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Maldives Visa for Indians
The Maldives is known for its pristine islands, overwater villas, and world-class diving spots. Due to this, the country attracts thousands of tourists every year. As per the recent survey released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, the country has witnessed 11070 visitors from India in June 2025. From young couples to bachelors to working professionals, the country offers unique experiences to every age group.
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival for up to 30 days for tourism purposes, which is absolutely free of charge. However, if you are heading there for work, your employer must apply for a Maldives work visa on your behalf before you travel.
Whether you are visiting the Maldives for tourism or work, understanding the Maldives visa and other requirements is crucial for a smooth travel experience.
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If you are visiting the Maldives for tourism purposes, you do not need a visa in advance. Indian travellers are eligible for a visa on arrival that allows a stay of up to 30 days. This is offered completely free of cost.
To get the visa on arrival, travellers need to present the required documents such as a valid passport, travel documents and more. Along with this, travellers also need to submit the IMUGA Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before arrival. This can be submitted online via the official portal.
For work and business visas, a visa application needs to be submitted through the official XPAT website. The business visa is granted for 30 to 90 days at a time, not exceeding a total of 180 days per calendar year. The employer applies for the work visa, and its validity depends on the employment contract period. Employees need to submit their documents to the employer for the same.
While travel insurance is not mandatory for the Maldives, it is strongly recommended. It protects you against unexpected medical costs, trip cancellations, and lost baggage—giving you peace of mind during your island getaway. A small investment in insurance ensures your vacation remains stress-free and enjoyable.
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According to Maldives Immigration, in April 2025, the Maldives witnessed 198322 tourists, out of which 10388 were from India. And since it’s a popular destination, it’s easy to find direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi to Male.
Moreover, with growing demand, many airlines regularly offer seasonal discounts and package deals, especially during the wedding and festive seasons.
Types of Maldives Visa
The Maldives offers different visas based on the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, work, sponsorship, business and more. By knowing about the visa types, you can ensure a smooth stay and entry into the country.
Tourist Visa
Purpose: This type of visa is issued to individuals for visiting the country for tourism purposes. It is the most commonly used visa by Indian travellers, especially for short getaways or honeymoon trips.
Validity: 30 days on arrival (extendable up to 90 days in total).
Processing Time: It is issued immediately on arrival at the airport.
What to Watch Out For: You must submit the IMUGA Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before arrival. Also, while the official passport validity required is 1 month, many airlines insist on 6 months of validity, so plan accordingly.
Work Visa
Purpose: This visa is for individuals who have secured employment in the Maldives and are entering the country to work legally. The employer needs to obtain the work visa for employees within 15 days of arrival in the Maldives.
Validity: The validity of the work visa is at least 1 year.
Processing Time: The processing time for a work visa is 48 hours after submission.
What to Watch Out For: The expatriate needs to have "Expatriate Medical Insurance”. Also, if an existing employee travels outside the Maldives, they must ensure that their Work Visa or Work Permit remains valid for re-entry.
Business Visa
Purpose: Individuals wanting to start a business in the Maldives need to apply under this category. This visa is a multiple-entry visa for professionals who want to stay in the Maldives for business purposes.
Validity: The business may be granted for 30 to 90 days, not exceeding 180 days in a year.
Processing Time: The processing time may vary as it requires approval from the Maldives Immigration.
What to Watch Out For: As per the Business Visa Regulation, the application must be submitted via the Ministry of Economic Development Business Portal. This is mandatory, and paper-based or email applications are not accepted.
Maternity Cover
Purpose: This is the type of visa issued to nationals who are legally married to a Maldivian citizen. This visa allows the spouse to live in the Maldives long-term and acts as a bridge toward more permanent residence.
Validity: The marriage visa is issued for a year. However, a marriage visa extension is issued for 5 years.
Processing Time: The processing time of a marriage visa may differ. Once the application is processed, the applicant will be notified by text message.
What to Watch Out For: If a foreigner is travelling to the Maldives to marry a Maldivian, they need to submit the sponsorship declaration via the IMUGA portal. Furthermore, applicants need to complete the legal procedure for marriage registration to apply for a visa.
Dependent Visa
Purpose: This visa allows family members of a foreign national working or residing in the Maldives to stay in the country legally. It supports families who wish to live together while the main applicant works.
Validity: The validity of the dependent visa depends on the sponsor’s visa validity.
Processing Time: The processing time for the dependent visa may vary depending on the applicants and their documentation.
What to Watch Out For: Applicants need to apply for a Sponsorship Declaration via the IMUGA portal at least 5 days before arrival. After arrival, they can start the dependent visa process.
Resident Visa
Purpose: It is a visa granted to a foreign national married to a Maldivian citizen. This visa allows them to reside in the country legally. Foreign nationals who want long-term commitments also apply for resident visas.
Validity: The validity of the resident visa is 1 year. The validity for the renewal of a resident visa is up to 5 years.
Processing Time: The processing time for a resident visa depends on the documentation and visa application.
What to Watch Out For: Foreigners first need to submit a Sponsorship Declaration via the IMUGA portal. If you are already in the Maldives on another visa, then you need to apply for a visa transfer.
Meeting Visa
Purpose: This is a type of visa designed for participants of official meetings, government-led programs, international summits, or conferences held in the Maldives. It is usually issued to delegates or attendees from recognised institutions or governments.
Validity: The validity of the meeting visa is 14 days.
Processing Time: This type of visa can be issued immediately upon arrival at the airport in the Maldives.
