Maldives Visa for Indians 2026: Free VOA & Travel Guide
The Maldives is one of the easiest international destinations for Indian travellers to visit. Indian passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days — no application, no fee, no advance paperwork. You just land at Velana International Airport in Male, clear immigration, and you are in.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Maldives visa process for Indians in 2026 — documents required, the mandatory IMUGA declaration, visa extension, direct flights from India, costs, and practical travel tips.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- Indian citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Male airport. No pre-approval needed.
- No visa fee — the Maldives tourist visa is completely free for all nationalities.
- You must fill the IMUGA Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before your flight.
- Carry a valid passport (minimum 1 month validity), confirmed hotel booking, return ticket, and proof of funds.
- Visa can be extended up to 90 days total by applying at the Maldives Immigration office.
- Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kochi take 2 to 4 hours and start around INR 7,000 one-way.
- The US Dollar is the primary currency; INR is not accepted.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Maldives?
Yes, technically you need a visa — but it is issued free of charge on arrival at Male’s Velana International Airport. There is no need to apply at an embassy or fill out a visa application form before your trip.
The Maldives offers this free visa on arrival to citizens of all countries, not just India. As an Indian passport holder, you simply show your documents at the immigration counter and receive a 30-day tourist visa stamp in your passport.
This makes the Maldives one of the most hassle-free international destinations for Indians. If you are looking for more such destinations, check out our guide to visa-free countries for Indian passport holders in 2026.
Documents Required for Maldives Visa on Arrival
While you do not need to apply for a visa in advance, you must carry specific documents. Immigration officers at Male airport will check these before stamping your visa.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 1 month from your date of arrival. At least one blank page needed for the visa stamp. |
| IMUGA Traveller Declaration | Mandatory online form to be filled within 96 hours before departure. Submit at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. |
| Confirmed Hotel Booking | Proof of accommodation at a registered resort, hotel, guesthouse, or liveaboard in the Maldives. |
| Return or Onward Ticket | A confirmed flight ticket showing your departure from the Maldives. |
| Proof of Sufficient Funds | Bank statement, credit card, or cash to cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask. |
Important notes:
- Passports with manually extended validity pages are not accepted by Maldives immigration. Ensure you have a fresh passport if yours was extended.
- Carry printed copies of your hotel booking and flight tickets as a backup, even if you have them on your phone.
- There is no vaccination requirement for Indians travelling to the Maldives as of 2026.
IMUGA Traveller Declaration: Step-by-Step
The IMUGA (Immigration Maldives Unified Gateway Application) form is a mandatory online declaration that every traveller must complete before arriving in — and departing from — the Maldives.
How to fill the IMUGA form:
- Visit the official portal at imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
- Click on Traveller Declaration and then New Declaration.
- Enter your passport details, flight information, and accommodation details.
- Submit the form. You will receive a confirmation via email.
- Complete this within 96 hours (4 days) before your flight.
Key points to remember:
- Each traveller, including infants, needs a separate declaration.
- You also need to fill a departure IMUGA form within 96 hours before your return flight.
- The form is free on the official IMUGA portal. Avoid third-party websites that charge a fee for the same form.
- If you make a mistake, you cannot edit a submitted form. Simply submit a new one.
How to Extend Your Maldives Visa Beyond 30 Days
The initial visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Maldives Department of Immigration and Emigration in Male.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum extension | Up to 60 additional days (90 days total stay) |
| Where to apply | Department of Immigration and Emigration, Male |
| When to apply | At least 2 days before your current visa expires |
| Extension fee | Approximately MVR 750 (around INR 4,000) |
| Documents needed | Valid passport, proof of funds, updated hotel booking, adjusted return ticket |
The extension is granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. It is not guaranteed, so plan your trip duration before you travel. For stays beyond 90 days, you would need a different visa category.
Direct Flights from India to Maldives (Male)
The Maldives is surprisingly close to India. Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male is the main entry point. Several Indian airlines operate direct flights from major cities.
| Departure City | Airlines | Approximate Flight Time | Starting Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India | 2 hours 40 minutes | INR 7,500 |
| Delhi (DEL) | Air India, IndiGo | 4 hours 30 minutes | INR 9,000 |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | IndiGo, Air India | 2 hours | INR 7,000 |
| Kochi (COK) | IndiGo | 1 hour 40 minutes | INR 6,500 |
Flight tips for booking India to Male flights:
- Book 6-8 weeks in advance to get the best fares. Maldives is a peak-season destination from November to April, and prices spike during holidays.
- Over 59 flights operate weekly between India and the Maldives, with around 8 flights per day across routes.
- Bengaluru and Kochi are the closest Indian cities to Male, offering the shortest and often cheapest flights.
