🇮🇳 Maldives visa for Indian passport holders is completely FREE on arrival — no pre-approval, no hidden charges. From tourist visa rules to work permit costs, this 2026 guide covers everything you need for a seamless island entry.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Maldives?
No pre-arrival visa required. Indian citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport (Velana). You don’t need to apply at an embassy or pay any visa fee. This applies for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. As of 2026, the policy remains unchanged – one of the most traveller-friendly in the world.
Maldives Visa Requirements for Indians (2026)
- Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date.
- Confirmed return ticket or onward journey proof.
- Accommodation reservation (hotel/resort or guesthouse booking).
- Sufficient funds: approx. $150+ per day (credit cards/cash).
- IMUGA health & travel declaration submitted online (free).
- No COVID-19 restrictions – no vaccination proof required for entry.
Maldives Visa Comparison: Tourist vs Work vs Business
| Visa Type | Purpose | Max Stay | Fee (USD/INR) | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa on Arrival | Holidays, sightseeing | 30 days (extendable) | FREE | Instant at airport |
| Business Visa | Meetings, conferences | 30 days | Free (on arrival) | Invitation letter required |
| Work Visa (Employment) | Paid employment | 1 year (renewable) | ~$300–$700 + medical | Employer sponsorship (4-6 weeks) |
| Dependent Visa | Family of work permit holder | Same as main holder | $150 approx | Linked to work visa |
Visa extension for tourists: apply at Maldives Immigration (Male’) before expiry, fee approx MVR 750 (₹3,800).
How to Get Maldives Visa on Arrival: Step-by-Step
- Complete IMUGA declaration – Visit travel.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before departure. Fill passport, flight, and accommodation details. Save the QR code (digital or print).
- Fly to Malé (MLE) – Airlines like Indigo, Vistara, Air India offer direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.
- Arrive at Immigration counter – Present your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and the IMUGA QR code.
- Receive free visa stamp – Immigration officer stamps 30-day visit visa. No fees, no interview.
- Proceed to baggage & transfer – You’re ready to enjoy overwater villas or local islands.
Maldives Visa Cost for Indians (2026 Price Trends)
Great news: Tourist visa remains 100% free. No visa fees, no service charges. However, if you overstay, fines start at $50 per day. For work permits, the employer covers most but you might pay for medical tests & police clearance:
- Work visa processing: ~$500 (₹42,000) total (immigration & labor fees).
- Medical test for work visa: ₹2,500–₹5,000 in India.
- Visa extension (tourist): MVR 750 (₹3,800) for additional 30 days.
Compared to 2025, visa policy hasn’t changed, but immigration now uses AI-powered pre-screening for quicker processing.
Maldives Work Visa for Indians: How to Apply
If you’ve secured a job in Maldives (resorts, construction, IT), the employer initiates the work permit. Key steps for 2026:
- Employer gets Employment Approval (EA) from Maldives Immigration.
- You receive a Work Visa approval letter (valid for 30 days).
- Travel to Maldives, present approval letter → get work visa stamped for 1 year.
- Medical check-up upon arrival (chest X-ray, blood test).
- Cost: around $600–$750 total (usually borne by employer).
Note: As of 2026, Indian nationals can also check their work visa status online using passport number on the Maldives Immigration portal (Employment Approval check).
Pre-Departure Visa Checklist (Print & Go)
Quick Answers – Maldives Visa FAQs
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