The Maldives is among the favourites of Indian tourists as far as island holidays are concerned. Covered in awe-inspiring white sand beaches, pristine turquoise waters, and five-star resorts, this island nation has become a huge hit amongst Indians, be it a honeymoon, a family getaway, or just a solo trip. However, before you pack your sunscreen and bathing suits, you should ask one question every Indian should ask before travelling: Do Indians need a visa for the Maldives?
The brief and sweet answer is no, there is no need for a pre-arrival visa for Indian passport holders. Rather, there is a free visa-on-arrival valid up to 90 days offered to visitors of Indian nationality. This travel-friendly visa policy makes the Maldives easily accessible to Indian travellers, making it one of the most popular holiday spots for Indians.
In this blog, we will discuss every aspect of visa and travel requirements for Indian citizens planning their trips to the Maldives. Read the entire blog for a detailed understanding of the requirements to ensure a hassle-free and ecstatic travel experience.
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Why the Maldives Is a Top Choice for Indian Travellers?
Before we delve into the more technical aspects of travel requirements for Indian citizens to visit the Maldives, it is important to understand what sets it apart from other popular destinations, making it a top choice for Indian travellers.
The Maldives is not just about its heavenly beaches. There are more than 1,000 coral islands divided into 26 atolls. The Maldives is known to provide all kinds of different experiences, such as snorkelling in beautiful coral reefs, underwater restaurants, overwater luxurious bungalows, as well as cultural experiences in Male, the capital of the Maldives. And the best part about the Maldives? It is just a short 4-hour flight away from the majority of Indian cities. Proximity does matter!
Indian nationals have been granted visa-free access to the Maldives due to the amicable bilateral relations between the two countries, further enhancing the popularity of the Maldives as an international tourist destination for Indian citizens, which is located just a short flight away.
Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit the Maldives?
No, Indian passport holders do not need to have a visa before arrival. Indian travellers are issued a free tourist visa-on-arrival with a validity period of 90 days by the Maldives government. The Maldives is one of the few countries where Indian citizens can travel without the hassle of securing a visa before travel.
The visa-on-arrival facility is offered at all the official ports of entry, including the Velana International Airport in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Regardless of the purpose of travel to the Maldives, Indian passport holders receive a visa-free entry to the country.
Maldives Visa-on-Arrival for Indians: At a Glance
Discussed here are some of the features of the visa-on-arrival offered by the Maldives government to Indian passport holders.
| Feature | Details |
| Visa Requirement | No pre-arrival visa required |
| Type of Visa | Tourist Visa on Arrival |
| Validity | Up to 90 days. First 30 days are offered which can be extended further 60 days. |
| Visa Fee | Free for Indian passport holders |
| Extension Option | Yes, extension available (conditions apply) |
| Port of Entry | Airport or seaport (official immigration) |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 1 month from the date of arrival |
Documents Required for Maldives Visa-on-Arrival
Although Indian passport holders do not require any visa in advance, the following documentations are important to ensure that the immigration process goes smoothly at the airport:
- Valid Indian Passport – The passport should have a validity of 6 months or more from the date of entry.
- Confirmed Return on Onward Journey Ticket – It is used to show that the travellers will leave the Maldives before the expiration of the period of their visa.
- Accommodation Proof – A hotel reservation or a letter by a host (in case of staying in a local guesthouse or with friends and/or family).
- Sufficient Financial Means – Documentation to show financial ability (cash or international credit/debit cards or travellers cheques) to support their stay.
- IMUGA Traveller Declaration – Should be uploaded online at least 96 hours prior to the travel to the Maldives through the official IMUGA portal.
Travellers must ensure that they carry these documents or thet may be turned away even though thet are eligible to receive a visa-on-arrival.
