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Last updated April 2026 · Verified against official sources
Maldives Visa for Indians 2026, Complete Guide
The Maldives gives every person on earth a free 30-day Visa on Arrival. No application, no fee, no pre-approval. Indians are no exception. You land at Velana International Airport in Male, walk to immigration, show your passport with at least one month of validity, your hotel booking, and your return ticket, and you get a 30-day stamp in your passport and walk out into one of the most beautiful archipelagos on the planet. The only pre-trip step: complete the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This takes five minutes. The declaration is mandatory and free — any website charging for it is a scam. Beyond the visa simplicity, the Maldives splits Indian travelers into two entirely different trip experiences: resort Maldives and local island Maldives. Resort Maldives is the overwater bungalow version you see in every honeymoon reel — private islands, glass-floor villas, butler service, seaplane arrivals. Minimum realistic budget: Rs 2.5 lakh per person for five days. Local island Maldives is the other economy, centered on inhabited islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Dhigurah, where guesthouses cost Rs 3,500 to Rs 8,000 per night, you eat grilled tuna for Rs 500, and you still snorkel over the same reefs. This guide covers both completely — visa, IMUGA, cost by category, the two tourism economies, and work visa rules for the many Indians working in Maldivian hospitality.
📑 In This Article
- All Maldives Visa Options for Indians
- Documents Required for Maldives Visa
- Why Maldives Visa Gets Rejected for Indians, Every Cause and Fix
- How to Apply for Maldives Visa from India, Step by Step
- Total Cost of Maldives Trip from India, Realistic Breakdown
- Hidden Costs Most Indians Miss
- Money-Saving Tips for Maldives from India
- Best Time to Visit Maldives from India
- What Happens When You Land, Maldives Immigration
- Maldives Embassy and Consulate Locations in India
- How Maldives Compares to Other Southeast Asia Destinations
- What Maldives Is Actually Like for Indian Travelers
- Maldives Visa Guide by Departure City
- Frequently Asked Questions, Maldives Visa for Indians
At a Glance, Maldives Visa 2026
Cost
Rs 0
~$0 · Single or multiple
Processing
Instant at Velana International Airport
Apply 2 weeks before travel
Stay
30 days
Per entry
Entry
Single (re-entry possible with new visa on arrival)
Same price as single, always choose this
Apply At
Official Portal
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv
All Maldives Visa Options for Indians
| Visa Type | Fee | Processing | Stay | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa on Arrival (Free for all nationalities) All Indian tourists. No application in advance required. |
Rs 0 | Instant at Velana International Airport | 30 days | Single (re-entry possible with new visa on arrival) |
| Meeting Visa on Arrival (Free) Indians attending business meetings, conferences, conventions in the Maldives. From May 14, 2023. |
Rs 0 | Instant on arrival (must have pre-approved application from Maldives Immigration) | 14 days | Single |
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 to 90 days) Travelers wanting more than 30 days in Maldives. Very expensive — Rs 63,000 for the extension. |
Rs 63,000 | At Maldives Immigration office on a working day | 60 days | Extension of current stay |
| Work Visa (employer-sponsored, e-Visa system) Indians employed by Maldivian companies, resorts, government entities. Employer applies and pays fees. |
Rs 0 | Work permit: 48 hours online. Work visa: 3 working days after passport submission | 365 days | Multiple within validity |
Which one should you get?
For tourism: the Tourist Visa on Arrival (Free for all nationalities). It is cheaper, faster, and simpler than every other option. Apply at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Takes 15 minutes to fill. Arrives by email in Instant at Velana International Airport.
Documents Required for Maldives Visa
-
Indian passport — valid at least 1 month from arrival dateMaldives requires only 1 month of passport validity from your arrival date — one of the most relaxed requirements in the world. Most other countries require 6 months. However, carry a passport in good physical condition. Passports with manually extended validity (not machine-printed) are specifically rejected by Maldivian immigration. All travelers including children must have their own passport.
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IMUGA Traveller Declaration — mandatory, free Most CriticalComplete at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours (4 days) before your arrival. Free. Enter passport details, flight details, and accommodation in the Maldives. You receive a confirmation by email. Save this and carry it. You also need to complete a departure IMUGA declaration within 96 hours before your return flight. The form is completely free — any website asking for payment is a scam.
