The Maldives, an idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean, requires a visa for many travelers. The Maldives Visa on Arrival allows tourists to apply upon landing for a 30-day stay, extendable for an additional 30 days. Fees range from $25 to $100, depending on the length of stay and nationality. Eligibility includes a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and confirmed return or onward ticket. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa prior to travel. Check the Maldives Immigration Department website for the latest visa requirements and fees.
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Important informations
Do I Need a Visa for Maldives?
The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. For many nationalities, a visa is not required for tourism stays in the Maldives of up to 30 days. However, it is essential to check your specific nationality on the Maldives Immigration website or with the Maldivian embassy or consulate in your country to confirm visa requirements. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa before arrival, while others may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. Fees for visas vary, and they can be paid in cash or by credit card at the airport. Overstaying your visa can result in fines and other penalties, so it is crucial to ensure you have the correct visa duration for your stay.
How to Get a Maldives Visa on Arrival?
The Maldives offer a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for tourists from specific countries. Eligible travelers can obtain this VoA upon landing at the Maldives’ international airports, including Male’ International Airport. To qualify for a VoA, applicants must possess a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. The visa fee is typically USD $25, payable in cash or by credit card. The VoA allows a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department. It is recommended that travelers check the Maldives’ official immigration website for the most current VoA eligibility requirements and visa extension procedures.
Can You Extend a Maldives Visa on Arrival?
The Maldives offers a 30-day visa on arrival for most nationalities. However, if you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension before the expiration date. The extension can be granted for an additional 60 days. To apply, you need to visit the Immigration Department in Malé or any regional immigration office. You will need to provide a valid reason for the extension, such as ongoing business, tourism, or medical treatment. The extension fee is MVR 1,000 (approximately USD 65). It is recommended to apply for the extension at least one week before the visa expiration date to avoid any potential travel disruptions. Note that the total length of stay in the Maldives, including the initial visa and extension, cannot exceed 90 days.
Maldives Business Visa
The Maldives Business Visa is a permit issued to individuals intending to engage in business activities within the Maldives. Eligible applicants include foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals seeking to establish or expand businesses in the country. The visa allows multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days, extendable upon application to the Maldives Immigration Department. Applicants must provide proof of business registration, financial capability, and a valid travel document. The visa application process involves submitting the required documents and paying the applicable fees at the Maldives Embassy or High Commission in the applicant’s country of residence. It is recommended to consult the Maldives Immigration Department or the relevant embassy for the most current visa requirements and application procedures.
How About Moving to the Maldives?
The Maldives, an archipelago of 26 atolls located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. With an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and sunshine year-round, the Maldives offers an idyllic tropical lifestyle. However, moving there comes with certain challenges. The country is one of the most expensive in the world due to its reliance on imported goods. Additionally, the Maldives faces numerous environmental issues, including rising sea levels and coral reef degradation. Despite these challenges, many expats are drawn to the Maldives for its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and relaxed pace of life. If you’re considering a move to the Maldives, be prepared for a significant adjustment in cost of living and a commitment to adapting to the island’s unique environment.
Eligible countries
- All countries (for tourism, up to 30 days, free of charge)
- Russian citizens (up to 90 days without a visa)
- Indian citizens (up to 90 days without a visa)
To get a Maldives visa on arrival, travelers need:
- A machine-readable passport (MRP)/passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), valid for another 6 months
- Pre-paid accommodation in the Maldives
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- A return-flight ticket or an onward-flight ticket
- A visa for the next destination (if required)
Visa extensions can be applied for at the Maldives Immigration in Male. The maximum stay is 90 days. The fee for extension is Rufiyaa 750 if the total stay is more than 30 days.
For business purposes, a sponsor in the Maldives is required to apply for a business visa. The application includes various documents, such as a business visa application form, a scanned color copy of the passport’s bio page, a recent passport size photograph, and a letter from the sponsor.
To move to the Maldives, a sponsor is required to apply for a visa or residence permit before the applicant travels. For work visas, the employer or representative in the Maldives has to get the work permit from the Maldives Immigration.
For marriage visas, the sponsor (fiancé) has to sponsor the visa before the applicant travels. The documents required include an application for permit extension form, the applicant’s passport, original and copy of the marriage certificate, and a copy of an expatriate health insurance policy.
For dependent visas, the family member already living in the Maldives has to sponsor the visa by submitting various documents, including an application for permit extension form, the applicant’s passport, proof of family status, and a copy of an expatriate health insurance policy.
Summary
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination with lenient visa policies. Nationals of all countries can get a free Maldives visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days, while Russians and Indians can stay for up to 90 days. To get a Maldives visa on arrival, travelers need a valid passport, pre-paid accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, a return-flight ticket, and a visa for the next destination. The Maldives visa on arrival is only for tourism and cannot be used for work. It can be extended for up to 60 days by applying to the Maldives Immigration before the current visa expires. A business visa can be obtained online for those traveling to the Maldives for work but without the intention of becoming employed. To apply for a Maldives work visa, an employer or representative in the Maldives must get a work permit from the Immigration. For marriage, a sponsor must apply for a Maldives marriage visa before travel. Dependents of Maldives residents can also apply for a dependent visa. All required forms and information can be found on the Maldives Immigration website.