Maldives Tourist Visa – Application, Validity and Fees
Do you want to visit the Maldives? If yes, then you should plan ahead. There are plenty of tourist attractions in the Maldives, from beaches to islands. Some of them are even UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, you will need a Maldives Tourist Visa on arrival.
The Maldives is a paradise for travelers who want to enjoy their holidays. Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about visas. The Maldives government offers entry visas on arrival to visitors from every country.
This article will discuss the application procedure, validity period, and fees for obtaining a Maldives Tourist visa.
Maldives Tourist Visa
Every foreigner traveling to the Maldives does have to go through the stress of visiting an embassy. They can get the Maldives Tourist Visa on arrival at a Maldives international airport. However, you must have all the documents you need for an entry permit into the country.
Eligibility for Maldives Tourist Visa on arrival
Applicants for a visa on arrival in the Maldives must meet the following conditions. They include:
- You must prove that you will not be working in the Maldives.
- You must show that you will return to your country after 30 days.
- You must have enough money for your stay in the country
- You must show proof of pre-paid hotel reservation in the Maldives.
Requirements for Maldives Tourist Visa
Generally, the visa policy in the Maldives is lenient, especially for tourists who visit the country for leisure and recreation. However, you must provide all the necessary documents you will need for the visa. They include:
- A passport
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Flight itinerary
- Visa to a third country
- Traveler Declaration
- Proof of travel purpose
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
#1. A passport
You must have a machine-readable passport. In addition, the travel document must be six months valid when you visit the Maldives. Plus, it must have a blank page for your visa stamp.
#2. Proof of accommodation
You will also need a pre-paid hotel reservation in the Maldives. It will serve as your proof of accommodation in the country.
#3. Proof of sufficient financial means
You must show evidence you have enough money for the time you’ll stay in the Maldives. You can use a bank statement or pay slip.
#4. Flight itinerary
You need a roundtrip ticket or an onward flight ticket to a third country. It will show your desire to return or leave the Maldives upon the expiration of your visa on arrival in the country.
#5. Visa to a third country
Foreigners who wish to visit another country from the Maldives must provide a valid visa to the destination country.
#6. Traveler declaration
All travelers visiting or leaving the Maldives must fill and submit the traveler’s declaration form 96 hours before their departure.
#7. Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Nationals of some countries must provide proof of vaccination for yellow fever. So, you must check if you are from a nation that requires vaccination for Yellow fever.
Steps to apply for a Maldives Tourist Visa on arrival
Basically, you don’t have to go through the embassy to apply for a Maldives Tourist Visa. However, you can obtain your permit upon arrival at an international airport in the Maldives.
Still, you must follow some steps to obtain your visa without stress. Thus, you can follow the steps below to apply for a Maldives visa on arrival. They include:
Step 1. Contact the Maldivian embassy in your country of origin
The first step is to contact the Maldivian embassy in your country of residence or origin. They will give you all the information you need to apply for a visa on arrival, including the requirements and the best time to start the application process.
Step 2. Gather all the documents you need for your Maldives Tourist Visa on arrival
Secondly, once you know the documents and requirements for the entry permit, you will gather them before moving to the Maldives. You must be careful because if you miss any of them, you will not obtain a visa on arrival in the Maldives.
Step 3. Visit the Maldives with all the documents for a tourist visa on arrival
Thirdly, you can visit the Maldives with all the documents and requirements.
Step 4. Submit the documents to the immigration office once you arrive in the Maldives
Fourthly, once you arrive in the Maldives, you must look for the immigration officer on the ground and submit your documents for a visa on arrival. The officer will direct you on the next step[ to take.
Step 5. Wait for the immigration officer to approve your documents
Fifthly, you will wait for the immigration officer to validate your documents. It can take between 30 to 50 minutes. Thus, you must be patient with the authorities at the airport.
Step 6. Receive your Maldives Tourist Visa
Sixthly, once the officers complete the validation process, you will receive your visa from the authorities at the airport. It will allow you to stay in the Maldives for 30 days.
Tourist Attractions in the Maldives
The Maldives is known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise water, and lush vegetation. It also offers some exciting activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Here are some other things tourists love about the Maldives.
#1. Hulhumalé International Airport
Hulhumalé International airport is the only international airport in the Maldives. Thus, all foreigners moving into the Maldives must use the airport. Located in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives, the airport serves as the gateway to the country.
#2. Dhivehi National Museum
The Dhivehi National Museum is in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives. The museum contains various historical items, including weapons, clothing, and everyday objects. The artifacts served the people of the Maldives.
#3. Thulusdhoo Atoll Nature Reserve
Thulusdhoo Atoll nature reserve is a protected area of land in the Maldives. The atoll consists of three islands; Maamakunudhoo, Thulusdhoo, and Kuredu. The reserve covers an area of about 1,200 hectares (ha) and is home to many species of birds and marine animals.
#4. Addu Atoll Nature Reserve
Addu Atoll nature reserve is another protected area of land in the Maldives. The atolls consist of four islands; Addu City, Gaafaru, Fuvahmulah, and Lhaviyani. The reserve covers an area of 2,000 ha and is home to many bird species.
#5. Dhonveli Lagoon
Dhonveli lagoon is a lagoon in Male. Naturally, the lagoon provides water for the residents of Malé.
#6. Male City Center
The male city center is the central business district of Male. The city center has two parts: Central Business District and Old Town. It is a place you must visit while in the Maldives.
Also Read:Top 11 reasons to visit the Maldives: Culture, Art, and Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the Maldives Tourist Visa on arrival?
The duration of the Maldives visa on arrival is 30 days. However, nationals of countries with bilateral visa agreements with the Maldives can get additional days. The decision lies with the immigration officer. Thus, foreigners do not have to make an official claim for extra days to stay in the Maldives.
You must check your p[assport to know the number of days you can stay in the Maldives. It will help you to avoid overstaying in the country.
Of course, you will receive punishment for overstaying your visa in the Maldives. The Maldivian authorities will determine your penalty.
What can I do with a visa on arrival in the Maldives?
A Maldives visa on arrival only allows visitors to perform tourist activities in the country. In other words, it does not permit you to work, study or conduct business activities in the Maldives.
If you are in the Maldives for other reasons, including social visitors, friends, family visitors, or media and business visitors, you must look for a sponsor in the Maldives.
What is the fee for the Maldives visa on arrival?
You do not need to pay a visa fee as a tourist in the Maldives. However, if you apply for an extension, you will pay the sum of Rufiyaa 750.
What is the processing time for a Maldives Tourist Visa?
You can get your visa on arrival in the Maldives within 30 minutes once you have all your documents. However, depending on the number of applicants, it can extend to up to one hour.
Can I extend my Maldives visa on arrival?
You can extend your Maldives visa on arrival before it expires at the Maldives Immigration Office. Then, the officials will check your documents and validate them. If they are complete, you will get an extension of your tourist visa.
Usually, you cannot stay in the Maldives beyond 90 days. Therefore, you can receive an extension of 60 days. However, you have to pay a fee of Rufiyaa 750.
When is the best time to apply for a Maldives visa?
You can apply for a visa to visit the Maldives between one to two months from your travel date. It will allow the officials to process your visa. However, you can apply for a tourist visa on arrival at the airport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you will not visit a Maldivian embassy to obtain a tourist visa. You can receive your permit once you arrive in the country. However, you must have all the documents we listed in the article. Otherwise, you will not get an entry visa to stay in the Maldives for tourism.
