Male Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
-
IMUGA Traveller Declaration
- Who
- All foreigners arriving in the Maldives
- When
- Within 96 hours before arrival
- Cost
- Free
A free service from Maldives Immigration. Maldives Immigration reports websites charging a fee to submit the declaration. Use only the official IMUGA portal.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
The Maldives runs a visa-on-arrival system for tourism at Velana International Airport. Eligibility and permitted stay length depend completely on your nationality. Some passports get longer stays than others. A very small number of nationalities must arrange visas in advance. These details change with bilateral agreements. Check the official Maldives Immigration website. It's the only reliable source.
Passport holders from these countries do not require a prior visa and are granted a visa on arrival.
The visa on arrival covers tourism only. You need a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
All travelers, regardless of nationality, must complete the IMUGA Traveller Declaration online before arrival.
Cost: Free. Note that Maldives Immigration has reported third-party websites charging a fee. Use only the official portal.
This is compulsory for all arriving foreigners. Failure to complete it may cause delays at immigration.
Nationalities that must obtain a visa before traveling to the Maldives.
This category applies to a limited number of nationalities. Verify your specific requirements with Maldives Immigration or an official diplomatic mission well in advance of travel.
Arrival Process
Upon landing at Velana International Airport, follow signs to immigration. The hall is well-signposted in English. The process involves sequential steps. Officers are generally efficient, though patience helps during peak arrival times. Your immigration interaction happens here at the airport. Not later in Male city.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Customs procedures at Velana International Airport are standard. The Maldives, including Male, is a Muslim country with strict laws prohibiting certain items. Duty-free allowances are designed for personal use only.
Prohibited Items
- Idols of worship - prohibited under Maldivian law
- Alcohol and pork products - prohibited for import
- Narcotics and drugs - illegal
- Pornographic materials - illegal
- Religious materials offensive to Islam
Restricted Items
- Prescription medication - should be in original containers with a doctor's note
- Drones - require prior approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority
- Animals and pets - require an import permit
Health Requirements
Paperwork is light. There are few formal health document requirements for entry into Male. But sensible precautions are advised.
Required Vaccinations
- One exception exists. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis)
- Hepatitis An and Typhoid, given potential food and water exposures
Health Insurance
Buy the insurance. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Medical facilities in Male are adequate for routine care. But serious conditions often require medical evacuation, which is extremely expensive.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Kids need papers too. Children under 18 must have their own passport. If traveling with one parent or alone, it's advisable to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) to avoid questions at immigration.
Leave Fido behind. Importing pets is highly restricted and involves quarantine. You must obtain an import permit from the Maldives Food and Drug Authority well in advance. The process is complex and time-consuming.
Extensions are possible. If you wish to stay longer than your initial visa-on-arrival allows, you can apply for an extension at the Maldives Immigration head office in Male. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a fee, a valid reason, and proof of funds.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Male Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Male?
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