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Confirmed hotel or resort booking for complete stay — mandatory Most CriticalHotel or resort booking for your entire stay is explicitly required by Maldivian immigration. This is the single most enforced entry requirement. Without confirmed accommodation you will be refused entry. The booking must be at a registered tourist facility. Maldivian immigration officers specifically ask about your accommodation. Have the booking confirmation accessible on your phone — resort name, island name, dates.
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Return or onward flight ticket — confirmed Most CriticalYou must have a confirmed flight departing the Maldives within your authorized stay period (30 days). Have it accessible on your phone. Immigration officers check this. One-way tickets to the Maldives can trigger additional questioning or refusal.
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Proof of sufficient funds — USD 100/day guidelineMaldives immigration guidance recommends USD 100 per person per day of intended stay as the funds benchmark. For a 7-day trip: USD 700 (approx Rs 59,000). Show your bank app with adequate balance or a credit card. In practice, if your hotel is pre-paid and all-inclusive, demonstrating pre-paid accommodation is often sufficient.
What You Do NOT Need
Unlike Schengen or UK visa applications, Maldives’s e-visa does not require:
- Visa application in advance — visa granted on arrival for free
- Visa fee — tourist visa on arrival is completely free
- ITR, salary slips, employment letter — not required
- Bank statement printout — bank app on phone sufficient
- Travel insurance — recommended but not required
- Invitation letter — not required
- Cover letter or purpose of visit letter — not required
- Photo for immigration — no photos required for VoA
Why Maldives Visa Gets Rejected for Indians, Every Cause and Fix
1
No confirmed hotel booking, Most common reason for entry refusal
Why it happens for Indians: Some travelers assume the visa on arrival means casual entry with no documentation. Maldivian immigration explicitly and strictly enforces the hotel booking requirement. Budget travelers who plan to ‘find accommodation after landing’ or who booked refundable accommodation they then cancelled are turned back.
Fix: Book your accommodation before flying — resort or guesthouse. Have the confirmation showing your name, property name, island, check-in and check-out dates. It must match your intended stay. Even a refundable booking that is currently confirmed and active is acceptable.
2
No return ticket, Second most common refusal reason
Why it happens for Indians: Travelers arriving on one-way tickets are specifically flagged by Maldivian immigration. With no confirmed departure, immigration cannot be satisfied that you will leave within 30 days. One-way tickets combined with no hotel booking is an almost certain refusal combination.
Fix: Book your return flight before traveling. Have the confirmation on your phone. The departure must be within 30 days of arrival.
3
Paying third-party sites for IMUGA declaration, Common waste of money, occasionally causes incorrect submissions
Why it happens for Indians: Multiple websites have been built to look like the official IMUGA portal and charge Rs 300 to Rs 1,500 for the declaration. Some submit correctly but overcharge. Others submit incorrectly, causing passport mismatch issues at immigration.
Fix: Complete IMUGA only at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. The official portal is free. The URL must start with imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Any other domain is not the official portal. The declaration takes 5 minutes and requires only passport details, flight details, and accommodation name.
4
Bringing alcohol into the Maldives, Happens to Indian tourists unfamiliar with Maldives customs laws
Why it happens for Indians: The Maldives is a 100% Muslim country. Importing alcohol is strictly prohibited for all visitors regardless of religion or nationality. Alcohol is only available at resort islands that hold a license — served only to non-Muslim guests. Tourists who pack alcohol from India have it confiscated at customs and can face further action.
Fix: Do not bring any alcohol into the Maldives. This applies to wine, beer, spirits, and any alcoholic beverage. If you are staying at a licensed resort, alcohol is available (at high resort prices). Local islands have no alcohol available — this is part of the trade-off of local island travel.
5
Damaged passport or manually extended passport, Occasional but catches travelers off guard
Why it happens for Indians: Maldivian immigration explicitly rejects passports with manually extended validity dates (handwritten or manually stamped extensions rather than machine-issued ones). Damaged passports — loose pages, water damage, torn bio-data lamination — also cause secondary screening or refusal.
Fix: Check your passport before booking flights. If it has a manually extended validity page rather than a machine-printed new expiry, renew your passport first. Ensure your passport is in clean physical condition. All travelers including infants need their own valid passport.
