The Maldives is a stunning destination that offers a luxurious vacation amidst crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches. If you’re planning a trip to this popular tourist spot, you may be wondering about the Maldives visa policy. Here’s everything you need to know.
Do I Need a Visa for Maldives?
The good news is that you do not need a visa for the Maldives if you’re traveling for tourism. Whether you’re from Sri Lanka or any other country, you can obtain a Maldives visa on arrival, free of charge, for a stay of up to 30 days. However, if you’re a Russian or Indian citizen, you’ll have the privilege of staying in the Maldives for up to 90 days without a visa.
How to Get a Maldives Visa on Arrival?
Obtaining a Maldives visa on arrival is a simple process. On arrival, you’ll need to present a few essential documents to the Immigration officers, which include:
- A machine-readable passport (MRP) or a passport with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), valid for at least another six months.
- Proof of pre-paid accommodation in the Maldives, such as a hotel reservation.
- Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover your entire stay in the Maldives.
- A return-flight ticket to your home country or an onward-flight ticket.
- A visa for your next destination (if required).
Please note that the duration of your Maldives visa on arrival may vary, as the final decision rests with the Immigration officers at the airport. It’s important to remember that the Maldives visa on arrival is strictly for tourism purposes, and you are not allowed to work in the Maldives under any circumstances. If you’re traveling for any other reason, you’ll need a sponsor in the Maldives to assist with your visa application.
Can You Extend a Maldives Visa on Arrival?
Yes, you have the option to extend your Maldives visa on arrival by submitting a Visa Extension Application Form to the Maldives Immigration in Male before your current visa expires. The extension allows you to stay in the Maldives for a maximum of 90 days. If your initial visa is for 30 days, you can receive an extension of up to 60 days.
The extension fee is Rufiyaa 750, applicable if your total stay in the Maldives (including the original tourist visa) exceeds 30 days. If you’re spending less than 30 days in the Maldives, even with the extension, there is no need to pay a fee.
Maldives Business Visa
For individuals visiting the Maldives for business purposes without the intention of becoming employed in a Maldivian company, a Maldives business visa is available. The application process is conducted online, and your sponsor, either the company you are visiting or a representative in the Maldives, must submit the required documents via email to the Maldives Immigration.
The documents include:
- Business Visa application form (form IM24).
- A scanned color copy of your passport’s bio page, which must be machine-readable and valid for at least another six months.
- Your registration copy.
- A recent passport-size photograph.
- Visa Applicant Information Form (IM30), if applicable.
- A copy of your medical insurance policy.
- A letter from your sponsor, specifying your intended stay in the Maldives.
- Any other supporting documents, such as qualification certificates or a letter of experience.
All documents should be in PDF format, and the photograph should be in JPEG format. You can find the required forms on the official website of the Maldives Immigration. Once you receive online approval, you can travel to the Maldives and obtain your business visa at the Immigration Office, either at Velana International Airport or Gan International Airport.
How About Moving to the Maldives?
If you have plans to move to the Maldives, you’ll need a sponsor who can apply for your visa or residence permit from the Maldives Immigration in Male before your travel.
If you are moving to the Maldives for work, it’s crucial to secure a job beforehand so that your employer can apply for your work permit. The sponsor must be a local company in the Maldives or a locally-registered company.
Maldives Work Visa
To obtain a Maldives work visa, your employer or representative in the Maldives must acquire your work permit (Employment Authorization) from the Maldives Immigration. Both you and your sponsor need to submit the following documents:
- Your passport.
- Copy of the Employment Approval.
- Work Visa card fee of MVR50.
- A recent passport-size photograph.
- Medical health screening report issued by a recognized medical institution.
- Work Visa submission receipt (IM29).
The necessary documents and forms can be found on the official website of the Maldives Immigration. Please note that working in the Maldives without employment authorization is strictly prohibited.
Maldives Marriage Visa
If you intend to marry a Maldivian national, you’ll need a Maldives marriage visa. Your sponsor (fiancé) must sponsor your visa by applying at the Maldives Immigration before your travel. It is essential to remember that you cannot marry or register your marriage in the Maldives with a regular tourist visa. Once you enter the country with your sponsored visa, you can commence the Marriage Visa procedure within 30 days.
The required documents for a Maldives Marriage Visa are as follows:
- Application for Permit Extension Form (IM23), with a signature and seal from the Family Court.
- Your passport, which must be machine-readable.
- Original and copy of the Marriage Certificate.
- Copy of the Identity Card of the Maldivian national.
- Passport-size picture of yourself.
- Visa card fee of MVR50.
- Copy of an expatriate health insurance policy.
- Medical health screening report issued by a recognized medical institution.
All the necessary application forms are available on the official website of the Maldives Immigration.
Maldives Dependent Visa
If you are a dependent family member of a person already residing in the Maldives, such as a work visa holder, your family member must sponsor your visa. For this purpose, the sponsor should submit the following documents to the Immigration:
- Application for Permit Extension Form (IM23).
- Your passport, which must be machine-readable.
- Passport-size picture of yourself.
- Dependent Visa card fee of MVR50.
- Dependent Visa fee of MVR750 for every three months.
- A copy of the employment approval or visa card of the person with a Maldives work visa.
- Proof of family status, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
- If you are the mother or father of the main visa holder, you also require a letter from the respective embassy explaining your living situation.
- Copy of an expatriate health insurance policy.
- Medical health screening report issued by a recognized medical institution.
The official website of the Maldives Immigration provides all the necessary forms for the application process.
When it comes to exploring the beauty of the Maldives or starting a new journey in this tropical paradise, understanding the visa requirements is essential. Ensure that you follow the necessary procedures and gather the required documents to make the most of your time in this stunning destination.
For more information, visit DHPL Travels where you can find comprehensive details and assistance regarding Maldives visa policies and travel experiences. Enjoy your trip, and have a great time in the Maldives!
