Maldives entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No prior application needed — just show up at Velana International Airport with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Apply for Maldives eVisaFree 30-day on-arrival visa for most nationalities. IMUGA for pre-registration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers at Malé International Airport always ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended — resort booking often needed for island transfers | While not formally required by immigration, you need a confirmed hotel or resort booking to arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers from Malé. Most resorts require prepayment or a deposit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended — rarely checked | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carry a credit card or cash (USD or local currency) for incidental expenses. ATMs are available at the airport and on resort islands. | Recommended |
| IMUGA — Maldives Arrival DeclarationIMUGA: Maldives' mandatory online arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Complete it within 96 hours before departure. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Mandatory online pre-registration within 96 hours before departure | Complete the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of your flight. You get a QR code — show it at immigration on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30 days free on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
Free visa on arrival for UAE passport holders
You do not need to pay anything for the initial 30-day visa. Just show your passport, return ticket, and IMUGA QR code at immigration.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your departure date from the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if it's shorter, you will be denied boarding.
Complete IMUGA before you fly
The free IMUGA arrival declaration must be completed within 96 hours of your flight. Do it online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Save the QR code on your phone or print it.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your travel details. Do this within 96 hours of your flight. Save the QR code.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
Follow signs to 'Immigration' after disembarking. There are separate queues for locals and foreigners — join the foreigner queue.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and your IMUGA QR code. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then through customs. If you have a resort transfer, look for your resort's representative in the arrival hall.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VoA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard VoA is free; extension costs apply.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$324 USD)
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (bank balance of $100,000+). Allows stay in Maldives with no work rights.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Employer sponsors the visa and handles application.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,240 USD) initial fee
For investors putting at least $1 million USD into a Maldivian business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | MVR 500 (~$32 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Maldives
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit in Maldives. You can stay in the international transit area without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in rainy season and on inhabited islands.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Resorts generally have safe water, but street food may pose risk.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in resorts and Malé; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Malé
Maldives Immigration Headquarters
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Velaanaage, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles long-term visa applications.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalMalé
LanguageDhivehi
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceDriving not applicable for most visitors (resort islands).
Money
CurrencyMaldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 15.45 MVR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h (EST) / +9h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13h (PST) / +12h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
G,J,KType D, G, J, K, L — various sockets. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Resorts provide drinking water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. UAE passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport. No prior application is needed.
Yes. You can extend it once for another 30 days. The extension costs MVR 750 (about $48 USD). Apply at the Maldives Immigration Headquarters in Malé before your initial 30 days expire.
You will be fined MVR 500 (about $32 USD) per day of overstay. There is no maximum cap, so it adds up fast. Avoid overstaying.
Yes. All travellers must complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before departure. It's not a visa — it's a pre-registration that speeds up immigration. Have the QR code ready.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Maldives immigration. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket.
No. The tourist visa on arrival does not permit any form of work, including remote work for a foreign employer. For long-term stays, consider the Maldives Retirement Visa (age 55+, $100k+ funds) or a Work Visa (requires employer sponsorship).
Immigration may ask for proof of at least $100 per day of stay. Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash. It's not always requested, but better to have it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.