Maldives entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss 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 proof of onward travel. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport just needs to be valid for the entire time you're in the Maldives. Airlines rarely check for 6 months validity beyond your stay, but having at least 3 months left is a safe bet. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Velana International Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Have your printed or digital return ticket ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not strictly required, most visitors book a resort or guesthouse before arriving. If you're staying on a local island, you'll need a confirmed booking for the speedboat transfer arranged by your accommodation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Officials rarely ask for proof of funds for Swiss passport holders. If questioned, having a credit card or showing $100–$200 USD per day in cash or bank statement is enough. | 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 for all visitors | Complete the IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — screenshot it and show it at immigration. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is free — don't pay for it
The IMUGA declaration is completely free. Some third-party websites charge a fee to submit it on your behalf. Always use the official government site: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration online
Before you fly, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free IMUGA form. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it. This is mandatory and speeds up arrival.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. All passengers go through the same queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost. No payment, no forms to fill at the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard VOA is free; extension costs apply.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,200 (~$78 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 3,000 (~$195 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 retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local sponsor or property lease.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Employer must sponsor and handle paperwork.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,620 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Extension possible for up to 60 days total stay. Apply at Immigration. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines accumulate daily; avoid overstaying. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day, max MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (May–November).
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk low in resorts; avoid tap water and street food in local islands.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
Strong tropical sun; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
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 permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter – Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For arrival/departure issues and transit queries.
Practical information for CH 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
You get a free 30-day visa on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around 750 MVR (about $50) for an additional 30 days.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your visa expires. The fee is approximately 750 MVR (around $50) for a 30-day extension. You'll need a valid reason, like a medical emergency or flight cancellation.
Yes. Every traveller must complete the IMUGA health and travel declaration online before arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Do it within 96 hours of your flight. Without it, you may be delayed at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Maldivian immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes. You need proof that you will leave the Maldives within 30 days. A connecting flight ticket to another country counts as an onward ticket. A one-way ticket without onward proof will cause problems.
Only if you can show a confirmed onward ticket out of the Maldives within 30 days. A one-way ticket alone is not enough. Immigration will ask for proof of departure.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately 1,000 MVR (about $65) per day of overstay, and you may be banned from re-entering the Maldives for a period. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
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.