Maldives visa on arrival: the short version
Tourists receive a visa on arrival without applying in advance. The usual stay is 30 days. Entry is never guaranteed, so have your documents ready at the desk. Two things need your attention before you fly: a confirmed, prepaid booking in registered accommodation, and the online traveller declaration.
The rules are the same whether you land in Malé or at Gan Airport. If you fly on to Addu, read the flight guide as well. Once you are in, our Addu excursions help you fill the days.
What you need to enter
Requirements for tourists in 2026.
A machine-readable passport
Your passport or travel document must be valid for at least 1 month. Some operators ask for 6 months, so having 6 months left is the safe choice. Also check the rules of any country you pass through on the way home. Children need their own passport.
Confirmed onward travel
Carry proof of a confirmed ticket out of the Maldives.
A prepaid booking in registered accommodation
You need a confirmed, paid booking in a registered property. Choose carefully and keep the confirmation on your phone. For areas and house rules, see where to stay in Addu.
Enough money, or an approved sponsor
You must show sufficient funds for your stay, or a sponsorship that was approved in advance. There is no single daily amount that applies to everyone.
Yellow fever certificate where it applies
A certificate is needed depending on where you have travelled from. Children under 1 year are exempt. There is no general vaccination requirement for all visitors.
Israeli passports
Since 15 April 2025, entry with an Israeli passport is not possible.
Put the paperwork in one place before you leave: passport, onward ticket, booking confirmation and the declaration receipt. At the desk you may be asked for any of them. If your route runs through Colombo or another transit country, check that country's rules too.
Addu tours and day trips
Snorkeling trips, dives and island tours around Addu, with live prices and availability.
The traveller declaration (IMUGA)
One online form, free of charge.
Every foreign visitor arriving in the Maldives completes an electronic traveller declaration. You can submit it within 96 hours before you arrive. Use the official government portal. The form costs $0, and you do not need a paid agent or a third-party site to file it.
When you leave, there is nothing to fill in. The departure declaration was dropped on 15 August 2024, so the arrival form is the only one. Keep the declaration separate from your travel budget: the form is free, while the taxes below are not.
Fees and taxes you may pay in 2026
These are charges for your stay and your flight, not for the visa form.
| Charge | Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Traveller declaration | $0 | Arriving foreign visitors |
| Green tax | $12 per person per day | Hotels and resorts, since 1 January 2025 |
| Green tax, small properties | $6 per person per day | Hotels and guesthouses on inhabited islands with up to 50 registered rooms |
| Tourism GST | 17 percent | Tourist services, since 1 July 2025 |
| Departure tax, economy | $50 | Foreign passengers leaving the Maldives |
| Airport development fee, economy | $50 | International departures from Velana |
Children under 2 do not pay green tax. It is counted in blocks of 24 hours from check-in, and the last block counts only if you stay at least 12 hours. Guesthouses also fall under the tourism GST, as do domestic flights bought by foreign visitors. A guesthouse does not automatically get the $6 rate: it depends on the island and the number of registered rooms, so ask your host. For most stays in a small guesthouse on an inhabited island, plan on $6 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
After entry, these pages help most.
Maldives visa: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa in advance for the Maldives?
No. Tourists receive a visa on arrival without prior approval. The usual stay is 30 days. You still need the traveller declaration, a paid booking in registered accommodation, onward travel and enough money.
When do I fill in the traveller declaration?
Within 96 hours before you arrive, before your flight. It is free on the official portal.
How long must my passport be valid?
Immigration requires at least 1 month. Some operators ask for 6 months, so carry a passport with 6 months left if you can. Check the rules of any transit country too.
Do I fill in a form when I leave the Maldives?
No. Only the arrival declaration is required. Departure tax is a separate charge that your airline usually collects with the ticket.
Is this the official Maldives immigration website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not the official site of Maldives Immigration, Addu City Council, Visit Maldives or any resort. Confirm your entry requirements on the official government portal before you fly.