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Maldives Immigration Process for Indian Travellers
Since Indian citizens are eligible to receive a visa-on-arrival, the immigration process is pretty straightforward. Here is what can be expected when immigrating through a port of entry into the Maldives;
- Arrival at the Airport (Malé or Other Ports of entryy)
- Go to the Immigration Desk to have a visa stamped
- Submit the various documents required such as the passport, flight ticket, hotel booking and the IMUGA declarationform.
- Immigration officer will gie you a tourist visa-on-arrival valid for 30 days to 90 days
- Grab your luggage and set off on a memorable vacation.
Maldives Tourist Visa Extension
Indian citizens can apply for visa extension if they want to stay longer than the initially granted visa validity. However, for visa extension, candidates are required to take certain steps, such as;
- Submit an application for visa extension to the Immigration Office in Malé.
- Make sure to apply for extension before the expiry of the current visa.
- Extension is valid only for tourist visa and not for work or business visas.
- The maximum period for which the visa can be extended is 90 days inclusive of the initial stay.
Top Islands to Explore in the Maldives
Once the visa situation is sorted out, travellers can enjoy island-hopping. These are some of the favourite destinations:
- Malé – In the island’s capital, you explore local markets, mosques, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Maafushi – Low-cost accommodation options with guesthouses and water sports.
- Hulhumalé – A perfect location for a short visit, located just beside the airport.
- Baros – An extravagant island, which is an ideal place for couples.
- Dhigurah – Whale shark diving and vibrant marine life are primary attractions at this inhabited island.
No matter whether you wish to just chill out on a hammock, snorkel in a coral reef or have an underwater dinner, there is something to offer every type of traveller.
Helpful Travel Tips for Indians Visiting the Maldives
- Travel Insurance – Although it is not mandatory, it’s advisable to have travel insurance as it can prove to be highly valuable in case of emergencies.
- Best Time to Visit – The suitable weather in the Maldives is from November to April (dry season).
- Currency – The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the official currency, but USD is commonly accepted.
- Connectivity – For internet access, you can buy a local SIM card at the airport on arrival.
- Transport – Ferries, speed boats or seaplanes can be used to travel between the islands.
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Conclusion
To sum up, Indian nationals do not require any visas to enter the Maldives, and that is mostly thanks to the convenient and free visa-on-arrival facility. Indian travellers with a valid passport, a return ticket, a hotel booking/lodging receipt, and an IMUGA declaration form, will be issued a Visa-on-Arrival to enjoy up to 90 days in the island paradise.
Be it the honeymoon, the family tour or a simple getaway, the Maldives offers a simple and tension-free entry process into the country. Having been blessed with some of the most breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters and fascinating marine life, it is an invitation for you to pack your bags and experience the immense beauty that the Maldives is.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a visa-on-arrival free for Indian citizens?
Indian passport holders coming as tourists do not pay any fee to get the visa on arrival, in other words, it is free of charge.
- How long can Indians stay in the Maldives without a visa?
Visa-on-arrival is initially issued for 30 days but can be easily extended for upto 90 days, including the initial period.
- What happens if I overstay in the Maldives?
The result of overstaying your visa can include fines, deportation and denial to re-enter. Always apply for an official extension in case there is a need.
- Can I travel with just an Aadhaar card or PAN card?
No. A valid indian passport with atleast 6 months validity is an essential requirement.
- Is the Maldives safe for Indian solo travellers?
Yes, the Maldives is actually supposed to be fairly safe for travellers, even for solo female travellers. Nevertheless, observe normal travel safety rules.
- Is the RT-PCR test or vaccination mandatory to enter the Maldives?
According to the latest updates, the COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed. However, inquire with your airline prior to the departure to be sure of the requirements.
- Can You Work in the Maldives on a Tourist Visa?
No. Employment is not permitted through the tourist visa. In case you intend tp work in the Maldives, you will need to obtain a work visa by a sponsoring employer.
- What documents do I need for Visa-on-arrival in the Maldives?
At immigration, Indian travellers need to present a valid passport, a confirmed return/onward ticket, proof of hotel booking or accommodation, and sufficient funds for the duration of stay.