Maldives Visa
The Maldives stands out as a favored spot for travelers seeking a lavish getaway, enveloped by pristine waters and picturesque sandy beaches. Given its allure and the associated expenses, the Maldives adopts a rather relaxed visa policy.
Do I Require a Visa for the Maldives?
No, there’s no need for a visa if you’re journeying to the Maldives for tourism. Visitors from all nations are eligible for a visa upon arrival, free of charge, permitting stays of up to 30 days. Moreover, Russian and Indian nationals can enjoy stays of up to 90 days sans visa.
How to Obtain a Maldives Visa upon Arrival?
Securing a Maldives visa upon arrival is open to all, provided you present the following documents to Immigration officers:
- A machine-readable passport (MRP) valid for at least six more months
- Confirmed accommodation arrangements in the Maldives (e.g., hotel reservation)
- Proof of adequate financial resources for the duration of your stay
- A return or onward flight ticket
- A visa for your subsequent destination (if applicable)
Note:
- The duration of the Maldives visa upon arrival isn’t guaranteed; it’s at the discretion of Immigration officers.
- This visa is strictly for tourism; engaging in employment is prohibited.
- For purposes other than tourism, a sponsor in the Maldives is required to facilitate the visa application process.
Can I Extend a Maldives Visa upon Arrival?
Certainly, you can extend your visa upon arrival in the Maldives by submitting a Visa Extension Application Form to Maldives Immigration in Male before your current visa expires. The extension permits a maximum stay of 90 days. For instance, if your initial visa is for 30 days, you can obtain a maximum 60-day extension.
The extension fee is Rufiyaa 750 if your total stay (including the original tourist visa) exceeds 30 days. However, if your stay, even with the extension, is less than 30 days, no fee is required.
Maldives Business Visa
A Maldives business visa is issued online to foreign nationals traveling to the Maldives for business purposes without intending to seek employment locally. The application process involves your sponsor (the company you’re visiting or its representative in the Maldives) submitting requisite documents via email to Maldives Immigration.
The documents include:
- Business Visa application form (form IM24)
- Scanned color copy of your passport’s bio page (machine-readable and valid for at least six more months)
- Your registration copy
- Recent passport-size photograph of yourself
- Visa Applicant Information Form (IM30), if applicable
- Copy of your medical insurance policy
- Letter from your sponsor specifying your intended stay dates
- Any other supporting documents, such as qualification certificates or letters of experience
Moving to the Maldives
For individuals contemplating relocation to the Maldives, sponsorship is essential. Your sponsor must apply for your visa or residence permit from Maldives Immigration in Male before your travel. If you plan to work in the Maldives, securing employment beforehand is imperative, enabling your employer to apply for your work permit. The sponsor must be a local or locally-registered company in the Maldives.
Maldives Work Visa
A Maldives work visa requires your employer or representative in the Maldives to obtain your work permit (Employment Authorization) from Maldives Immigration. Both you and your sponsor must submit requisite documents, including your passport, employment approval, work visa card fee, recent passport-size photograph of yourself, medical health screening report, and work visa submission receipt.
Working in the Maldives without employment authorization is strictly prohibited
Maldives Marriage Visa
A Maldives marriage visa is necessary if you’re marrying a Maldivian national. Your sponsor (fiancé) must apply for your visa at Maldives Immigration before your travel. Marriage or registration of marriage in the Maldives isn’t permissible with a regular tourist visa. Upon entry with your sponsored visa, you can initiate the Marriage Visa procedure within 30 days.
The documents required for a Maldives Marriage Visa include:
- Application for Permit Extension Form (IM23) with signature and seal from the Family Court
- Your passport (machine-readable)
- Original and copy of Marriage Certificate
- Copy of the Maldivian national’s Identity Card
- Passport-size photograph of yourself
- Visa card fee
- Copy of expatriate health insurance policy
- Medical health screening report from an authorized medical institution
All necessary application forms can be found on the Maldives Immigration website.
Maldives Dependent Visa
For dependents of individuals already residing in the Maldives (e.g., work visa holders), sponsorship from the family member is necessary. The family member must submit required documents to Immigration, including Application for Permit Extension Form (IM23), passport, passport-size photograph, dependent visa card fee, dependent visa fee, proof of family status, embassy letter (if parent of main visa holder), copy of expatriate health insurance policy, and medical health screening report.
All necessary forms for the application are available on the Maldives Immigration website.