Practical Guide for obtaining a Maldives Visa: procedures and useful tips

The Maldives is a dream destination for many travelers, renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s important to be informed about the entry requirements, including visa procedures and health declarations. This guide provides all the necessary information to help you prepare for your stay in this tropical paradise.

Tourist Visa for the Maldives

For most visitors, obtaining a tourist visa for the Maldives is straightforward. A free 30-day visa is granted on arrival to travelers from many countries, provided they meet certain requirements.

Requirements for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of intention to leave the Maldives within the visa validity period.
  • Confirmed Accommodation: Proof of a reservation at a registered hotel, resort, or guesthouse.
  • Sufficient Funds: Generally, you should have at least USD 100 per day to cover expenses during your stay.

Online Health Declaration

All travelers are required to complete an Online Traveler Health Declaration within 96 hours before arriving and departing from the Maldives.

How to Complete the Health Declaration Step by Step

Access the Official Website

Imuga immigration
  1. Select “Traveler Declaration”
    • On the homepage, click on “Traveler Declaration” to begin the process.
  2. Choose “Arrival” or “Departure”
    • If you’re completing the declaration for entry into the country, select “Arrival”.
    • If you’re completing it for departure, select “Departure”.
  3. Enter Personal Information
    • Full Name: As it appears on your passport.
    • Gender: Select your gender.
    • Date of Birth: Use the format DD/MM/YYYY.
    • Nationality: Choose your country of citizenship.
    • Passport Number: Enter your passport number accurately.
    • Country of Residence: Enter your current country of residence.
  4. Travel Details
    • Date of Arrival/Departure: Provide the expected date.
    • Flight or Vessel Number: Enter your flight number or vessel name.
    • Port of Entry/Exit: Specify the airport or seaport.
    • Duration of Stay: Number of days (for arrival only).
    • Address in the Maldives: Provide the name and address of your hotel or resort.
  5. Contact Information
    • Email Address: Enter a valid email address.
    • Phone Number: Provide an active contact number.
  6. Health Information
    • Health Status: Indicate if you’ve experienced symptoms like fever, cough, or breathing difficulties in the last 14 days.
    • COVID-19 Contacts: Declare if you’ve been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
    • COVID-19 Vaccination: You may be asked to provide vaccination details.
  7. Upload Documents
    • Passport Photo Page: Upload a clear image of the page containing your personal details.
    • Vaccination Certificate: Upload if required.
  8. Review and Submit
    • Verify Information: Carefully check all the details you’ve entered.
    • Declaration of Truthfulness: Tick the box confirming that the information provided is accurate.
    • Submit the Form: Click “Submit” to complete the process.
  9. Receive Confirmation
    • QR Code: After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a QR code.
    • Print or Save: It’s advisable to print or save a digital copy of the QR code to present upon arrival.
imgua maldive

Airport Procedures

  • Documents to Present:
    • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
    • Return or onward ticket.
    • Confirmation of accommodation booking.
    • QR code from the health declaration.
  • Health Checks:
    • Temperature screening.
    • Possible additional health questions.

Extending Your Visa

If you wish to stay beyond the initial 30 days:

  • Apply for an Extension: Visit the Immigration Office in Malé before your visa expires.
  • Required Documents:
    • Completed application form.
    • Original passport.
    • Proof of sufficient funds.
    • Receipt of the extension fee payment.

Updated Health Requirements

  • Mandatory Vaccinations: Currently, no mandatory vaccinations are required for travelers from most countries.
  • COVID-19 Guidelines: Regulations may change. It’s important to check official sources like your country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry or the Maldives Health Protection Agency for the latest information.
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