Maldives Tourist Visa Information
Maldives Tourist Visa Information
For the majority of tourists getting a visa is a very simple process in the Maldives.
Upon arrival, tourists are typically granted a free 30-day visa. There is no need to apply in advance, but there are some basic requirements to be aware of.
Visa Requirements
- Completed traveller declaration
- Proof of onwards travel
- Accommodation for the duration of your visit
By the time you land in the Maldives you will already have completed the traveller declaration. Airlines typically require you to present this during check in. This includes basic information such as passport details and where you will be staying.
The second requirement is proof of onwards travel. Expect to be asked how long you will be staying and to show your return flight booking. Sorry - no one way trips to the Maldives as a tourist!
There is no cost for the standard tourist visa.
Immigration officials also have the right to ask for additional information, though this is rare.
For those trying to enter without clear pre-booked accommodation it may be necessary to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your stay.
Disclaimer: meeting the required criteria does not guarantee a visa will be granted - officials have the right to make a final decision - but for the majority of tourists it's a quick and easy process.
How long can you stay in the Maldives?
The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days. It is possible to extend this to a maximum of 90 days in total. After that tourists must leave the country.
Tourist Visa Extension
The tourist visa can be extended by up to 60 days for a maximum of 90 days.
Unfortunately, the visa extension is a difficult and slow process which is not explained well on the official Maldives immigration website. How difficult depends on where you're staying and when.
All visa extensions require a sponsor - you can't extend the visa on your own.
It can take a couple of weeks from start to finish, so be sure to start applying for your extension soon after arriving in the Maldives. The penalties for overstaying your visa can be $1,000 per day.
One Resort
The simplest case is if you're staying at one resort island for your entire stay of more than 30 days.
Most resorts have some familiarity with this scenario, even if it only comes up once or twice per year. The resort will act as your visa sponsor and should be able to manage the process on your behalf. You will not normally need to visit Malé in person.
One Guest House
The second case is staying at one guest house for your entire stay.
The guest house operator will be your visa sponsor, but you'll generally need to do a lot more of the legwork yourself. You should plan to visit Malé city 2-3 times to complete the process, depending on whether you do the first stage online or in person.
Island Hopping
The most complicated scenario is island hopping, or staying at multiple places during your visit.
At Maldives Guide we have first-hand experience of getting a visa extension whilst island hopping. Most resorts do not know what to do in this situation, and even immigration has struggled to provide clear answers over email.
Your visa sponsor will be the resort or guest house you're staying at on day 29.
You'll need to have paid the balance for this stay in full, potentially before the resort or guest house would usually require payment.
You will also need to consider the logistics of getting your passport to the immigration office in Malé and collecting it on a different day. The sponsoring resort may be able to assist with logistics if you're staying with them for at least a week or two prior to the key day 29.
We highly recommend discussing your plans with your intended accommodation providers in advance of booking. A large chain with an office in Malé will be better equipped to handle this scenario.
Alternatively, given the complexity of the process it may even be worth considering leaving the Maldives by day 30 and continuing your tour at a later date. It's 1hr30 to Sri Lanka, another great place to explore.
Visa Extension Requirements
- Form IM23 completed
- Sponsor for your visa extension
- Current 30-day visa number
- Passport style photo
- Invoice for stay with proof of payment
- Confirmed booking for your travel out of the Maldives
- Physical passport surrendered to immigration office
- Payment of visa extension fee
The key document is called IM23, which you can download from the Maldives immigration website.
In addition to basic personal details it has a section for your sponsor to complete, and requires an up-to-date passport style photo.
You'll the find the 30 day visa number stamped in your passport from your entry to the Maldives. It's the letters and numbers around the border!
How to submit your visa extension application
If you're staying at a resort then your sponsoring resort will likely be able to handle the entire application for you. They may also be able to submit your physical passport to the immigration office and return it without you needing to visit Malé. The resort will pay the visa fee directly and add it to your final bill.
If submitting yourself you can do this online at the IMUGA portal. Note this requires a local Maldivian phone number to successfully receive a verification code. International phone numbers can be entered but do not work. From the portal you can start a new visa application, and choose Tourist Visa (IM23) as the category. You'll need to upload form IM23 (PDF or scan), accommodation invoice, return flight booking, and pay the application fee. Thereafter keep an eye on your messages on the portal - getting a decision on your visa extension is only the first step, and immigration may request other information.
The advantages of submitting online are it saves you a trip the immigration office and - assuming the application is approved - you'll be given an appointment to submit your passport instead of needing to queue for a ticket.
Alternatively, you can submit the application in person at the immigration office in Malé. If visiting in person its worth arriving early to ensure you get a ticket as there are only so many available each day.
In any case, once your extension is approved you'll need to submit your physical passport to the immigration office and collect it at a later date - either yourself or through your resort.
What does the visa extension look like?
When you receive your passport back you'll find a large full-page sticker applied inside with details of your extended visa. It looks a bit like the data page of a passport.
Congratulations - you can now stay beyond the standard 30 day limit!