🇲🇻 Maldives visa requirements

Most nationalities get 30 days on arrival, visa-free. That's for tourism. If you're working remotely, it gets murkier.

Who walks in visa-free (and who doesn't)

For the vast majority of travellers, the Maldives is gloriously simple. Passports from US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, and most ASEAN nations get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, no application needed. Just have a passport valid for at least one month and a confirmed onward or return ticket. That's it. You get stamped in.

There are a few exceptions. Citizens of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal typically get a 90-day visa on arrival. This is a generous allowance, but double-check current bilateral agreements if you’re from one of these countries.

Then there are the nations not on either of those lists. If you're a citizen of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan (though often gets 90 days, double check), Somalia, or Sudan, you will likely need to apply for a visa before travelling. This isn't common knowledge and can catch people out. Don't assume you get the standard 30 days if you're from one of these countries.

How long can you actually stay (and what happens if you don't leave)

That standard 30-day visa is renewable. You can apply for an extension, usually for another 30 days, at the Department of Immigration in Malé. You'll need to demonstrate sufficient funds and have proof of onward travel. Extensions aren't guaranteed, so don't bank on them.

The real gotcha? Overstaying. The penalties are steep. You'll face a fine of MVR 10 per day for the first week, then MVR 15 per day for the second week, and after that, it jumps to MVR 20 per day. That sounds small, but it adds up fast. More importantly, overstaying can lead to detention and deportation, making future travel to the Maldives difficult, if not impossible. Always ensure you have an exit strategy and an exit stamp showing you left on time.

Working remotely on a tourist visa: the grey area

Here’s the sticky part for digital nomads. Technically, working on a tourist visa is not permitted. The Maldives has a specific "Freelancer/Digital Nomad Visa" called the "Guesthouse Employee Visa" (which is confusing, ignore the name) or the newer "Maldives Work Visa" that allows remote work. Tourist visas are for, well, tourism.

That said, enforcement is spotty. Many people do work on their tourist stamps, especially if they're staying in a resort or on a private island where they have minimal interaction with immigration officials beyond arrival and departure. If you're questioned, you'd say you're on vacation and using Wi-Fi for personal emails.

However, if you plan to stay long-term, work from co-working spaces in Malé, or engage in any activity that might draw attention from local authorities, you risk issues. The Maldives Immigration department is cracking down on visa violations. It's a gamble. The formal digital nomad visa (the "11/11 Visa") is the official route, requiring proof of income and health insurance, and costs $250 for a year.

What's new? eVisa and other updates

The biggest change in recent years was the introduction of the eVisa system for certain nationalities and for specific visa types, though the on-arrival system remains dominant for most tourists. For the standard tourist visa, you still get it stamped on arrival.

More significantly, the government has been actively promoting remote work. The "11/11 Visa" (named after the date it launched) is their flagship programme for digital nomads, offering a year-long stay with the possibility of extension. This visa was launched in late 2020 and has seen some adjustments to its requirements and application process since then.

There have also been ongoing discussions and minor adjustments to fees for various visa categories. While the 30-day tourist visa on arrival is still free, extensions and specific work visas have associated costs. Always check the Maldives Immigration website for the most current information before your trip, as policies can shift.