Essential Maldives Visa Guide for Travelers: Requirements and Key Information

MOG Team
Jun 29
2 min read

✈️ Do You Need a Visa to Enter the Maldives?

Maldives Visa Guide: If you're planning a trip to paradise, here's the good news: most travelers don’t need to apply for a Maldives visa in advance. The Maldives grants a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival to citizens of all countries, provided basic entry requirements are met.

However, from April 15, 2025, due to a legal amendment (Immigration Act 1/2007 – 3rd Amendment), Israeli passport holders will no longer be granted entry to the Maldives.

✅ Basic Entry Requirements for Tourists (Updated 2025)

While no pre-approval is required, travelers must satisfy all of the following to receive immigration clearance:

Valid Passport or Travel Document
- Must have at least 1 month validity.
- Passports with “extended validity” will not be accepted.
- Must include a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).

Confirmed Travel Itinerary
- Return flight or onward ticket.
- Confirmed hotel booking at a registered accommodation.
- Proof of sufficient funds or a sponsorship letter from Maldives Immigration.

Entry Documents for Next Destination
- Make sure you meet the visa/passport requirements of your next country (if transiting onward).

Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA)
- Must be submitted within 96 hours before arrival.
- Form is free and done online.
- Submit via the IMUGA portal.

Vaccination Certificate (If Required)
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you're coming from or transiting through an endemic country.
- Children under 1 year of age are exempt.

Minors Require Their Own Passport
- Children cannot travel on a parent’s passport.

🚫 Entry Restrictions

Israeli passport holders will be denied entry effective from April 15, 2025, regardless of purpose of travel.
Having all required documents does not guarantee entry. Final determination is made by Immigration officers at the port of entry under Section 7 & 8 of the Maldives Immigration Act.

🕓 What About Transit Passengers?

If you’re simply passing through the Maldives on your way to another country without clearing immigration, you're considered a transit traveler and the visa requirement does not apply.

📌 Final Tips for Smooth Entry

Double-check that your passport isn’t nearing expiry (at least 1 month of validity).
Book accommodation only at registered hotels, guest houses, or resorts.
Take screenshots or print your IMUGA submission confirmation.
Keep proof of return tickets and finances handy for inspection at arrival.