Quick Overview
The Maldives Visa for Indians is deliberately traveler-friendly: Indian passport holders receive a tourist visa on arrival, simplifying travel planning and encouraging short holidays to the islands. A standard visitor visa is typically issued for 30 days on arrival and can be extended through Maldives Immigration if travellers wish to stay longer.
Maldives Visa for Indians — Eligibility & Documents
To benefit from the Maldives Visa for Indians, you should arrive prepared. Immigration officers usually require:
- An Indian passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- A confirmed return ticket or onward ticket showing the date you plan to leave the Maldives.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel or guesthouse booking) or a confirmed resort package; some travellers provide an invitation/confirmation from a host or tour operator.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay (bank statements or credit cards) if requested.
Because the Maldives Visa for Indians is issued at arrival, pre-approval is not required for standard tourist visits. Still, having clear documentation makes immigration processing faster and avoids questions about intent or funding.
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Maldives Visa for Indians — Practical Document Checklist
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Return / onward flight ticket
- Hotel/resort/guesthouse booking confirmation
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Printed/digital copies of bookings and ID
Booking & Accommodation for Maldives Visa for Indians
When planning trips that use the Maldives Visa for Indians, it helps to book accommodation in advance. Resorts and registered guesthouses routinely provide confirmation emails that satisfy immigration requirements. If you’re arriving to stay in Malé or a local island, show your booking and (if possible) a contact number for the property.
Travel agents and resorts experienced with Indian travellers can also issue a booking voucher that speeds the process under the Maldives Visa for Indians arrangement. Make sure your accommodation is a licensed property—unregistered stays can create complications at arrival.
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Health & Traveler Declaration
All travellers to the Maldives must complete a Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of departure. This is an entry/exit requirement on the Maldives Immigration portal and applies to visitors applying for the Maldives Visa for Indians on arrival. The form collects basic contact, itinerary, and health information and must be presented (electronically or printed) at immigration.
Although health rules change with global conditions, as of the latest guidance travellers should:
- Complete the online Traveler Declaration within 96 hours of travel. imuga.immigration.gov.mv
- Carry proof of travel insurance covering medical evacuation if you are visiting remote islands or planning water activities.
- Check for any seasonal health advisories (e.g., dengue precautions) and vaccination recommendations.
Arrival Process and Immigration for Maldives Visa for Indians
At Velana International Airport (Malé) or at other entry points, Indian travellers using the Maldives Visa for Indiansprocess immigration as follows:
- Queue at immigration with passport and travel documents.
- Present proof of onward/return ticket and accommodation confirmation.
- Show the completed Traveller Declaration if asked.
- Receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival (normally free for standard tourism).
Most visits go smoothly if documentation is clear and the traveller can demonstrate sufficient means for the stay. If travelling on a one-way ticket, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds and an onward plan.
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Extensions & Overstays: Maldives Visa for Indians
If you wish to extend beyond the initial period granted by the Maldives Visa for Indians, you can apply for an extension through Maldives Immigration. Extensions are discretionary and require:
- A completed application to Maldives Immigration (online or in person). imuga.immigration.gov.mv
- Supporting documentation (continued accommodation bookings, updated return ticket, proof of funds).
- Payment of any administrative fees for the extension.
Overstaying a tourist visa without formal extension can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Always apply beforeyour current tourist visa expires and keep records of the extension approval for exit formalities.
Fees and Costs Related to Maldives Visa for Indians
Generally the Maldives Visa for Indians for standard tourist entry is issuable on arrival free of charge. However, travellers should account for:
- Seaplane or domestic transfer costs between Malé and island resorts or remote atolls (not part of immigration but crucial travel expense).
- Any visa extension fees applied by Maldives Immigration.
- Possible tourist levies or local fees charged by specific guesthouses or islands.
Though the basic visa may be free, plan for total trip costs including transfers and taxes when budgeting your Maldives holiday from India.
Tips for Smooth Maldives Visa for Indians Processing
- Complete the Traveller Declaration within 96 hours—this is mandatory and linked to the Maldives Visa for Indians arrival process.
- Carry confirmed bookings and return flights—these are the most common reasons for questioning at immigration.
- Use a travel agent or verified booking platform if you are unsure how to document package deals; they can issue vouchers accepted by immigration.
- Keep digital backups of reservations, passport pages, and the Traveller Declaration confirmation.
- Plan transfers in advance—resorts typically coordinate seaplane or speedboat transfers and will advise on meeting points and timings.
FAQs about Maldives Visa for Indians
Do Indians need a pre-arranged visa for Maldives?
No—Indians can usually obtain the Maldives Visa for Indians on arrival without pre-approval for standard tourism.
How long is the tourist visa issued to Indians?
A tourist visa is typically granted for 30 days on arrival; extensions are possible via Maldives Immigration.
Is the Maldives visa free for Indian citizens?
Standard tourist visas issued on arrival are usually issued without a visa fee; local charges and transfer costs still apply.
What if I plan to work or study in the Maldives?
The Maldives Visa for Indians for tourism does not cover work or study; contact Maldives Immigration or the relevant ministry for work or long-term visas.
Conclusion
Visa rules and entry requirements change periodically. For the most reliable, up-to-date instructions related to the Maldives Visa for Indians, always consult Maldives Immigration and official government notices before booking travel. The Immigration portal and the Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) system are the authoritative sources for forms, traveler declarations, and visa extensions.