Reapplication costs another Rs 0
The fee is non-refundable whether your application is approved or rejected. Every rejection cause above is preventable in under 5 minutes of preparation before you open the form. Do not skip the photo background check.
How to Apply for Maldives Visa from India, Step by Step
1
Book hotel or resort first — this is the foundation
The Maldives Visa on arrival hinges entirely on having confirmed accommodation. Book before anything else. Decide: resort island experience or local island guesthouse? Resort: browse MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook, or contact resorts directly. For honeymoons and first-time visitors, consider all-inclusive packages that bundle flights, speedboat/seaplane, accommodation, and meals — less stressful and often better value than booking separately. Local island: book via Booking.com directly (filter by Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, or Dhigurah for the most popular islands). Confirm your booking — not just a hold.
2
Book return flights after confirming accommodation
Direct flights from India to Velana International Airport (Male — airport code MLE): IndiGo, Air India, SriLankan Airlines, and Maldivian operate direct routes from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, Hyderabad. Flight time from Mumbai: 3.5 hours. Chennai and Kochi: 2 to 2.5 hours. Delhi: 4.5 hours. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for best fares. Budget flights to Male start at Rs 12,000 return from Mumbai if booked 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
3
Complete IMUGA Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before arrival
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Click Traveller Declaration, then New Declaration. Enter your passport details exactly as printed, flight details, and accommodation name in the Maldives. Submit. Save the confirmation email or note the reference number. Do not use any third-party service or website for this — it is free on the official portal and takes 5 minutes. Also complete a departure IMUGA declaration within 96 hours before your return flight.
4
Prepare documents for immigration on arrival
Have ready: passport (minimum 1 month validity), IMUGA confirmation, hotel or resort booking confirmation showing your complete stay, and return flight ticket. All on your phone, all accessible without fumbling. Know the name of your resort or guesthouse and the island it is on — immigration may ask.
5
Arrange resort/island transfer in advance
This step most Indians overlook. Velana International Airport is in Male. Your resort or guesthouse island is elsewhere — sometimes 20 minutes away by speedboat, sometimes 45 minutes by seaplane. Resorts typically arrange their own transfers (confirm this when booking). For local island guesthouses: book a speedboat transfer from the guesthouse directly (Rs 840 to Rs 2,520 per person) or take the cheaper public ferry (Rs 50 to Rs 250 but runs on fixed schedules, very slow). Confirm transfer arrangements before flying.
6
At Velana International Airport immigration
Join the immigration queue at Velana International Airport. Hand over passport. Officer checks your hotel booking and return ticket — have both visible on your phone. Provide IMUGA confirmation if asked. Answer: which island/resort are you staying at, how many days. Passport stamped for 30 days. Collect luggage. Proceed to transfer area: your resort boat pickup point or the public ferry terminal.
Total Cost of Maldives Trip from India, Realistic Breakdown
Maldives Trip Cost from India 2026 — Three Budget Levels
RangeTypical
RangeTypical
IMUGA declarationFreeRs 0
Return flights — Mumbai/Delhi to MaleRs 12,000 to Rs 25,000Rs 17,000
Accommodation — guesthouse/budget resort (5 nights)Rs 17,500 to Rs 45,000Rs 28,000
Accommodation — mid-range resort (5 nights)Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 2,50,000Rs 1,60,000
Accommodation — overwater villa luxury (5 nights)Rs 4,20,000 to Rs 12,60,000Rs 6,00,000
Speedboat/seaplane transfer (both ways per couple)Rs 5,000 to Rs 42,000Rs 15,000
Food — local island restaurants (5 days)Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000Rs 14,000
Food — resort all-inclusive (5 days)Included in package or Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,00,000 extraRs 60,000
Activities — snorkeling, diving, excursionsRs 5,000 to Rs 25,000Rs 12,000
Travel insurance, 5 daysRs 600 to Rs 1,500Rs 1,000
Total for 7 days
Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,300,000
Rs 200,000
Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,300,000
Rs 200,000
Hidden Costs Most Indians Miss
Seaplane transfers for far-away luxury resorts
Luxury resorts in far atolls (North Male, Ari, Lhaviyani, Noonu) are 30 to 90 minutes from Male by seaplane. Seaplane transfer costs USD 150 to USD 250 per person one-way (Rs 12,600 to Rs 21,000 per person). Return for a couple: Rs 50,400 to Rs 84,000. Budget-minded travelers should specifically look for resorts within 30 to 45 minutes speedboat range of Male — these are accessible by free or cheap hotel speedboats instead of seaplanes.
