Maldives entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian 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 return ticket. As of 2026, the process takes about 15 minutes.
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 your stay | Your Colombian passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in the Maldives. Airlines at Bogotá and connecting hubs may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines and charter flights are especially strict about this — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors to the Maldives stay on a resort island, and immigration may ask for your booking confirmation. A printed or digital copy of your reservation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having a credit card or cash equivalent to $100 USD per day covers you if questioned. ATMs are available in Malé but scarce on resort islands. | Recommended |
| IMUGA 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 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. You receive a QR code to show at immigration.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of 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 your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your details. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it. Do this 24–96 hours before your flight.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Get your visa stamped
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and you're in. No fee, no forms. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the visa stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VOA) or ~$50 USD if applied in advance
Standard visa-free entry for Colombians; extension possible once.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company. Can be extended.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$500 USD
For those married to a Maldivian citizen. Requires proof of marriage and sponsorship.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $2,000/month). Requires local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Maldives Remote Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 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
1–5 years, renewable
~$2,000–$10,000 USD depending on investment
For investors who invest at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and local partner. Fast track to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)One free extension of 30 days is possible at Maldives Immigration; subsequent extensions may incur fees. | Free (first extension) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration before departure. | ~$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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For stays up to 24 hours, you may remain in the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or have a domestic connection, you must obtain a visa on arrival (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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Colombia is not endemic, but transit through endemic areas may trigger requirement.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
Intense tropical sun; use high-SPF sunscreen, wear hats, 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
Maldives Immigration Headquarters
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, arrival card, and proof of accommodation.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for those staying in Hulhumalé or near the airport. Same services as Malé.
Practical information for CO 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
30 days. It's free and can be extended once for another 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (fee: about 750 MVR, ~$50 USD).
Yes, once for up to 30 additional days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé with your passport, a completed extension form, and the fee (around 750 MVR). Processing takes 1–2 business days.
You can still fill out a paper arrival card at the airport, but it takes longer. The online form is free and fast — do it before you fly.
No. If you're staying airside and your layover is under 24 hours, you don't need a visa. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and the IMUGA QR code (or paper arrival card). That's it.
No. It's completely free for Colombian passport holders.
No. Your passport must be in good condition. Any significant damage (torn pages, water damage, etc.) can result in denial of entry.
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.