For most nationalities, you do not need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Maldives currently grants a free 30 day tourist visa on arrival for eligible visitors, as long as you meet the entry conditions set by Maldives Immigration.

You still need to carry a valid passport, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation or sufficient funds. Final decisions are always made by the immigration officer at the border.

The standard tourist visa on arrival is usually granted for up to 30 days. Many holidaymakers stay between 4 and 10 nights, but you are allowed to stay longer as long as you remain within the permitted period.

In some cases, it may be possible to extend your stay beyond 30 days by applying to Maldives Immigration while you are in the country. This is not guaranteed and is handled case by case. Always check the latest rules on the official Maldives Immigration website.

Children need their own passport and will also receive a tourist permission on arrival, similar to adults, as long as they meet entry conditions and travel with a responsible adult. Their details should be included in the Traveller Declaration when you submit it online.

You may be asked to show proof of relationship or consent if a child is travelling with only one parent or with relatives. Airlines may also have their own rules, so always check with your carrier before flying.

Public guidance often states that your passport should be valid for at least 1 month beyond your planned arrival date. However, many airlines and travel advisors recommend having at least 6 months of validity to avoid any issues at check in.

Because rules can change and airlines can apply stricter conditions, it is always safest to travel with at least 6 months of passport validity remaining. When in doubt, confirm with your airline and with the nearest Maldivian mission before your trip.

If you are staying airside in the international transit area and your bags are checked through to your final destination, you may not need to clear immigration. In that case a tourist visa on arrival might not be necessary.

However, if you need to collect your bags, re check them, change terminals, or stay overnight in the Maldives, you will usually enter the country as a visitor and follow normal entry rules. Transit rules can be complex, so always confirm with your airline and Maldives Immigration for your specific route.

The Traveller Declaration is an online form required by Maldives Immigration. You normally complete it within a set time window before arrival and again before departure, using the official IMUGA portal.

You enter details such as your passport information, flight details, accommodation and basic health information. You can find the official form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to the Maldives, even if it is not strictly mandatory for entry. Good insurance can help cover medical expenses, emergency evacuations, trip cancellations, missed connections, and lost luggage.

Some resorts and airlines may ask for proof of coverage, especially for longer stays. Check policy details carefully to ensure you are covered for activities like diving, snorkelling excursions and seaplane transfers.

If you are arriving from, or have recently transited through, a country listed as having a yellow fever risk, you may be required to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in the Maldives.

Other vaccinations are typically recommended based on your own health situation and travel history, so it is best to speak with a doctor or travel clinic before your trip and review guidance from Maldives health authorities and your home country.