How to Apply for a Maldives Visa 2023 | A Step-by-Step Approach

Maldives Visa

Irsa GulJune 28, 2023Last Updated: June 28, 2023

0 6 minutes read

If you’re planning to visit the Maldives, you’ll need to apply for a visa beforehand. A Maldives visa allows you to enter the country for a specific period, usually up to 30 days, and enjoy the tropical paradise that the Maldives is known for. Applying for a Maldives visa is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the correct steps and prepare the necessary documents to avoid any delays or rejections. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of how to apply for a Maldives visa in 2023.

About Maldives Visa

A Maldives visa is a document that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the Maldives for a limited period. The visa is usually issued for tourism, business, or transit purposes, and it can be single or multiple entries depending on the purpose of the visit. Foreign nationals from many countries are eligible for a visa on arrival, which means they can obtain their visa at the airport upon arrival in the Maldives. However, citizens from some countries may need to apply for a visa in advance. The Maldives visa application process is generally straightforward, and the visa fee is affordable.

Who must Require a Maldives Visa?

Foreign nationals from many countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in the Maldives, which means they don’t need to apply for a visa in advance.

1- Citizens of all countries do not require Maldives visas for tourism.

2- Citizens of all countries are eligible to get a Maldives visa on arrival, without any fee for a stay of up to 30 days.

3- Citizens of Russia and India can stay up to 60 days without a Maldives visa.

Maldives Visa Types

Here are the types of visas available for visitors to the Maldives:

Tourist Visa: This is the most common type of visa for visitors to the Maldives and allows for stays of up to 30 days. It can be extended for an additional 60 days if necessary.
Business Visa: This visa is for those traveling to the Maldives for business purposes, such as attending a conference or meeting. It allows for stays of up to 30 days and can also be extended for an additional 60 days.
Employment Visa: This visa is for those who have secured employment in the Maldives and allows for stays of up to 90 days. It can be extended for the duration of the employment contract.
Dependent Visa: This visa is for the dependents of someone who is living and working in the Maldives on an Employment Visa. It allows for stays of up to 90 days and can be extended for the duration of the employment contract.
Student Visa: This visa is for those who are coming to the Maldives to study. It allows for stays of up to 90 days and can be extended for the duration of the study program.
Medical Visa: This visa is for those who are coming to the Maldives for medical treatment. It allows for stays of up to 90 days and can be extended if necessary.

Requirements

Here are the requirements to apply for a Maldives visa:

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Maldives
A return ticket or an onward ticket
Proof of accommodation arrangements in Maldives such as hotel bookings, etc.
Sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the stay in Maldives
Completed visa application form (available on the Maldives Immigration website)
One recent passport-size photograph
Payment of visa fee (can be paid online or at the airport upon arrival)
Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required, such as an invitation letter, proof of employment, etc.

Application Procedure

To apply for a Maldives visa, follow these general steps:

Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel and duration of stay.
Gather the required documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and proof of accommodation and travel arrangements.
Fill out the visa application form online or in-person at the nearest Maldives embassy or consulate.
Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and duration of stay.
Submit your application along with the required documents and fee.
Wait for your visa to be processed, which typically takes 2-5 working days.
Once your visa is approved, collect your passport from the embassy or consulate, or receive your e-visa via email.
Travel to the Maldives and present your passport and visa at the border checkpoint for entry.

List of Embassies of the Maldives Around the World

Here is a list of the Maldives embassies and consulates around the world:

Embassy of Maldives in Dhaka, Bangladesh
High Commission of Maldives in Delhi, India
Embassy of Maldives in Islamabad, Pakistan
Embassy of Maldives in Tokyo, Japan
Embassy of Maldives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Embassy of Maldives in Singapore
Embassy of Maldives in Beijing, China
Permanent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations in New York, USA
Embassy of Maldives in London, United Kingdom
Embassy of Maldives in Paris, France
Embassy of Maldives in Berlin, Germany
Embassy of Maldives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Embassy of Maldives in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Embassy of Maldives in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Embassy of Maldives in Moscow, Russia
Embassy of Maldives in Ankara, Turkey
Embassy of Maldives in Cairo, Egypt
Embassy of Maldives in Tehran, Iran
Embassy of Maldives in Oslo, Norway
Embassy of Maldives in Stockholm, Sweden

To see the whole list the given link.

Maldives Visa Costs

The cost of a Maldives visa varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Here are the estimated costs of Maldives visas:

Tourist visa – US$100 for a maximum stay of 30 days
Business visa – US$150 for a maximum stay of 90 days
Work visa – US$200 for a maximum stay of 90 days
Student visa – US$50 for a maximum stay of 90 days
Journalist visa – US$400 for a maximum stay of 90 days

Maldives Work Permit

Foreign nationals who wish to work in the Maldives must obtain a work permit. Here are the general requirements and procedures for obtaining a Maldives work permit:

Requirements

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
A job offer from a Maldives-based employer
A health certificate issued by a recognized medical institution
A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country or country of residence
Evidence of educational qualifications, experience, and skills relevant to the job
Proof of adequate financial support to cover living expenses during the stay in the Maldives
A valid visa to enter the Maldives (if applicable)

Procedure

The employer in the Maldives should apply for a work permit on behalf of the foreign employee.
The employer should submit the required documents to the Maldives Immigration Department.
The Maldives Immigration Department will review the application and issue a work permit if approved.
The employer should then provide the work permit to the foreign employee, who can then apply for a work visa from the nearest Maldives embassy or consulate.
Once the work visa is issued, the foreign employee can travel to the Maldives and begin work.

Maldives Residence Permit

If you are a foreigner and wish to stay in the Maldives for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Here are the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Maldives residence permit:

Requirements

A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
A valid visa issued by the Maldives immigration authority.
A police clearance certificate issued by your home country.
A health certificate issued by a recognized medical institution stating that you are free of contagious diseases.
Proof of financial stability or a letter from a Maldivian sponsor who can financially support you.
A letter from your employer, if applicable.

Procedure

Apply for a work permit or a long-term visa at the Maldives Immigration Department or the Maldivian embassy in your home country.
Once you have been granted a visa, you may apply for a residence permit at the Maldives Immigration Department. You will need to submit the required documents listed above.
Pay the required fees for your residence permit.
Wait for your application to be processed. The processing time varies, but it typically takes around 14 days.
Once your application is approved, you will receive your residence permit.
Your residence permit must be renewed annually.