kicker comes if you don't extend and just leave. Overstay penalties are steep. You'll face a daily fine, typically around $10-$15 USD per day. This fine is usually collected at immigration when you depart. So, if you're a week late leaving, that’s an extra $70-$105 you'll be handing over. It's far cheaper to get the extension.

Also, be aware of double-entry rules. If you leave the Maldives and plan to return within your initial 30-day stay, you might need to clarify if your initial entry stamp allows this. Generally, if you leave, your entry expires. You'll get a new 30-day stamp on re-entry, but it’s worth confirming at immigration if you plan island hopping via other countries.

Recent Changes: eVisa and Fees

The Maldives has been working on digitizing its immigration processes. While most nationalities still get visa-on-arrival, they did roll out an eVisa system a couple of years back. This is primarily for those who require a visa pre-approval, not for the majority who get the automatic 30-day stamp. If you're in the visa-required category, the eVisa system is much smoother than it used to be, with processing times generally around 5-7 working days.

There have been some minor fee adjustments over the last year, particularly for visa extensions and processing fees for specific permit types, but the core 30-day tourist entry remains free for most. Keep an eye on the Maldives Immigration website for any updates, as they occasionally tweak fees or procedures. The system is generally stable, but it's always wise to check for the latest information before you fly.