Maldives entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at any Maldivian airport or seaport. No advance application is needed, but you must complete the IMUGA online form before travel. This policy is confirmed for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Spanish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration in Malé will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Velana International Airport asks for proof of a return or onward flight before they stamp you in. Budget airlines flying into Malé are strict about this — have your booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | You don't need to show a hotel booking at immigration, but the resort or guesthouse you're staying at will ask for your flight details to arrange the speedboat or seaplane transfer. Have your booking confirmation handy just in case. | 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 form for all arrivals | 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'll get a QR code that immigration scans at the counter.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA form is mandatory
You must complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. Without it, you may face delays or be denied boarding. Save the QR code on your phone.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the Maldives, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the arrival declaration. You can do this up to 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (or other entry point)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for Maldivian citizens and foreigners. The visa-on-arrival process is usually quick — 10–20 minutes.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, show your IMUGA QR code (on phone or paper), and be ready to show your return ticket and hotel booking if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa free of charge.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where hotel transfers or taxis wait.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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 1,500 (~$97 USD) for extension
Standard entry for tourism; extension available once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) for extension
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
CostMVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus employer fees
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) plus proof of funds
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (minimum $2,000/month). Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 25,000 (~$1,620 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension possible once for up to 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD). | MVR 500 (~$32 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
Spanish passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For stays up to 24 hours, no visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks reported; mosquito prevention recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to remote atolls or rural areas.
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 entry/exit processing. No extension services.
Practical information for ES 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
No. Spanish passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at any Maldivian airport or seaport. Just make sure you have a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, and a completed IMUGA form.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
IMUGA is the Maldives' mandatory online arrival declaration. You must complete it at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your arrival. It's free and generates a QR code you show at immigration.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the Maldives. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs — especially for evacuation or hospital stays — can be very expensive.
Immigration may deny you entry. You must have a confirmed onward or return flight booked. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter.
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.