- Book your flights on HappyFares to compare fares across airlines and find the best deals.
Maldives Trip Cost Estimate for Indians
Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a 4-night Maldives trip for two people from India.
| Expense | Budget Trip | Mid-Range Trip | Luxury Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return flights (2 pax) | INR 30,000 | INR 40,000 | INR 60,000 |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | INR 20,000 | INR 60,000 | INR 3,00,000+ |
| Food & drinks | INR 10,000 | INR 25,000 | INR 50,000+ |
| Activities & transfers | INR 5,000 | INR 15,000 | INR 40,000+ |
| Travel insurance | INR 500 | INR 1,000 | INR 2,000 |
| Total (approx.) | INR 65,000 | INR 1,40,000 | INR 4,50,000+ |
Budget travellers can keep costs down by staying at local island guesthouses in places like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, or Dhiffushi instead of private resort islands. Guesthouse rooms start from INR 3,000-5,000 per night and give you a more authentic Maldivian experience.
We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for your international trip — medical costs in the Maldives can be very high, and evacuation to Male or India can cost lakhs without coverage.
Practical Travel Tips for Indians Visiting Maldives
Currency and payments:
– The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency, but the US Dollar is widely accepted at resorts, restaurants, and tour operators.
– INR is not accepted in the Maldives. Carry USD or use your international debit/credit card.
– ATMs are available in Male and Hulhumale, but not on most resort islands.
SIM card and connectivity:
– Buy a tourist SIM card from Dhiraagu or Ooredoo at the Male airport arrivals hall. A 7-day data plan costs around USD 15-25.
– Most resorts offer Wi-Fi, but speeds vary and some charge extra.
Getting around:
– Speedboat transfers from Male airport to nearby islands cost USD 25-100 per person.
– Seaplane transfers to distant atolls cost USD 300-600 per person return.
– Public ferries connect Male to nearby local islands for USD 1-3 but run on limited schedules.
Food considerations:
– The Maldives is a Muslim country. Alcohol is only available at resorts, not on local islands or in Male.
– Vegetarian food is available but options can be limited on local islands. Resorts generally cater well to Indian dietary preferences.
– Many resorts have Indian restaurants or can prepare Indian meals on request.
Best time to visit:
– November to April is the dry season (northeast monsoon) and the best time for clear skies, calm seas, and water activities.
– May to October is the wet season with occasional rain and rougher seas, but you get lower prices and fewer crowds.
Planning a trip in the coming weeks? Check out our list of best holiday destinations to fly to in March-April 2026 for more ideas.
Things Not Allowed in the Maldives
The Maldives has strict customs regulations. The following items are prohibited and will be confiscated at customs:
- Alcohol (you cannot bring your own; it is only available at resorts)
- Pork and pork products
- Religious idols and books of worship other than Islam (for personal use, a small quantity may be allowed, but avoid carrying large items)
- Drugs and narcotics (severe penalties, including long prison sentences)
- Pornographic material
- Weapons, ammunition, and fireworks
- Drones (require prior approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority)
Declare any items you are unsure about at customs to avoid issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Maldives visa free for Indians?
A: Yes. Indian citizens receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days at Male’s Velana International Airport. There is no visa fee and no advance application required.
Q: How long can Indians stay in the Maldives without a visa?
A: The initial visa on arrival allows a stay of 30 days. You can extend it by up to 60 more days (90 days total) by applying at the Immigration office in Male before your visa expires.
Q: What is the IMUGA form and is it mandatory?
A: The IMUGA Traveller Declaration is a mandatory online form that all travellers must submit within 96 hours before arriving in the Maldives. You fill it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. It is free and takes about 5 minutes to complete. You also need to submit a departure declaration before your return flight.
Q: Can I travel to the Maldives with just an Indian passport?
A: You need a valid Indian passport along with a confirmed hotel booking, return flight ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and a completed IMUGA declaration. No additional visa paperwork is needed.
Q: What is the cheapest way to visit the Maldives from India?
A: Book flights from Bengaluru or Kochi (shortest routes, often cheapest fares), stay at a local island guesthouse instead of a resort, travel during the wet season (May-October) for lower prices, and book flights 6-8 weeks in advance on HappyFares to compare the best deals.
Final Thoughts
The Maldives is one of the simplest international trips an Indian traveller can take. No visa application, no fees, no embassy visits — just book your flights and hotel, fill the IMUGA form, and go. Whether you are planning a honeymoon at a luxury overwater villa or a budget trip on a local island, the entry process is the same and completely straightforward.
Start comparing flights to Male on HappyFares and lock in the best fare for your Maldives trip.