Resort food and drinks are extremely expensive
Even in all-inclusive resorts, premium drinks, specialty restaurants, and spa services cost extra. A cocktail at a bar: USD 12 to USD 25 (Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,100). Room service: 20 to 30% surcharge. If you are not on a full all-inclusive package, food and drinks at a mid-range resort can add USD 100 to USD 200 per person per day to your bill. Always confirm what is and is not included in your resort package before arriving.
Diving and water sports add up fast
Diving is Maldives’ crown jewel. A single dive with equipment: USD 60 to USD 100 (Rs 5,040 to Rs 8,400). A 5-dive package: USD 250 to USD 400 (Rs 21,000 to Rs 33,600). Scuba certification course if you are not certified: USD 350 to USD 500 (Rs 29,400 to Rs 42,000). Whale shark snorkeling day trip: USD 60 to USD 90 per person. Budget these specifically if diving is a priority.
Currency: USD is de facto currency at resorts
Resort bills are in USD. Your Indian credit card converts at the live exchange rate plus 1 to 3.5% forex markup. A USD 1,000 resort bill costs Rs 84,000 at the exchange rate plus Rs 840 to Rs 2,940 in forex fees. Use a zero-forex card (Niyo Global, IDFC FIRST WOW) for all resort card payments to eliminate this markup. Local islands use Maldivian Rufiyaa for local shops — USD and Indian cards are widely accepted but carry some Rufiyaa for small purchases.
Visa extension is extraordinarily expensive
If you want to stay beyond 30 days, the extension costs USD 750 (approximately Rs 63,000) for an additional 60 days (total 90 days). This is one of the most expensive tourist visa extensions in Asia. Factor this in if planning a long stay — it is almost never worth it. Exit and re-enter for a fresh 30-day free VoA if you need more time.
Snorkeling equipment rental vs buying
Resorts charge USD 15 to USD 30 (Rs 1,260 to Rs 2,520) per day for snorkel mask and fins rental. Over 5 days: Rs 6,300 to Rs 12,600. Buying your own prescription snorkel mask or quality snorkel set in India before traveling costs Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 and serves you for life. If snorkeling is central to your Maldives experience, bring your own equipment.
Money-Saving Tips for Maldives from India
1
Local islands cut cost by 60 to 70% versus resorts
The same Maldivian sea, the same reef fish, the same turquoise water — for a fraction of the price. Maafushi guesthouses: Rs 3,500 to Rs 7,000 per night including breakfast. Same reef-quality snorkeling. Day trips to sandbanks and uninhabited islands cost Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. Local restaurants: Rs 400 to Rs 800 per meal for fresh tuna and Maldivian curry. A couple spending 5 days on Maafushi spends Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 1,50,000 total including flights — versus Rs 4,00,000 to Rs 8,00,000 at a resort.
2
Fly from Kochi, Trivandrum, or Chennai — not Delhi or Mumbai
Flights from South Indian cities to Male are shorter and often cheaper. Kochi (Cochin) to Male: approximately 2 hours, return fares Rs 10,000 to Rs 18,000 booked 5 to 8 weeks ahead. Trivandrum: similar distance, often the cheapest gateway. Chennai: 2 to 2.5 hours, competitive fares. Delhi to Male is 4.5 hours and fares are Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 more expensive on average. If you can get to Kochi or Trivandrum cheaply (IndiGo domestic), the combined fare is often Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 cheaper than a direct Delhi-Male ticket.
3
Book all-inclusive packages rather than room-only at resorts
At resort islands, food and drinks are marked up 300 to 500% over normal prices. A single cocktail: USD 15 to USD 25. Room-only at a mid-range resort plus resort dining can cost Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per person per day just for food. An all-inclusive upgrade from the same resort costs Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 more per person per day and covers unlimited food and most drinks. Always compare room-only plus food versus all-inclusive — all-inclusive almost always wins at Maldivian resorts.
