Welcome to your ultimate guide to applying for a Maldives on-arrival visa. As an exciting destination, the Maldives offers a magical experience with breathtaking landscapes and clear blue waters. However, before you can enjoy this paradise, there’s an essential step you need to take – securing a visa. Fortunately, the Maldives has an uncomplicated visa policy with an on-arrival visa system that welcomes visitors worldwide.
The Maldives on-arrival visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners upon their arrival in the Maldives. This visa allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 30 days but can be extended if necessary. This visa system benefits those who may have decided to visit the Maldives on short notice, as it eliminates the need for a lengthy application process before your trip.
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with comprehensive information about the Maldives on arrival visa. We will discuss everything you need to know, from eligibility to application processes, for a smooth and successful application.
Check if your country supports Maldives Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa free |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa on arrival |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | e-visa |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Georgia | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa free |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | e-visa |
| Jordan | visa on arrival |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa required |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Papua New Guinea | visa on arrival |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa required |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa free |
| Turkey | e-visa |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | e-visa |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
Who is Eligible for the Maldives On Arrival Visa?
The good news is the Maldives on-arrival visa is available to all nationalities. The Maldives has an open-door policy, which means that any foreign visitor can obtain a visa upon arrival. However, remember that this is a tourist visa and is strictly for those who intend to visit the Maldives for leisure.
While all nationalities can apply for a Maldives on-arrival visa, there are certain conditions that you need to meet. For instance, you must have a valid passport, a confirmed hotel booking, and enough funds to cover your stay in the country. In the next section, we’ll look at these requirements more closely.
The Maldives government ensures visitors enjoy their stay while maintaining the country’s security and sovereignty. Hence, while the visa policy is flexible, adherence to the rules and regulations is paramount.
Requirements for a Maldives On Arrival Visa
You must meet certain requirements to ensure a successful application for your Maldives on-arrival visa. First, you must have a passport valid for at least six months from entering the Maldives. This is a standard requirement for international travel, ensuring that your passport does not expire during your stay.
You must also have a confirmed booking at a registered hotel or resort in the Maldives for the entire duration of your stay. This means you must book your accommodation before arriving in the country. Then, you must show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, typically USD 100 per day, or a confirmed return ticket to your home country or an onward destination.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in denial of entry into the Maldives. Therefore, it is essential to carefully prepare all the necessary documents and fulfil all the conditions before your trip.
Read: How to apply for Maldives eVisa
How to Apply for the Maldives On Arrival Visa
Applying for a Maldives on-arrival visa is straightforward. Upon arrival at the Maldives International Airport, proceed to the immigration counter. You’ll be given an arrival card, which you must fill out. This card will ask for your basic information, such as your name, passport number, nationality, and the address of your hotel or resort in the Maldives.
Once you’ve filled out the arrival card, present it to the immigration officer along with your passport and other necessary documents. The officer will review your documents, verify your details, and issue your Maldives on-arrival visa. The process is quick and efficient, getting you through immigration and on your holiday as soon as possible.
Remember, honesty is the best policy when filling out your arrival card. Any discrepancies in your information may lead to complications and delays in your visa application.
Processing Time for a Maldives On Arrival Visa
One of the significant advantages of the Maldives on-arrival visa is its quick processing time. Since it’s issued upon your arrival in the country, you can get your visa immediately. Typically, the visa processing time at the Maldives International Airport is just a few minutes.
However, it’s essential to factor in the possibility of queues at the immigration counter, especially during peak tourist season. To avoid waiting too long, try to have all your documents ready and filled out correctly.
Fees for a Maldives On Arrival Visa
Another benefit of the Maldives on-arrival visa is that it’s free of charge. Yes, you read that right. The Maldives government does not charge any fee for issuing a tourist visa upon arrival. This policy is part of the country’s efforts to encourage tourism and make it easier for people worldwide to experience the beauty of the Maldives.
While the visa is free, remember that you’ll still need sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country. Also, you must pay a fee if you decide to extend your visa beyond the initial 30 days.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
Here are some tips to ensure a smooth application process for your Maldives on-arrival visa. First, double-check all your documents before your trip. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and you have a confirmed hotel booking and enough funds for your stay.
When filling out your arrival card, ensure all the information is accurate and consistent with your documents. Also, be respectful and patient with the immigration officers. They are there to assist you and ensure your entry into the country is legal and safe.
Lastly, remember to abide by the laws and respect the local customs and traditions during your stay in the Maldives. This ensures a pleasant stay and maintains a positive image of foreign tourists in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maldives On Arrival Visa
We’ve covered a lot of ground so far, but you might still have some questions about the Maldives on-arrival visa. In this section, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about this type of visa.
Most common questions revolve around the visa extension, what happens if you overstay your visa, and what to do if you lose your passport. In general, it’s always best to avoid overstaying your visa, as this can lead to fines and potential issues with immigration. If you lose your passport, contact your embassy or consulate in the Maldives immediately.
Other Visa Options for Visiting the Maldives
While the Maldives on-arrival visa is the most common tourist type, other visa options are available. For instance, if you wish to work in the Maldives, you must apply for a work visa. Similarly, you’ll need a student visa to study in the Maldives.
Each visa type has its own requirements and application process, so it’s important to research and understand what you need before applying. Remember, the Maldives on-arrival visa is strictly for tourism. Any other activities, such as work or study, require a different type of visa.
Read: How to apply and get Nepal visa on arrival
Visiting the Maldives is a dream come true for many travellers, and the Maldives on-arrival visa makes it easier to realise this dream. With its straightforward application process, quick processing time, and no visa fee, this visa type is convenient for tourists from all nationalities.
Remember, preparation is key to a successful visa application. By understanding the requirements and following the application process correctly, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into the Maldives. So, pack your bags, prepare your documents, and prepare for an unforgettable Maldives vacation!