Visas for the Maldives
Apply for ITDVisitors must ensure they meet the Maldives’s entry requirements, which may include having a relevant Maldives visa.
Here you’ll find details on who needs a visa, the types of visas available, and how to apply.
Who needs a visa for the Maldives?
All nationalities travelling to the Maldives for tourism do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Upon arrival, visitors receive a free 30-day tourist visa, provided they meet the following requirements:
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Maldives Traveller Declaration
- Return or onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds
Travellers planning to stay longer than 30 days will need a visa extension.
If you’re visiting for purposes other than tourism, such as work or business, you must obtain a Maldives visa before travelling.
Types of visas for the Maldives
The Maldives offers different visa options depending on the reason for travel. Below are the main types:
Meeting Visa
The Maldives Meeting Visa is designed for travellers attending conferences, business meetings, workshops, or official events. It’s usually issued to government officials, corporate representatives, and professionals attending business-related events.
Visa overview:
- Application must be submitted by a sponsoring entity in the Maldives.
- Letter of invitation or sponsorship from the host organization is required.
- Valid for a short duration, usually covering the length of the meeting or event.
Work Visa
A Work Visa is required for foreigners seeking employment in the Maldives. Before applying for this visa, you must first get a work permit from the Maldives Immigration.
Visa overview:
- Employer in the Maldives must apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee.
- Applicant must undergo a medical examination and submit relevant health reports.
- Typically granted for the duration of the employment contract and can be renewed.
- Foreign workers must comply with local labour laws and regulations.
Tourist Visa
The Maldives grants a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival to eligible nationalities. This visa allows visitors to enter the country without prior approval.
Visa overview:
- No visa application is needed before travelling.
- Travellers must provide a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
- Can be extended up to 90 days by applying at Maldives Immigration before the initial period expires.
- Overstaying beyond the visa period can result in penalties and travel restrictions.
Marriage Visa
A Marriage Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are married to Maldivian citizens. This visa allows them to live in the Maldives with their spouse.
Visa overview:
- Applicants must submit a valid marriage certificate recognized by the Maldivian authorities.
- Maldivian spouse must act as the visa sponsor.
- Usually issued for a renewable period of one year.
- Additional documents such as proof of residence and financial stability may be required.
Dependent Visa
A Dependent Visa is granted to family members of foreign workers residing in the Maldives. This visa is applicable for spouses, children, and other dependents of an individual holding a valid Work Visa.
Visa overview:
- Primary visa holder (employee) must apply on behalf of their dependents.
- Proof of relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate, is required.
- Dependents are not permitted to work unless they obtain their own work permit.
- Remains valid for the duration of the primary visa holder’s stay in the Maldives.
Business Visa
A Business Visa is issued to individuals travelling to the Maldives for short-term business activities. This includes attending corporate meetings, negotiating contracts, or exploring investment opportunities.
Visa overview:
- A Maldivian company or business entity must sponsor the visa application.
- The visa is granted for a short duration, typically 30 to 90 days.
- Unlike the Work Visa, this visa does not permit employment in the Maldives.
- Required documents include an invitation letter, proof of financial means, and a return travel ticket.
How to apply for a Maldives visa
The process of obtaining a Maldives visa depends on the visa type. Below is a step-by-step guide for different visa applications:
Tourist Visa (On Arrival)
- No prior application is required.
- Ensure you have a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- Book your accommodation in advance and have proof of reservation.
- Provide a return or onward flight ticket.
- Fill out the Maldives Traveller Declaration online before departure.
Work, Dependent, and Marriage Visas
- Sponsoring employer, spouse, or family member must initiate the application through Maldives Immigration.
- Applicants must submit supporting documents such as work contracts, marriage certificates, and medical reports.
- Fees and processing times vary depending on the category.
- Once approved, the visa holder must register with local authorities upon arrival.
Business and Meeting Visas
- Local Maldivian sponsor (company or organization) must apply on the visitor’s behalf.
- Required documents include an invitation letter, passport copy, and proof of business purpose.
- Processing typically takes 5-10 working days.
- Business visitors must adhere to the conditions outlined in their visa.
Maldives visa extensions
Tourist visas can be extended up to 90 days by applying at Maldives Immigration before the initial 30-day period expires.
Overstaying beyond the allowed duration results in fines and potential entry bans.
Other visa types may also be extended depending on work contracts or family sponsorship status.
Maldives Traveller Declaration Requirement
Regardless of the visa type, all travellers must apply for the Maldives Traveller Declaration before arrival.
You can easily complete the Maldives declaration online through our streamlined application platform. Simply access the form, provide some basic information, and wait to receive approval by email.