Maldives entry requirements for Ivory Coast 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
Ivory Coast passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives. Show up at Malé International Airport, go through immigration, and get your visa stamped. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but have these items ready before you land.
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 the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in the Maldives. Immigration officers at Velana International Airport check this at the counter before stamping you in. | Required |
| IMUGA 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 | Complete the Maldives IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration at Male requires proof of a confirmed onward or return flight within 30 days. Airlines check this before boarding — without it, you won't get your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | While not formally required by immigration, you need a confirmed hotel or resort booking to arrange your speedboat or seaplane transfer from Male. Most resorts require prepayment or a booking reference. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Not formally checked but carry evidence | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having a credit card or $100–$200 in cash covers you for incidentals like taxi or food at the airport. ATMs are available at Male Airport. | Recommended |
IMUGA is mandatory — don't skip it
The IMUGA health declaration is required for all travellers entering the Maldives. It's free and takes 5 minutes online. Without it, you'll be held up at immigration.
Overstaying costs money
The fine is 100 MVR per day (about $6.50 USD). It adds up fast. Set a reminder to leave before your 30 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Before you fly: Complete IMUGA
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill out the free form up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
At Malé International Airport: Arrival hall
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Visa stamp and entry
The officer checks your documents, stamps your passport, and you're in. The visa is free and valid for up to 30 days.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast 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 (~$49 USD) for extension
Standard VOA is free; extension costs apply.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$49 USD) for extension
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) per year
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 2,500 (~$162 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
MVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Maldives. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (minimum $2,000/month). Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa ExtensionExtension for additional 30 days, subject to approval. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay FineNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and having a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
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 (Ivory Coast is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in rainy season (May–November).
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; drink bottled water.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
Strong tropical sun; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis 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 permits.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for those staying near the airport.
Practical information for CI 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Up to 30 days. For longer stays, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are possible up to 60 days total, with a fee of 750 MVR per extension.
Yes, it's free at the airport. Overstaying costs 100 MVR per day.
You can fill it out at the airport using free Wi-Fi, but it will slow you down. The queue for incomplete forms is longer. Do it before you fly.
Yes, apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are usually granted for 30 days, up to two extensions, for a maximum stay of 90 days. Cost is 750 MVR per extension.
You'll be fined 100 MVR (about $6.50 USD) per day, payable at the airport before departure. Overstaying can affect future visa applications.
No, if you stay in the airport. To leave during a layover, you need the visa on arrival with the same requirements.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at sea ports of entry, but the process is less streamlined. You'll need the same documents. Contact the port authority in advance.
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.