What to Watch Out For: Under Sections 7 and 8 of the Maldives Immigration Act 2007, entrance into the Maldives under a meeting visa will only be granted at a port of entry once an immigration officer determines your eligibility.
Sponsorship Declaration
Purpose: A sponsorship declaration is basically a permit requested by a professional or Maldivian visa holder to bring a foreign national into the country. The document states that the professional is responsible for
Validity: The validity of the sponsorship declaration is 30 days after approval. It means foreign nationals need to arrive in the country within 30 days.
Processing Time: The processing time of the sponsorship declaration depends on the documentation.
What to Watch Out For: The sponsorship declaration option is not available if the applicant is already in the Maldives. Also, it is recommended to purchase tickets once the sponsorship is approved.
How to Apply for a Maldives Visa
Applying for a Maldives visa online is a time-saving and easy process. However, the visa application for the Maldives depends on the visa type. Here is how to apply for a Maldives visa for Indians online.
Online Visa Process for the Maldives
Go to the official Maldives immigration IMUGA portal.
Next, click on the “Apply for Visa” button based on visa types.
Confirm the Maldives' prerequisites for applying for a visa.
Fill out the visa application form based on the visa type.
Upload all the documents and pay the applicable visa fees based on the visa category.
Once done, review and submit the visa application.
Maldives Visa On Arrival Process for Tourists
Applicants applying under tourism need to go to the official IMUGA portal.
Click on the “Submit Declaration" under the Traveller Declaration form.
Fill out the necessary details, including prerequisites, personal details, travel details, and more.
Visit our website or mobile app and select Health Gain Insurance
Carefully review the travel declaration form and submit it.
Disclaimer: For further details on the Maldives visa application for Indian citizens, visit the Maldives Embassy in Delhi website.
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Here are the essential documents needed to apply for a Maldives visa for Indians. All the listed documents need to be ready for a smooth process.
General Documents
Passport: A passport or travel document with at least 1 month's validity.
Passport-size photo: Recent coloured passport-size photographs as per the Maldives Immigration standards.
Travel and Finance Proof: Confirm tickets and bank statements, and account details.
Sponsorship Document: A sponsorship declaration document from a Maldivian citizen or resident.
Additional Documents
Work Visa: Work permit issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
Marriage Visa: Duly filled Permit extension form and a copy of the marriage certificate.
Dependent Visa: Copy of relationship proof document, medical report and health insurance.
Resident visa: Copy of the Maldivian spouse’s ID card.
Please note: For the complete list of documents, please check the official Maldives Embassy website.
Maldives Visa Fees For Indians
Understanding the Maldives visa fees for Indians is crucial to avoid last-minute surprises and unnecessary expenses. Here are the Maldives' fees details.
Visa Types | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
Maldives Tourist Visa | Free |
Maldives Meeting Visa | Free |
Maldives Marriage Visa | MVR 50 |
Maldives Resident Visa | MVR 50 |
Maldives Work Visa | MVR 750 |
Maldives Dependent Visa | MVR 750 |
Disclaimer: Visa fees are subject to change. To get the most up-to-date rates, please visit the Maldives Embassy website.
Tracking Maldives visit visas for Indians and other visas is easy using the online portal. All you need to do is follow the steps mentioned below.
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Why Do You Need Maldives Travel Insurance?
A trip to the Maldives from India is all about turquoise waters, white sand beaches and pure relaxation. But even in an island paradise, unexpected hiccups can happen. IndusInd travel insurance keeps your holiday secure by covering trip disruptions, lost baggage and medical emergencies.
Key Takeaways
The Maldives is the ultimate beach escape with crystal-clear beaches and luxury resorts just a short flight away. And the good news is, visiting is incredibly simple. You can get a visa on arrival at Male International Airport for stays up to 30 days. All you need is a valid passport, confirmed return tickets, and proof of accommodation.
However, before embarking on your journey, it is important to keep yourself and your family secure from unexpected travel hiccups. This can be easily done by purchasing travel insurance. The travel insurance is not mandatory, but it offers an additional security layer to your trip.
For instance, if you happen to feel unwell after trying a seafood dish or need a doctor’s visit for a sudden fever, the travel insurance policy can help cover the hospital expenses. With IndusInd General Insurance (formerly known as Reliance General Insurance), you will also get coverage for flight cancellations, lost baggage, and passport loss, along with medical emergencies.
Not just this, with 24x7 support, help is always just a call away, whether you are at the airport, in your resort, or exploring an island.
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From relaxing on sun-kissed beaches to snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, IndusInd Maldives travel insurance keeps you covered. You enjoy your trip, and we will handle the what-ifs.
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Disclaimer:
*T&C Apply. For more details on risk factors, terms conditions, brochure, and exclusions, please read the policy wording and CIS carefully before concluding a sale.
Claim Settlement Ratio: This is the overall claim settlement ratio for FY 2023-24 without claim outstanding at the start of the financial year as per public disclosure of Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd.
Product & Sum Insured: T&C Apply. Details mentioned here are for Reliance Travel Care Policy, UIN: RELTIOP08002V010708. Sum Insured: The mentioned Sum insured amount is applicable only under Reliance Travel Care Policy – Individual – Platinum Plan. Total loss of checked baggage: Maximum amount payable per checked-in baggage in case more than one bag has been checked in, is 50% (100% for only one checked-in baggage) of applicable sum insured and per item in baggage maximum 10%.
Premium - Asia & International: The premium mentioned is excluding taxes for a medical sum insured of $25,000 for an Individual of 20 years on an Asia trip of 4 days. This is applicable for Asia plan only.