Passport Requirements: Traveling To The Maldives

If you're planning a trip to the Maldives, it's important to know the entry requirements. All tourists, regardless of nationality, can obtain a 30-day free visa upon arrival. However, a valid passport with at least one month's validity from the date of expected arrival and a completed Travel Declaration Form submitted within 72 to 96 hours of departure are required. This form can be submitted electronically via the IMUGA portal. It's also important to note that travellers from certain countries may need to provide a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Understanding these requirements will ensure smooth entry into the Maldives and help you enjoy your tropical vacation.

A passport is required for US citizens to enter the Maldives

US citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance of their trip to the Maldives. Instead, they will receive a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at no charge. This can be extended for up to 90 days if travellers can provide evidence of sufficient funds and are staying in a resort/hotel or have a letter from a local sponsor.

To enter the Maldives, US citizens must also complete and submit a 'Travel Declaration' or 'Traveller Declaration' form within 72 to 96 hours before departure. This can be done electronically via the IMUGA portal.

It is recommended that travellers also carry a copy of their vaccination records and any prescription medicines they may need during their stay, as access to medical facilities may be limited.

It is important to note that the US State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the Maldives, recommending travellers exercise increased caution due to the ongoing risk of terrorist attacks.

A passport must be valid for at least one month after arrival

When travelling to the Maldives, a passport is required for entry. This is the case for all nationalities. The passport must be valid for at least one month after arrival, but some sources suggest that six months is the required validity period. This may be because airlines often require a minimum of six months' validity for you to travel.

The passport must also have a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). It is important to note that passengers with extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter. This is likely because the passport will be valid for longer than six months after the expected departure date.

In addition to a valid passport, travellers to the Maldives must complete and submit a 'Travel Declaration' or 'Traveller Declaration' form. This must be done electronically and can be completed up to 96 hours before arrival.

A 30-day visitor visa is available upon arrival at the airport, free of charge. However, it is important to note that visitors found to be employed or to have overstayed their visa may be deported.

A 30-day tourist visa is provided upon arrival

To be granted a tourist visa on arrival, there are several basic entry requirements that must be satisfied. These include:

• A valid passport with at least one month's validity from the expected date of departure.
• A completed 'Travel Declaration' or 'Travel Health Declaration' form, submitted within 72 to 96 hours prior to arrival.
• A complete travel itinerary, including return journey tickets, confirmed accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds to cover the stay.
• A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable.

It is important to note that travellers are not permitted to undertake any work, paid or unpaid, while in the Maldives on a tourist visa. Overstaying the visa may result in fines or deportation.

The Maldives is known for its pristine beaches and lavish resorts. However, travellers should be aware of the US State Department's Level 2 Travel Advisory, which recommends exercising increased caution due to the risk of terrorist attacks. It is advisable to monitor local media and adhere to local laws and cultural norms.

A traveller declaration form must be completed within 96 hours of arrival

To enter the Maldives, travellers must have a passport with at least one month's validity from the date of expected departure. A 30-day visitor visa is available upon arrival at the airport, free of charge. However, to receive this visa, travellers must also submit a completed 'Travel Declaration' or 'Traveller Declaration' form within 96 hours of arrival. This form can be submitted electronically via the IMUGA portal. The Traveller Declaration form is free of charge and is mandatory for all travellers to the Maldives, including children and minors, who must have their own passports.

The Traveller Declaration form is a crucial part of the Maldives' entry requirements and must be completed accurately and on time. It is recommended that travellers familiarise themselves with the form and the necessary information well before their trip. The form should be submitted electronically and requires travellers to provide honest and accurate information about their health, travel plans, and other relevant details.

The Maldivian authorities take the Traveller Declaration form seriously, and submitting false or misleading information could result in delays or even denial of entry. Travellers should ensure they understand the questions and provide complete and truthful responses. It is also important to review the form before submission to ensure all sections are filled out correctly and no required fields are missed.

In addition to the Traveller Declaration form, travellers to the Maldives should be aware of other important entry requirements. These include having a valid passport, an onward/return ticket, sufficient funds or pre-approved sponsorship, and any required visas for onward destinations. It is also essential to check for any specific vaccine requirements, such as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, which may be needed if arriving from certain countries.

By completing the Traveller Declaration form and ensuring all other entry requirements are met, travellers can help ensure a smooth arrival process and avoid any unnecessary delays or complications when entering the Maldives.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required

A valid passport is required for US citizens to enter the Maldives. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the expected date of departure from the Maldives.

In addition to a passport, there are other entry requirements for the Maldives. These include a filled-out Travel Declaration Form submitted within 72 to 96 hours of departure, a confirmed return journey ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. A 30-day visitor visa is available upon arrival at the airport.

Regarding health requirements, travellers are no longer required to present vaccination certificates. However, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be required for travellers aged nine months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes those who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Children under one year of age are exempt from the Yellow Fever vaccination.

It is recommended that travellers to the Maldives have medical insurance or travel insurance that covers overseas medical costs and medical evacuation in case of emergencies.

Frequently asked questions