Maldives entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up with a valid passport and a few basics. This policy is confirmed for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in the Maldives. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Maldivian immigration, but some airlines may ask for 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | While not formally required, you'll need a confirmed booking to arrange your island transfer (speedboat or domestic flight). Most resorts require prepayment or a deposit anyway. | 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 free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get 30-day entry on arrival. You'll get a QR code to show at immigration.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA form saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of your flight. You'll skip the paper form queue at the airport and speed through immigration.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will not be allowed to fly. Renew your passport well in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. Fill in your personal details, flight info, and accommodation. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for visa-on-arrival passengers. 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-on-arrival. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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 date
CostFree (Visa on Arrival)
Standard entry for German passport holders; no pre-application needed.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Visa on Arrival for business purposes)
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires marriage certificate.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and a local sponsor. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Maldives Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 15,000 (~$975 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and a local address. Allows stay up to 1 year with no work permit needed.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) initial fee
For investors who invest at least $1 million USD in Maldives. Includes family members. Fast-track residency.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Employer must sponsor. Requires contract and health check.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension for an additional 30 days, up to 60 days total. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) |
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
German passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Velana International Airport. You can stay airside for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport transit area, you must obtain a visa on arrival (free for 30 days).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (May–November). Use repellent and mosquito 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 and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives, mainly in some outer atolls. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for tourists staying in resorts.
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 form, and fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa on arrival and immediate issues upon landing.
Practical information for DE 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
Getting to Maldives
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 a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about $50) and takes a few days to process.
No. German passport holders get a visa on arrival automatically. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. No advance application needed.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Maldivian immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. It's a digital arrival card required for all visitors. Filling it out online before you arrive saves you time at the airport — you'll get a QR code to scan on arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.
Yes. You can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The cost is about 750 MVR (roughly $50). You'll need to show a valid reason (e.g., tourism, diving trip) and proof of funds. Processing takes 2–3 working days.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 1,000 MVR (about $65) per day for the first 7 days, and 2,000 MVR per day after that. You may also be banned from re-entering the Maldives for a period. Always extend or leave on time.
If you're transiting through Malé and don't leave the airport transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (e.g., for a day trip to Malé), you'll need the standard 30-day visa on arrival — same requirements apply.
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.