Indian citizens travelling to the Maldives for tourism purpose do not need to apply for a visa in advance. The country provides a free tourist visa on arrival to Indian passport holders. The process is very simple: travellers arrive in the Maldives, present the required documents at immigration, and receive a 30-day visa stamp in their passport. This makes the Maldives one of the easiest international destinations for Indian travellers.
Maldives Visa on Arrival for Indians
Indian citizens receive a free tourist visa on arrival when entering the Maldives.
| Visa Type | Tourist Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | Free |
| Visa Validity | 30 days |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days (with extension) |
| Entry Type | Single Entry |
Tourists only need to carry the required documents and complete the immigration declaration. Before planning your trip, read our complete Maldives Travel Guide.
Official source: Maldives Immigration – Tourist Visa
Maldives Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
To receive the visa on arrival, travellers must satisfy the following entry requirements.
1. Valid Passport – A passport with at least 1 month validity. (Passengers with extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter.)
2. Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket – Immigration officers may ask travellers to show proof that they will leave the Maldives after their stay.
3. Confirmed Accommodation Booking – Visitors must have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Details include a complete travel itinerary, prepaid confirmed booking at a registered facility.
4. Sufficient Funds – Travellers should have enough funds to cover their stay in the Maldives.
5. Mandatory Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) – All travellers must submit an online Traveller Declaration Form before entering the Maldives. You can fill the form electronically via the IMUGA portal and submit it up to 96 hours (4 days) before your arrival in the Maldives.
Maldives Immigration Entry Process
- Book flights and accommodation.
- Fill the Traveller Declaration Form on IMUGA.
- Carry the required documents:
- passport
- hotel booking
- return ticket
- Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé).
- Immigration issues a 30-day visa stamp.
Additional Entry Information for Travellers to Maldives
Travellers visiting the Maldives should be aware of the following additional immigration conditions and entry rules.
1. Transit Travellers
Passengers transiting through the Maldives to another destination without clearing Maldives immigration do not require a tourist visa.
Transit passengers must:
- remain within the airport transit area
- hold confirmed onward tickets to another country
- comply with airline transit rules.
2. Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
Travellers arriving from countries where Yellow Fever is endemic must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
The certificate must:
- be issued at least 10 days before arrival
- be valid at the time of travel.
Travellers who do not provide proof of vaccination may be denied entry or required to undergo quarantine measures.
3. Entry Decision by Immigration Authorities
Receiving a visa on arrival does not automatically guarantee entry into the Maldives. Final entry approval is determined by immigration officers at the port of entry under Sections 7 and 8 of the Maldives Immigration Act (2007). Immigration authorities may refuse entry if a traveller:
- does not have confirmed accommodation or return travel.
- does not meet documentation requirements
- cannot demonstrate sufficient funds
4. Passport Requirement for Children
All travellers entering the Maldives, including children and minors, must hold their own valid passport. Children cannot enter the country using a parent’s passport.
FAQ : Maldives Visa Requirements
Q1. Do Indians need a visa for Maldives for tourism purpose ?
Yes, Indians need a visa for Maldives but it is issued on arrival.
Q2. How long can Indians stay in Maldives without a visa?
Indian tourists can stay 30 days, extendable up to 90 days.
Q3. Do Indians need to fill a form before travelling to Maldives?
Yes. All foreign nationals including Indians must submit the IMUGA Traveller Declaration Form within 96 hours before their arrival.
Q4. What documents are required for Maldives visa on arrival?
Travellers entering the Maldives typically need:
- completed IMUGA Traveller Declaration Form
- a passport valid for at least six months
- confirmed hotel or resort booking
- return or onward flight ticket
- proof of sufficient funds
Q5. Which airport do travellers enter in Maldives?
Most international travellers enter the Maldives through Velana International Airport, which is the main international gateway to the country.
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