🇲🇻 Maldives Visa Guide · June 2026
Maldives Visa
for Indians
Genuinely one of the simplest visa processes for any international destination — free, on arrival, no advance application. Here's exactly what to carry and what immigration checks.
Free
30-day visa on arrival
₹0
Visa fee — no cost at all
No Agent
No advance application needed
⚡
QUICK ANSWER
Visa Type
Free VOA
Issued at Male airport immigration
Total Cost
₹0
Genuinely free, no fee at all
Stay Duration
30 days
Extendable for a fee, up to 90 days
📋
Maldives Visa Rules for Indians
UPDATED JUNE 2026
The Maldives issues a free 30-day visa on arrival to Indian passport holders — and, unusually, to almost all nationalities. There is no advance application, no approved agent, no online form to fill out beforehand, and no fee. It's genuinely one of the simplest entry processes of any international destination.
ℹ️ Good to know: Unlike Singapore's e-Visa or Japan's Temporary Visitor visa, there is nothing to apply for before you fly. The visa is granted automatically at the immigration counter, provided you meet the basic entry conditions below.
📑
Documents Required at Immigration
Carry these physically or digitally accessible when you land — the immigration officer may ask to see any of them.
✓
Valid passport
With at least 6 months' validity remaining from your date of entry.
✓
Confirmed accommodation booking
For your entire stay — resort, hotel or guesthouse reservation, with dates matching your travel plan.
✓
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof you'll be leaving the Maldives within the 30-day visa window.
✓
Proof of sufficient funds (occasionally checked)
Bank statements or cash — rarely requested, but worth having available if asked.
✓
Completed Traveller Health Declaration / Imuga form (if required)
Maldives Immigration occasionally requires an online arrival declaration — check the current requirement shortly before you fly.
🏨
The Confirmed Accommodation Rule
GENUINELY IMPORTANT
This is the single most important thing to get right, and it trips up more travellers than any other part of Maldives entry: immigration expects proof of confirmed accommodation covering your entire stay — not just the first few nights.
⚠️ If you're island-hopping: Planning to split your trip between a resort and a local island, or between two different guesthouses? Have booking confirmations for every leg of the stay ready to show — an unbooked gap in your itinerary can cause delays or questions at immigration.
✓ Simple fix: Book your full itinerary in advance, keep digital confirmations easily accessible on your phone, and make sure the dates on each booking connect with no gaps.
🛂
What Happens at Male Airport
01
Land at Velana International Airport (Male)
Almost all international flights from India arrive here, regardless of your final resort or island destination.
02
Present your passport at immigration
No form to fill in advance for most travellers — present your passport, and be ready to show your accommodation and return ticket if asked.
03
Free 30-day visa is stamped/recorded
No fee is collected. The visa is granted on the spot for most travellers meeting the basic conditions.
04
Proceed to your resort/island transfer
Resort guests are typically met by a representative to coordinate seaplane or speedboat transfer; local island travellers head to the public ferry terminal or a pre-arranged speedboat.
📆
Visa Validity & Extensions
✓
30 days from arrival, free
Covers the vast majority of Indian traveller trip lengths comfortably.
✓
Extensions available for longer stays
Extensions can be applied for through Maldives Immigration, typically for a fee, up to a maximum total stay of 90 days.
✓
No extensions needed for typical trips
Most Indian traveller trips run 4-10 nights — well within the free 30-day window.
🛡️
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not required for the Maldives visa on arrival. But given the remoteness of many resort islands and the genuinely high cost of emergency medical evacuation between atolls, it's one of the more important destinations to actually carry a policy for regardless.
🛡️
POPULAR FOR INDIA
Bajaj Allianz
Popular travel insurance for Indian travellers visiting the Maldives. $50,000+ medical cover, trip cancellation, baggage loss.
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🌐
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
HDFC ERGO
$50,000+ medical cover including emergency evacuation between islands — genuinely relevant for remote resort stays.
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⚡
COMPARE & BUY
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
✕
No confirmed accommodation for the full trip
The most common issue — always have bookings covering every night, especially if island-hopping between resorts or local islands.
✕
No return or onward ticket
A one-way ticket alone may raise questions at immigration — always carry proof of your exit plan.
✕
Not arranging resort transfer in advance
Not a visa issue directly, but arriving without a confirmed seaplane/speedboat transfer arranged can cause real delays and stress on arrival.
✕
Assuming unlimited stay length
The free visa covers 30 days — plan ahead and apply for an extension through Immigration if your trip runs longer.
❓
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for the Maldives?
No advance visa is required. Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at Male airport, provided they carry proof of confirmed accommodation and a return or onward ticket.
How much does the Maldives visa cost?
Nothing. The Maldives visa on arrival is completely free for Indian passport holders and most other nationalities, with no advance application or agent fee required.
Do I need to apply for the Maldives visa before I fly?
No — there's nothing to apply for in advance. The visa is granted automatically at the immigration counter on arrival, as long as you meet the basic entry conditions (passport validity, confirmed accommodation, return ticket).
Can I extend my Maldives visa if I want to stay longer?
Yes — extensions are available through Maldives Immigration, typically for a fee, allowing a total stay of up to 90 days. Most Indian traveller trips of 4-10 nights don't need this.
What happens if I don't have accommodation booked for my whole trip?
This can cause delays or additional questioning at immigration. Always book and carry confirmation for every night of your stay before you fly, especially if splitting your trip across multiple resorts or islands.