Maldives entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Austrian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. Just show up at Malé International Airport with a valid passport and a completed IMUGA declaration. No advance visa needed for stays up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport always asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you arrive without one, they may deny entry or put you on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors book a resort or guesthouse before arrival — you need the transfer from Male to your island, and the resort arranges that. Have your booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| IMUGA — Maldives Arrival DeclarationMaldives' 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 | Complete the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — immigration scans it on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code that lets you skip the paper queue at Malé Airport.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration online
Up to 96 hours before your flight, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your personal and travel details. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. The queue moves fast. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and receive visa
Hand over your passport and the IMUGA QR code. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. No fee. The whole process takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (usually green channel for tourists). You're free to go.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
For those who need a visa in advance; can be extended once.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostMVR 2,500 (~$162 USD)
Allows multiple entries; each stay can be extended once.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD + processing fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term residence.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Employer handles most paperwork. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$1,000–$5,000 USD depending on investment
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Extension fee for an additional 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 1,000 (~$65 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (maximum cap)Maximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and having a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For arrival/departure procedures and immediate visa issues.
Practical information for AT 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 = 15.44 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
30 days from the date of entry. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about €45) and takes a few days to process.
Yes, completely free. No fee at the airport, no hidden charges.
You can still fill it out at the airport using the kiosks or your phone, but it takes longer. The queue for people without a QR code is slower. Best to do it online beforehand.
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the main harbour). You can apply for a 60-day extension. Cost is about 750 MVR. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation for the extended stay.
No. If you're staying airside and your connecting flight is within 24 hours, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need the standard visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward travel within 30 days. A return ticket or a ticket to another country is mandatory.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.