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This guide helps with the documentation process to enter the Maldives. So, when the vacation approaches, you can focus on imagining islands surrounded by turquoise waters and relaxing in a luxury overwater villa.
To experience these in person, get a basic understanding of the Maldives. One thing you should know is that Indians receive a free visa on arrival, but most people don’t realise they need to get a declaration form. This blog simplifies essential documentation and addresses the most crucial questions, such as Maldives visa costs, extensions, and how to apply for IMUGA.
Do Indian Nationals Need a Visa for the Maldives?
The answer is a relief to Indians: you receive a visa on arrival, but you must still complete a traveller declaration form, which is explained step by step below.
Unlike many other countries, one major advantage here is that no embassy visits are required for a tourist visa. Your passport and a few supporting documents are sufficient.
Maldives Visa on Arrival for Indians: Required Documents
Indian tourists must submit specific documents at the airport. Immigration officers will verify your documents before granting entry and issuing the visa-on-arrival stamp. If you fail to present those necessary documents, your entry will be denied.
Essential Documents Needed for the Maldives Visa on Arrival Approval
- Passport: It should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- Accommodation Booking: Show a confirmed reservation at a resort, guesthouse, or hotel covering the entire duration of your stay.
- Return Flight Tickets: You should prove that you intend to leave the Maldives, either with a return ticket to India or another destination outside the Maldives.
- Traveller Declaration-IMUGA: This online form must be completed within 96 hours before arrival.
Applying for a Maldives Visa Online: Step-by-step Instructions
As an Indian passport holder, you will automatically receive a visa on arrival. However, the IMUGA Declaration must be completed 96 hours before landing in the Maldives.
Step 1: Open the IMUGA Declaration website
When you are on this page, click on the “Travel Declaration,” and on that page again click on the “New Declaration.”
Step 2: This step takes you to a new page where you must provide personal details.
Here are the things you need to fill in on this page.
- Upload your passport, or you can click “Skip Upload” and fill in the Purpose of the visit
- Name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Email address
- Mobile number
- Photo (JPG, JPEG or PNG < 6.00 MB)
Once you have completed this, click Next to fill in the Travel Details.
- Origin country of departure
- Port of entry
- Arrival date
- Flight number
- PNR number
- Length of stay
- Accommodation details
- Port of departure
- Departure date
- Destination after the Maldives
Click Next to continue the Health Declaration form and enter the following details.
- Here, you can review the following details and select Yes or No.
Next, you will be on the Custom Declaration page:
- Read the prohibited & restricted items information and pack things accordingly.
- Number of check-in bags.
- Mention if you are carrying any prohibited items.
Here is what you need to know once you land in the Maldives
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport in Male, proceed to the immigration counter and present your passport, IMUGA confirmation, hotel booking, and return ticket.
The officer will review your documents and may ask questions about the purpose and duration of your trip.
This process usually takes only a few minutes, provided you have all the required documents ready. If everything looks good, then the officials will stamp your passport with a tourist visa.
Cost of a Maldives Visa for Indians
The best thing about the Maldives is that it does not charge a visa fee. If you hold an Indian passport, you are eligible for a standard tourist visa valid for 30 days.
However, only the first 30 days are free; you will need to pay to extend them. Costs of Maldives visa extension: Approx 4,612 INR per person.
Essential Information for Visiting the Maldives
In addition to visa requirements, here are a few tips to help ensure your Maldivian holiday is a success. Understanding these points saves time in planning and avoids common mistakes.
Is insurance needed for the Maldives?
Travel insurance is not mandatory when visiting the Maldives, but strongly recommended.
Insurance can protect you from many unfortunate circumstances, such as losing your luggage or passport, trip cancellations, or any health-related incidents.
How does the Maldives visa extension work?
Extend your visa at the IMUGA portal. This is the same portal used for the traveller declaration form. All you need is a digital passport-sized photograph taken within the last 12 months.
Your passport and accommodation details on file from your arrival declaration are used to pre-fill the extension form
- Processing time: Approval typically comes within 48 hours.
- When to apply: At least 2 – 3 days before your current 30-day visa expires. Do not wait until the last day.
- Approx. Fee: 750 MVR (4,612 INR). Once your application is approved, you receive a secure payment link by SMS or email.
Note: Some resorts and guesthouses also assist with the application on your behalf. If you are staying on a local island, check with your guesthouse whether they handle such a process.
Common Reasons Indians Get Stopped at the Maldives Immigration
- Passport valid for less than 6 months: If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be denied entry regardless of your hotel and flight confirmation.
- IMUGA form not completed before landing: The declaration must be submitted within 96 hours before arrival.
- No printed documents: Immigration officers at Velana International Airport prefer physical copies. Don’t rely on your soft copies. It’s good to print your hotel booking, return ticket, and IMUGA confirmation before you leave India.
- Accommodation not confirmed for the full stay: A hotel booking for two nights when you’re staying five nights will not be accepted. Your confirmed reservation must cover the duration of your stay in the Maldives.
- No onward or return ticket: You must show proof that you plan to leave, either a return flight to India or a confirmed ticket to another destination.
- Carrying prohibited items: Alcohol, pork products, and non-Islamic religious materials are prohibited from entering the Maldives.
Conclusion
When planning a holiday to the Maldives, prioritise the visa process before finalising your itinerary. Once you have your passport, hotel bookings, return tickets, and the IMUGA form, you are set for a Maldivian experience.
The Maldives offers something for every type of traveller: adventure seekers, couples who want romantic villas, and those looking to unwind on pristine beaches.
If you need any assistance with booking a trip to the Maldives, contact Dimaak Tours. We can help with a family, friends, or honeymoon trip to the Maldives.
Frequently Asked Questions on Maldives Visa for Indians
1. Can you extend your Maldives visa after arrival?
Yes, the Maldives visa on arrival you get at the beginning is valid for 30 days. It can be extended for an additional 60 days. The process can be completed entirely through the IMUGA portal.
2. What is the visa cost for the Maldives for Indians?
Indian citizens receive a free 30-day tourist visa with no fees. If you need to extend your visa, the fee is approximately 4,612 INR. However, as a tourist, you are unlikely to need to stay longer than 7-days in the Maldives. Though the Maldives is a luxury destination, free visas and a better plan can make it affordable.
3. Is IMUGA Free?
IMUGA, the traveller declaration form is completely free. All you have to do is complete the traveller declaration within 96 hours of arrival. It takes a few minutes and immediately gives you a QR code confirmation upon submission.
4. What currency can tourists use in the Maldives?
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), and Indian tourists can use this widely in the islands. On the other hand, USD is also accepted, particularly in resorts, restaurants, and tourist centres. The smaller stores on the public island usually accept MVR.
