1. What is the current visa policy for traveling to Maldives?

As of November 2021, Maldives offers visa-free entry to citizens of all countries. Therefore, visitors do not need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to the Maldives for tourism purposes.

Upon arrival at any entry port, travelers are required to present a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and proof of onward or return travel (such as a return ticket). Travelers may also be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the Maldives (US$100 + $50 per day).

For those who wish to stay longer than 30 days, a tourist visa extension can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Male.

2. Is there any specific entry requirements due to COVID-19?

Yes, due to COVID-19, there are specific entry requirements for travelers entering the Maldives. All travelers must have a negative PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to departure from their country of origin. Children under one years old are exempt from this requirement.

Additionally, all travelers must complete an online health declaration form within 24 hours before departure. This form can be found on the Maldives Immigration website or on the Imuga portal.

3. Are there any restrictions or COVID-19 protocols in place during my stay in Maldives?

The Maldivian government has implemented several measures and protocols in response to COVID-19. These include:

– All visitors are required to undergo thermal screening upon arrival and anyone showing symptoms will be subjected to further testing.
– Social distancing guidelines must be followed in public places.
– Wearing face masks is mandatory in public areas and on public transportation.
– Enhanced hygiene measures have been implemented in hotels and resorts.
– Travelers may be subject to random testing during their stay.
– In case of a positive COVID-19 test result, travelers may be subject to quarantine and isolation as per local guidelines.

It is advised to regularly check for any updates or changes to the COVID-19 protocols before and during your stay in the Maldives.

2. Do I need a visa to enter Maldives as a tourist?

Yes, foreign nationals visiting Maldives for tourism purposes are required to obtain a visa before arrival. This can be done through the Maldives Immigration website or upon arrival at the airport.

3. Are there any exemptions for certain nationalities in regards to visa requirements in Maldives?

Yes, citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Maldives:

1. All countries in the Commonwealth

2. European Union countries

3. Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR), Colombia, Egypt.
4 South Africa.

5 France (Gabonese and French nationals)

6 Germany (Armenian and German national)

7 Indonesia

8 Israel

9 Italy

10 Japan

11 Kuwait

12 Luxembourg

13 Malaysia

14 Myanmar

15 Netherlands

16 New Zealand

17 Norway

18 Oman

19 Poland

20 Qatar

21 Russia

22 Saudi Arabia

23 Seychelles

24 Singapore

25 South Korea

26 Spain

27 Sweden

28 Switzerland

29 Thailand

30 Turkey

31 United Arab Emirates

32 United Kingdom (British nationals)

33 United States of America.

4. How long does it typically take to obtain a visa for Maldives?

The duration of the visa process for Maldives can vary depending on your country and nationality. Typically, it takes 1-5 working days to obtain a tourist visa for Maldives, while business visas can take up to 3 weeks. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least a month before your planned trip to allow enough time for processing.

5. Is there an option for expedited processing of visa applications for Maldives?

Unfortunately, there is currently no option for expedited processing of visa applications for Maldives. The standard processing time for a visa is 3-5 working days, and all applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis. It is recommended to submit your application well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.

6. Are vaccinations required for entry into Maldives?

Yes, all visitors to Maldives, including infants and children, are required to have a valid vaccination certificate for yellow fever if they are arriving from or have transited through an infected area within 12 days prior to their arrival. In addition, the Maldives government recommends that visitors be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, tetanus, and influenza. However, these vaccinations are not mandatory for entry. It is always best to consult with your doctor or travel clinic for personalized recommendations based on your individual health history.

7. Is there a limit on how long I am allowed to stay in Maldives on a tourist visa?

Yes, the maximum duration of stay on a tourist visa in Maldives is 90 days. After that, you will need to apply for an extension if you wish to stay longer. The total duration of your stay on a tourist visa cannot exceed 90 days in a single entry.

8. Can I work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Maldives?

No, you are not allowed to work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Maldives. The purpose of a tourist visa is for leisure and recreational activities only. If you wish to work or volunteer in Maldives, you will need to apply for an appropriate work or volunteer visa.

9. Is it possible to extend my tourist visa once I am already in Maldives?

It is possible to extend your tourist visa once you are already in Maldives by filling out an application with Maldives Immigration and paying the necessary fees. However, extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies or unexpected travel delays. It is not a guarantee that your extension request will be approved.

10. What are the necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Maldives?

The necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Maldives are as follows:

1. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.

2. Formulario de solicitud de visa completo.

3. Two recent passport-size photos.

4. Proof of travel arrangements such as return ticket and hotel reservations.

5. A copy of the bio data page of your passport.

6. Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Maldives (bank statement or traveler’s checks).

