Maldives visa for Indians: free 30 days on arrival
You do not need an embassy visa. You do need a free IMUGA Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of arrival. Here's the exact process, the documents, and the scams to avoid.
Updated September 2026The short answer
Indian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE). There is no embassy stamp, no fee, and no pre-approval. If you want to stay longer, an extension up to 90 days is possible for a fee at Maldives Immigration.
- Visa: free, on arrival, 30 days
- IMUGA declaration: mandatory, free, within 96 hours before arrival
- Return ticket: required — confirmed and within your visa window
- Accommodation: prepaid booking at a registered resort, hotel or guesthouse
IMUGA Traveller Declaration — step by step
IMUGA (immuga.immigration.gov.mv) is the official Maldives traveller declaration. Every passenger — including every child — needs one, filled in within 96 hours before arrival. It is free.
Book your flights and stay first
The form asks for your flight details and the address of your resort or guesthouse. Book these before you file.
Use the official site only
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Several paid look-alike sites rank on Google — they charge ₹2,000–5,000 for a form that is free.
Fill passenger details
One declaration per passenger, including children. Passport number, full name, DOB, arrival flight and date.
Add your accommodation
Enter the island/atoll and property name from your booking. A booked-but-unpaid reservation may still be accepted if it holds a reference number.
Submit and save the QR
You'll get a QR code. Save it (screenshot or print) — immigration and your resort may ask to see it on arrival.
Fill the departure declaration too
Closer to departure, file the departure IMUGA so you clear the airport exit quickly.
⚠️ Scam warning
IMUGA is completely free at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Any third-party site charging "Maldives visa fees", "traveller declaration fees" or "express processing" is a scam. Official channels: Maldives Immigration and Visit Maldives.
Documents checklist
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Machine-readable; valid 1 month officially, 6 months by many airlines | Renew early if it expires within 6 months of travel |
| IMUGA declaration | Mandatory for all passengers | Within 96 hours before arrival; free at imuga.immigration.gov.mv |
| Confirmed return ticket | Required | Must not exceed your visa window |
| Prepaid accommodation | Required | Registered resort, hotel or guesthouse (local-island guesthouses included) |
| Yellow fever certificate | Only from risk countries | Most Indian travellers do not need one |
| COVID documents | None | No tests or certificates required |
Common questions
30 days free on arrival. Extensions up to 90 days are possible by paying a fee and visiting Maldives Immigration in Male. Most holiday trips are 4–8 days.
Yes. There is no visa fee for the on-arrival stamp. The only fees you may meet are the tourist Green Tax (charged by your property) and any extension fee if you stay beyond 30 days.
No. Every passenger, including infants and children, must have their own IMUGA declaration. It still takes only minutes to file per person.
Immigration can refuse entry. Book at least a first-night stay at a registered property before you board. Guesthouses on local islands count as registered accommodation.