4
Choose speedboat-accessible resorts — avoid seaplane resorts
Seaplane transfers cost Rs 12,600 to Rs 21,000 per person one-way. For a couple that is Rs 50,400 to Rs 84,000 just for airport transfers. Speedboat-accessible resorts within 30 to 45 minutes of Male charge Rs 2,520 to Rs 5,040 per couple return — saving Rs 45,000 to Rs 80,000 on transfers alone. Budget-conscious resort travelers should specifically filter for resorts accessible by speedboat. Most North Male Atoll resorts are speedboat-accessible.
5
Complete IMUGA yourself — never pay anyone for it
IMUGA Traveller Declaration is free at imuga.immigration.gov.mv and takes 5 minutes. Third-party websites and travel agents charge Rs 300 to Rs 1,500 for the same form. The official portal is imuga.immigration.gov.mv — if the URL is different, close the tab.
6
Split stay: 1 to 2 nights resort, rest on local island
A popular Indian traveler strategy: 1 or 2 nights at a mid-range resort for the overwater villa experience, then move to a local island guesthouse for the remaining days. This gives you the Instagram-worthy villa photo and experience plus the budget-friendly diving and beach time. Book both in advance and arrange your own transfer between the two.
7
Maldivian resorts have deep sale pricing in May to October
The wet season (May to October) brings lower resort rates — 30 to 60% cheaper than December to April peak. The weather is not as bad as the designation suggests: the Maldives is below the typhoon belt and rain typically comes in short afternoon bursts. The sea is slightly choppier but visibility underwater can actually be excellent. Budget-conscious couples can access mid-range resorts in May to October for the same price as local island guesthouses in peak season.
Best Time to Visit Maldives from India
JanExcellent
FebExcellent
MarVery good
AprGood
MayTransitional
JunRainy season
JulRainy season
AugRainy season
SepTransitional
OctGood value
NovVery good
DecPeak
November and October are the best months for Indians visiting the Maldives — the dry season returns with excellent weather, prices are 20 to 35% below December-January peak, and resorts have good availability. January and February have the best guaranteed weather but peak prices. For budget resort travel: June to August offers the same resorts at 30 to 50% lower rates with perfectly manageable (not terrible) weather.
Indian summer school holidays (May-June) fall in the wet season but the Maldives is below the typhoon belt. Rain comes in short afternoon bursts, not all-day downpours. May-June resorts cost 30 to 40% less than December-April. For Indian families, a local island experience in May-June (Maafushi or Dhigurah) is excellent — kids love snorkeling in any season, the water temperature is always 28 to 30 degrees, and guesthouse pricing is not as seasonal as resort pricing.
What Happens When You Land, Maldives Immigration
Velana International Airport, Male (airport code MLE). After the 2 to 3.5 hour flight from India, you arrive at a well-organized modern airport. Immigration queue moves reasonably fast. Hand over passport. Officer checks hotel booking and return ticket — have both on your phone. May ask: where are you staying, which island, how many days. Passport stamped for 30 days. Collect luggage. Proceed to arrivals hall. Find your resort’s designated boat pickup area (resorts have staff with signs) or head to the public ferry terminal for local island ferries. The transfer from Male to your accommodation can take 20 minutes (speedboat to nearby resorts) to 45 minutes by seaplane (far atolls). Domestic flight is an option for very far atolls — budget time for this.
Have These Ready at the Counter
- Passport (minimum 1 month validity from arrival — not 6 months)
- IMUGA Traveller Declaration confirmation
- Hotel or resort booking for complete stay — resort name and island
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of funds (bank app or credit card)
Common Questions Immigration Officers Ask
| Question | What to Say |
|---|---|
| Where are you staying | Resort or guesthouse name and island name |
| How many days are you staying | Exact number of days |
| Do you have a return ticket | Yes — show immediately on phone |
| Purpose of visit | Tourism — honeymoon, anniversary, holiday |
Maldives Embassy and Consulate Locations in India
New Delhi
High Commission of Maldives
1/50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (consular services)
Work visa passport stamping, long-stay permits, diplomatic matters
For tourist visa on arrival: no embassy visit ever needed. For work visa: passport submitted here after online Xpat system approval. Check official website before visiting.
