Maldives entry requirements for Belgium 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

Belgian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No application needed before you travel — just show up with the right documents. This policy is in effect for 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires within a month of your departure date, renew it first.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Velana International Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket before granting entry. Budget airlines flying into Maldives also check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended — resort booking often needed for island transfers
You don't need to show a hotel booking at immigration, but most resorts and guesthouses require a confirmed reservation to arrange your speedboat or seaplane transfer from Male. Book ahead to avoid delays.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 form within 96 hours before departure
Fill in the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Submit it within 96 hours of your flight — you get a QR code that immigration scans on arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA formRequired
IMUGA form is mandatory
Every traveller must complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before departure. Do it online at imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Without it, you'll be held up at immigration.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you travel.

What happens at the border

1
Fill out the IMUGA form
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and complete the free arrival declaration. Do this between 96 hours and 1 hour before your flight. Save the QR code on your phone.
2
Land at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, boarding pass, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and show the IMUGA QR code. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. They'll stamp a 30-day visa on arrival — no fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

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
CostFree (VOA) or $50 USD (pre-arranged)

Standard option for most tourists; free on arrival for Belgians.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD

Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.

Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD

For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires proof of marriage.

retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (at least $2,000/month). Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Maldives Remote Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of employment abroad and income of at least $3,000/month. No local tax liability. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
~$10,000 USD upfront
For investors who invest at least $500,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Includes residency for family. Requires business plan approval.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Extension of stay (30 days)One free 30-day extension is available at immigration offices.Free (first extension)
Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily; no official cap but can accumulate.$10 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket35%
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

Belgian passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa for stays up to 24 hours in the airport transit zone.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit zone, a visa on arrival is required (free for 30 days).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE), Malé

Health & vaccines for Maldives

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (May–November).

ChikungunyaLow risk

Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; practice good hygiene.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for tourists.

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 extensions and visa inquiries. Bring passport, arrival card, and proof of funds.

Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Convenient for those staying near the airport or Hulhumalé.

Practical information for BE 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
updated May 19
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
Police119
Medical102
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

You get a free 30-day visa on arrival. It's not extendable — if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter.
Yes, there is no fee for the 30-day visa on arrival for Belgian passport holders. No payment is required at the airport.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Malé. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.
No, digital copies are fine. Save your IMUGA QR code, return ticket, and hotel booking as screenshots on your phone. But having a paper backup never hurts.
No, the 30-day visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Immigration may deny you entry. Airlines also check for onward travel before boarding. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No mandatory vaccines for entry from Belgium. But check routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) are up to date. Yellow fever vaccine is required only if you've recently been in an endemic country.

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.