Maldives visa for Indians: How to apply, requirements and process

You're sitting at your desk, scrolling through endless pictures of the Maldives—those crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and overwater villas that seem to float in paradise. You can almost feel the ocean breeze, right? But just as you're about to daydream yourself onto a hammock by the beach, a thought strikes — “Wait, do I need a visa for this trip?” The excitement is real, but so is the practical stuff that needs sorting.

The good news? For Indians, visiting the Maldives is a breeze! Whether you're planning to relax on the beaches or thinking of making the Maldives your new work destination, we've got all the visa details laid out for you. Let’s make sure nothing gets in the way of those sun-drenched memories you're about to create. Ready to dive into the details? Let's get started!

Do Indians need a visa for Maldives?

No, Indian nationals do not need to apply for a pre-arrival visa to enter the Maldives for short-term tourism. The Maldives offers visa on arrival (VOA) to Indian tourists for up to 30 days, free of charge. This allows Indians to explore the country without the hassle of pre-application formalities.

Maldives visa fee for Indians

For Indian tourists, the on-arrival visa is free for stays of up to 30 days. However, if an extension is required beyond the initial 30 days,[VC1]  a fee of MVR 750 (Maldivian Rufiyaa) will be applicable. Other visa categories, such as work and business visas, may involve different fee structures.

Documents required to obtain Maldives visa on arrival for Indians

To obtain a Maldives on arrival visa, Indian nationals must provide the following documents:

1. Valid passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

2. Return flight ticket – Proof of a confirmed return or onward flight within 30 days.

3. Accommodation proof – Hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in the Maldives.

4. Sufficient funds – Proof of funds to cover the duration of your stay (usually a minimum of USD 100 + USD 50 per day).

5. Health insurance – While not mandatory, it's recommended to have travel health insurance.

How to obtain Maldives visa on arrival for Indians?

The on-arrival visa process for Indian nationals is straightforward:

1. Arrive at the Maldives – Upon arrival at Malé International Airport (Velana International Airport), proceed to the immigration counter.

2. Submit documents – Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details.

3. Immigration check – Immigration officers will verify your documents and ask about the purpose of your visit.

4. Visa approval – Once the immigration officer is satisfied, your passport will be stamped with a 30-day on-arrival visa.

If you plan to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you must apply for an extension before your initial visa expires.

Types of Maldives visa for Indians

Tourist visa

The most commonly issued visa for Indian travellers is the tourist visa, which is granted on arrival.

Visa on arrival: Indian citizens do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. Upon arrival at the Maldives, a tourist visa is issued at the immigration checkpoint.

Validity: The tourist visa is valid for 30 days. This period can be extended up to 90 days at the discretion of the authorities, provided certain conditions are met, such as proof of sufficient funds.

Requirements:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.

• A confirmed return or onward ticket.

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address where you will stay).

• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay (usually around USD 100 per day).

• Visa extension: Travelers who wish to extend their stay beyond the initial 30 days can apply for an extension at the Maldives immigration office. The extension process typically requires additional proof of funds and accommodation.

Business visa

For Indians traveling to the Maldives for business purposes, a business visa can be applied for prior to arrival.

Purpose: This visa is intended for those attending business meetings, conferences, or trade-related activities in the Maldives.

Validity: Business visas are usually valid for up to 90 days, depending on the nature of the visit and the business requirements.

Requirements:

• A letter from the employer or the inviting organization detailing the purpose of the visit.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

• Proof of accommodation.

• Financial proof to support the stay.

How to apply for a business visa: The sponsoring company or organization in the Maldives must submit an application to the Maldives immigration office before the traveller’s arrival. Once approved, the Indian traveller can enter the Maldives under the business visa.

Work visa

If an Indian citizen has secured employment in the Maldives, they are required to apply for a work visa, also known as an employment visa.

Purpose: This visa allows Indian nationals to legally work and live in the Maldives for the duration of their employment.

Validity: The work visa is typically valid for the duration of the employment contract, which can range from 6 months to 2 years. It can be renewed as needed.

Requirements:

• A valid job offers from a Maldivian employer.

• A completed work visa application form submitted by the employer.

• A passport with at least 6 months of validity.

• Medical certificates confirming the individual is fit to work.

• Proof of the employment contract and financial standing.

How to apply for work visa: The Maldivian employer is responsible for applying for the work visa on behalf of the Indian employee. The visa is issued once the individual enters the Maldives, and all formalities are completed.

Dependent visa

A dependent visa is issued to the family members (spouse and children) of an Indian national working or residing in the Maldives on a valid work visa.

Purpose: This visa allows the family of the Indian expatriate to join them and reside in the Maldives for the duration of the primary visa holder’s employment.

Validity: The dependent visa is typically valid for the same duration as the primary work visa holder’s permit.

Requirements:

• Proof of relationship (such as marriage certificate for spouse or birth certificates for children).

• A valid passport with 6 months of validity.

• Financial proof to show the primary visa holder can support the dependents.

• How to apply for a dependent visa: The primary visa holder’s employer must apply for the dependent visa on behalf of the family members. It is processed alongside the work visa application.

Student visa

Indians who wish to pursue education or academic training in the Maldives need to apply for a student visa.

Purpose: The student visa allows Indian nationals to stay in the Maldives while they complete their studies at a registered educational institution.

Validity: The student visa is valid for the duration of the academic program, typically ranging from 1 to 4 years.

Requirements:

• Confirmation of enrollment in a Maldivian educational institution.

• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay or a sponsorship letter.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

How to apply for student visa: The educational institution usually assists in the visa application process by submitting the required documents to the Maldives Immigration office. The visa is granted once the student arrives and completes the necessary immigration formalities.

Residence visa

A residence visa is for individuals who wish to stay in the Maldives for an extended period, typically for reasons such as retirement, family reunification, or long-term stays.

Purpose: This visa is issued to those who are not working but plan to reside in the Maldives.

Validity: Residence visas can be valid for a year or more, depending on the purpose of the stay.

Requirements:

• Proof of reason for long-term stay (such as family ties or retirement).

• Sufficient financial resources.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

How to apply for residence visa: The applicant must submit their application through the Maldives immigration office, providing the necessary documentation to justify their extended stay.

Marriage visa

This visa is for Indian nationals who marry a Maldivian citizen and wish to reside in the Maldives.

Purpose: The marriage visa allows Indian nationals to stay in the Maldives as a spouse of a Maldivian citizen.

Validity: The visa is typically valid for the duration of the marriage and can be renewed.

Requirements:

• Proof of marriage to a Maldivian citizen.

• A valid passport.

• Proof of financial stability.

How to apply for a marriage visa: The Maldivian spouse must sponsor the application. After the marriage certificate is verified, the visa is granted for residency.

How to deal with Maldives visa rejection?

Although visa rejections for Indian nationals are rare, they can occur if there are issues with the documentation or if you fail to meet the entry requirements. In case of a visa rejection, here’s how you can deal with it:

• Review the reason – Understand why your visa was rejected (insufficient funds, incorrect documents, etc.).

• Rectify issues – Correct the issues and gather the necessary documents.

• Reapply – Once the issues have been addressed, reapply for the visa.

• Seek assistance – If you face repeated rejections, consider contacting the Maldives High Commission in India for guidance.

Conclusion

With your visa questions answered, you're one step closer to making your Maldives journey a reality. Whether it's lounging by the turquoise waters or starting a new chapter in this beautiful island nation, you're all set to experience it fully. Now, it's just about packing your bags and embracing the adventure that awaits.