7. Insurance certificate valid for the duration of your trip.

8. Letter from your employer stating your designation, salary and purpose of travel (if applicable).

9. Visa fee (varies depending on nationality – check with the Maldivian embassy or consulate in your country)

10. Any additional documents required by the embassy/consulate, such as a letter of invitation from a sponsor or proof of hotel booking if staying with friends/relatives.

It is always recommended to check with the nearest Maldivian embassy/consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and fees.

11. Are there any specific requirements or restrictions for business travelers entering Maldives?

Yes, business travelers entering Maldives must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days, but an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds is necessary. Business travelers are also required to have confirmation of their hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host company in Maldives. There may be additional restrictions and requirements in place due to COVID-19, so it is important to check with the Maldivian authorities before traveling.

12. Do minors require a separate visa when traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Maldives?

Yes, minors require a separate visa when traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Maldives. The visa application must be submitted alongside the visa application of their parent or legal guardian. Minors traveling with only one parent or legal guardian may also be required to present additional documents such as a letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent.

13. What is the duration of validity for a tourist visa to enter Maldives?

The duration of validity for a tourist visa to enter Maldives is for 30 days upon arrival.

14. Can I enter and exit multiple times with one single-entry tourist visa for travels within Maldives?

Yes, you can enter and exit multiple times with a single-entry tourist visa for travels within Maldives. However, please note that the visa will only be valid for 30 days from the date of entry into the country. Once you have exited the country, the visa will no longer be valid and you will need to obtain a new one if you plan on re-entering Maldives.

15. Can I apply for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Maldives?

No, tourists are not able to apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport in Maldives. In order to enter the Maldives as a tourist, you must obtain a tourist visa prior to arriving in the country. This can be obtained through an online application or by submitting an application through the nearest Maldivian embassy or consulate.

16. Does my passport need to have a minimum number of months remaining before expiration in order to apply for a visa to enter Maldives?

Yes, your passport needs to have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of your intended entry into Maldives. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you will need to renew it before applying for a visa.

17. Will my criminal record affect my eligibility for obtaining a visa to enter Maldives?

Possibly. The Maldivian government reserves the right to deny entry to individuals with a criminal record, as they may be considered a threat to the safety and security of the country. It is recommended that you speak with your embassy or consulate in Maldives for more specific information regarding your individual circumstances.

18. What are the consequences if I overstay my tourist visa period in Maldives?

If you overstay your tourist visa period in Maldives, you may face penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation. Additionally, you may be banned from entering the country again for a certain period of time. It is important to follow the rules and regulations of the country and to leave before your visa expires to avoid these consequences.

19.Is it possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit (such as student, work, or family) to another while remaining within country limits in Maldives?

No, it is not possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit to another while remaining within country limits in Maldives. Each type of permit has specific requirements and eligibility criteria, and the application process must be completed by leaving the country and re-entering with the relevant permit.

20.What are the mandatory requirements regarding passport photos and sizes for visa application in Maldives?

The following are the mandatory requirements for passport photos and sizes for visa application in Maldives:

1. Size: The photo should be of standard passport size, i.e. 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm).

2. Background: The background of the photo must be plain and light-colored, preferably white or off-white.

3. Quality: The photo should be clear and of high quality with no blurred or dark areas.

4. Head position: The head in the photo should be centered and facing directly towards the camera.

5. Expression: The person in the photo should have a neutral expression with their mouth closed and eyes open.

6. Glasses: If the person wears glasses, they must be non-reflective and the eyes must be visible clearly through them.

7. Attire: The person in the photo must wear normal street clothes, without any uniforms or hats, except for religious purposes.

8. Head covering: Head coverings such as hats or scarves are not allowed except for religious purposes.

9. Eyewear: Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not permitted unless required due to medical reasons.

10. Photo Age: The photo must not be more than 6 months old at the time of visa application.

11. Digital Format: The photo should be in digital format with a resolution of at least 600 dpi (dots per inch) and a maximum file size of 1 MB.

12. Printed Photo: If submitting a printed photo, it should be on high-quality paper with no creases or smudges.

13. Facial features: The face of the person in the photo should occupy about 70-80% of the total image area.

14. Colored Photo: The photo should be in color, black & white photos will not be accepted.

15.Eyes Position:
The eyes of the person in the photo must be open, visible, and positioned towards the camera.

16. Photo for minors: It is recommended that photos of children under 6 years old should not be submitted since their appearance may change rapidly.

17. Editing/Autocorrection: The photo must not have been edited or corrected in any way using software tools. It should be a natural image without any alterations.

18. Number of Photos:
Two identical copies of the photo must be submitted along with the visa application.

19. Size of the Head: The head size in the photo should be between 25 mm to 35 mm from chin to crown.

20. Sample Photos: It is advisable to use sample photographs from your nearest Maldivian Embassy/Consulate or visit www.immigration.gov.mv for reference before submitting your application.