Maldives

🇲🇻

Phone Code

+960

Capital

Male

Population

540,000

Native Name

Maldives

Region

Asia

Southern Asia

Timezone

Maldives Time

UTC+05:00

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Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Maldives is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 ring-shaped atolls, stretching over 800km north to south. The world's lowest country by average elevation (highest point only 2.4m above sea level, average 1.5m), Maldives is on the frontline of climate change and sea-level rise. Malé, the capital, is one of the world's most densely populated cities packed onto a 2km² island. A 100% Muslim country (Sunni Islam is state religion), Maldives is famous for luxury 'one island, one resort' tourism model with overwater villas, pristine beaches, and world-class diving. Independent from Britain since 1965, Maldives has developed into an exclusive honeymoon and luxury travel destination. Visitors come for luxury resort islands, incredible diving and snorkeling (coral reefs, manta rays, whale sharks), overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, water sports, spa retreats, and ultimate tropical paradise escape. Maldives offers unparalleled marine beauty and luxurious seclusion, though at premium prices.

Visa Requirements for Maldives

Maldives has one of the world's most liberal visa policies: FREE visa on arrival for citizens of ALL countries for tourist stays up to 30 days. No advance application, no visa fees, no discrimination by nationality - every passport holder receives free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at Velana International Airport (Malé). Requirements are minimal: valid passport (minimum 6 months), confirmed accommodation booking (resort reservation or guesthouse), proof of sufficient funds ($100-150 per day), and return or onward ticket. The visa is stamped in your passport at immigration. This remarkably open policy reflects Maldives' tourism-dependent economy (tourism accounts for 60%+ of foreign exchange). Extensions up to 90 days total are possible through immigration offices. No other country in the world offers such universal visa-free access. The visa process takes 5-10 minutes at airport immigration. Maldives' visa policy is specifically designed to maximize tourism revenue from luxury resort guests.

Common Visa Types

Free Visa on Arrival (ALL Nationalities)

30 days free; granted automatically at Velana International Airport upon arrival; requires passport (valid 6 months), confirmed resort/guesthouse booking, proof of sufficient funds ($100-150/day), return ticket; NO visa fee, NO advance application; stamped in passport; extendable to 90 days total.

For tourism for citizens of EVERY country in the world - most liberal visa policy globally.

Visa Extension (Up to 90 Days)

Can extend up to 90 days total stay; apply at Department of Immigration in Malé before initial 30 days expire; requires passport, application form, accommodation proof, proof of funds, fee ($250-750 depending on extension length); processing few days; possible for special circumstances.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 30 days.

Work Permit / Residence Permit

Beyond 90 days; requires employment contract with Maldivian employer (resort, dive company, etc.) or other specific purpose; sponsor arranges permit; tied to employer; difficult to obtain independently; most resort staff from South Asia on work permits.

For long-term stays exceeding 90 days including work at resorts or residence.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date. This is strictly enforced. Ensure sufficient blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Resort booking proof REQUIRED: Must have confirmed accommodation reservation (resort booking or guesthouse confirmation). Immigration may deny entry without this. Keep printout or electronic confirmation. Hotels/resorts are asked to report guest information to immigration.

Proof of funds: Must demonstrate sufficient funds (~$100-150 USD per day of stay). Credit cards, bank statements, or cash acceptable. Occasionally checked at immigration. Maldives is very expensive - $500+/night resorts common.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Male
States & Regions in Maldives

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Maldives

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Maldives
United States in Maldives

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Planning your Maldives escape?

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