If you are planning to visit the Maldives, it’s great to know the country has a policy of free 30 day visa on arrival for all visitors. This makes your planning a little easier.
There are few international airports in the Maldives, but the biggest and the entry point for most tourists is Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in the capital Male.
You don’t need to apply for a visa prior to travelling to the Maldives. A permit will be given to you upon arrival. However, this is for tourists only. If you are planning on working in the Maldives or conducting any professional activities, you will need government consent.
If you are a tourist, there are three documents you will need on arrival at your entry point.
- A valid travel document – as entering any country, you will need to produce your official passport.
- A valid return airline ticket which proves your departure date from the Maldives. If you are not returning to your land of origin but continuing onto another country, you may be asked to produce the required visa for the country to which you will be going.
- A confirmed hotel reservation document that proves you have somewhere to stay for the duration of your holiday in the Maldives.
There are some exceptions to points 2 & 3, which may apply to you. This includes if you have applied for a working position and have a work permit; if you are a diplomat, or UN personnel; if you are a specified technical or other expert attached to the Maldives government.
If you are cruising into the Maldives, points 2 & 3 also do not apply although there are other permits required. These must be organised in advance by a pre-arranged agent who is authorised by & resident in the Maldives. The main two documents you will require is a permit to enter and harbour in the Maldives which is valid minimum of 180 days and also the charter licence to cruise the islands. An $6 per day tax is charged to each tourist on the vessel for the duration of the stay and must be accounted for and paid prior to departure from the island. Special permission needs to be given to bring domestic pets to the island, but please note, dogs are not allowed.
If you would like to stay beyond 30 days as a tourist, you may extend your visa up to 90 days, but there will be a cost involved.