Mumbai
Honorary Consulate of Maldives
Contact the Maldives High Commission New Delhi for current Mumbai contact details
Limited consular services
Limited services — all work visa and consular matters: contact New Delhi High Commission
Tourist VoA: no embassy visit needed. Work visa: go through New Delhi for passport submission.
How Maldives Compares to Other Southeast Asia Destinations
| Country | Visa for Indians | Fee | Processing | Stay | Daily Budget | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives | Free Visa on Arrival — all nationalities | Rs 0 | 0 days | 30 days | Rs 80,000 to Rs 6,00,000 | Overwater villas, snorkeling, honeymoon, total escape |
| Sri Lanka | Free ETA at eta.gov.lk | Rs 0 | 0 days | 30 days | Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,500 | Beaches, temples, hill country, wildlife, much cheaper |
| Thailand | Visa-free (open-ended) | Rs 0 | 0 days | 30 days | Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 | Beaches, temples, nightlife — Phuket and Samui for beach |
| Bali Indonesia | e-VOA + Tourist Levy | Rs 3,380 | 1 days | 30 days | Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,500 | Temples, rice terraces, wellness — beach is cheaper than Maldives |
| Seychelles | Permit on Arrival | Rs 0 | 0 days | 30 days | Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 5,00,000 | Pristine beaches, rare birds, more accessible than Maldives but pricier |
| Mauritius | Visa-free 60 days | Rs 0 | 0 days | 60 days | Rs 80,000 to Rs 3,00,000 | Beaches, water sports, Indian diaspora, good value luxury |
| Lakshadweep India | Entry permit required, Indian domestic | Variable | 0 days | 7 days | Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000 | Similar lagoons, domestic destination, much harder permits |
| Malaysia (Langkawi) | Visa-free until 31 Dec 2026 | Rs 0 | 0 days | 30 days | Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 | Duty-free island, cable car, beaches — budget option for island vibe |
What Maldives Is Actually Like for Indian Travelers
The Maldives is the only destination in the world where the cliche is actually true. The water really is that color. The fish really do swim under your overwater villa. The silence is actually that complete. But there are two Maldiveses, and most Indians only know about the expensive one. The local island Maldives — Maafushi at 4 AM when the fishermen push out to sea, a bowl of mas huni (tuna with coconut and onion) for breakfast at a teahouse that costs Rs 200, snorkeling over a house reef where nurse sharks sleep under coral heads — this is also the Maldives, and it costs Rs 80,000 for a couple for five days including flights. The visa is free. The IMUGA takes five minutes. What the Maldives costs is entirely up to what you choose.
Maldives Visa Guide by Departure City
Flight costs, local embassy information, and city-specific tips for every major Indian departure city.
MumbaiFlights, embassy, local tips
DelhiFlights, embassy, local tips
BangaloreFlights, embassy, local tips
KolkataFlights, embassy, local tips
ChennaiFlights, embassy, local tips
HyderabadFlights, embassy, local tips
PuneFlights, embassy, local tips
AhmedabadFlights, embassy, local tips
JaipurFlights, embassy, local tips
LucknowFlights, embassy, local tips
DelhiFlights, embassy, local tips
BangaloreFlights, embassy, local tips
KolkataFlights, embassy, local tips
ChennaiFlights, embassy, local tips
HyderabadFlights, embassy, local tips
PuneFlights, embassy, local tips
AhmedabadFlights, embassy, local tips
JaipurFlights, embassy, local tips
LucknowFlights, embassy, local tips
Frequently Asked Questions, Maldives Visa for Indians
Is Maldives Visa free for Indians?
Yes, effectively. The Maldives grants a free visa on arrival to all nationalities including Indians. No advance application, no fee, no pre-approval. You arrive at Velana International Airport in Male, show your passport (minimum 1 month validity from arrival), confirmed hotel booking for complete stay, and return flight ticket, and you receive a 30-day tourist visa stamp in your passport. The only mandatory pre-trip step: complete the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight.
How much does a Maldives trip cost from India?
Highly variable depending on your choice. Budget (local island guesthouse on Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, or Dhigurah): Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,50,000 per couple for 5 days including flights and accommodation. Same snorkeling and beaches as resorts for 60 to 70% less. Mid-range resort island: Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 5,00,000 per couple for 5 days all-inclusive. Luxury overwater villa: Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 15,00,000 per couple for 5 days. Flights from Mumbai or Delhi start at Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000 return booked 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
What is IMUGA and do Indians need it for Maldives?
Yes. IMUGA is the Maldives Immigration Unified Gateway Application — the mandatory Traveller Declaration that every visitor must complete before arrival. It replaced the paper arrival card. Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours (4 days) before your flight. Enter your passport details, flight details, and accommodation name in the Maldives. Submit. Receive confirmation email. This is completely free — any website or agent charging for IMUGA submission is running a scam. Also complete a departure IMUGA declaration within 96 hours before your return flight.
What documents are required for Maldives Visa on arrival?
Passport (valid minimum 1 month from arrival date — unusually relaxed, not 6 months), IMUGA declaration confirmation (free from imuga.immigration.gov.mv), confirmed hotel or resort booking for complete stay, and return or onward flight ticket. Bank statements, ITR, salary slips, cover letters, employment letters — none of these are required. Hotel booking and return ticket are the two critical items that immigration checks.
How long can Indians stay in the Maldives?
30 days on the free visa on arrival. If you want to stay longer, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Male — maximum extension brings total stay to 90 days, but the extension costs USD 750 (approximately Rs 63,000), making it one of the most expensive tourist visa extensions in Asia. Most long-stay visitors exit and re-enter for a fresh 30-day free VoA instead.
What is the difference between resort island and local island in Maldives?
Two completely separate tourism economies. Resort islands: private islands where a single resort owns the entire island — overwater bungalows, glass floors, butler service, seaplane arrivals, all-inclusive packages. Minimum realistic budget Rs 2.5 lakh per person for 5 days. Local islands: inhabited islands (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah) with a local Maldivian population, guesthouses, local restaurants, bikini beaches in a designated area. Budget Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh per couple for 5 days. Same reef, same water, completely different experience. The local island route has the lower carbon footprint and a more authentic experience of Maldivian culture.
Can Indians work in the Maldives?
Yes. Indians are one of the largest groups of foreign workers in the Maldives, primarily in the tourism and hospitality sector. The work visa is employer-sponsored — your Maldivian employer applies for Employment Approval and a work permit through the Xpat Online System (xpat.egov.mv). The employer pays all visa fees — the employee pays nothing. Work visa is now issued electronically (e-Visa) since November 2025. You receive an entry pass, travel to the Maldives, and must complete the work visa process within 15 days of arrival.
Is the Maldives safe for Indian tourists?
Yes, the Maldives is very safe for Indian tourists. Crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main concerns are: ocean safety (rip currents, marine wildlife respect — do not touch coral), sun exposure (the equatorial sun is extremely intense — use reef-safe SPF 50+ and reapply frequently), and medical facilities (the Maldives has limited hospitals outside Male — serious medical emergencies require evacuation, making good travel insurance essential). Follow resort safety briefings for water activities. The Maldivian people are known for their warmth and hospitality.
What is the best time to visit the Maldives from India?
November to April is the dry season with guaranteed good weather, excellent diving visibility, and calm seas. December to January is peak season — highest prices. October and November offer excellent weather at 20 to 30% below peak pricing. May to October is the wet season — rain in short bursts rather than all-day downpours, resort prices 30 to 50% lower, still excellent snorkeling. For budget Indian travelers, June to August offers the best resort value with perfectly manageable weather. Indian school holidays (May-June) fall in wet season but Maldives is below the typhoon belt and the experience is still excellent.
Do Indians need travel insurance for Maldives?
Travel insurance is not a visa requirement for the Maldives but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities outside Male are very limited. A serious diving accident, coral cut infection, or medical emergency could require evacuation to Colombo or India — costing USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 without insurance. Good international travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation is essential for Maldives travel. A 7-day policy from an Indian insurer with USD 3 to USD 5 lakh medical coverage costs Rs 800 to Rs 2,000.
Apply for Maldives Visa
Single entry: Rs 0. Processing: Instant at Velana International Airport. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Get a white-background photo. Print your approval letter before you fly.
Official portal: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv
Updated April 2026. This guide is for information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Verify all requirements at official sources before booking travel.
📅 Last updated: May 24, 2026