Maldives entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Malé International Airport with a valid passport and the required documents. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
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 at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Ethiopian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| 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 for all travellers | Complete the IMUGA form 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 when you land.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Malé International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Maldives. This can be a return flight to Ethiopia or a ticket to a third country. Airlines also check this before departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended — resort booking often needed for island transfers | While not formally required for visa-on-arrival, most travellers book a resort or guesthouse in advance. Without a confirmed booking, you may struggle to arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers from Malé to the islands. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended — rarely checked but good to have | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having a bank statement or cash equivalent to $100 per day of stay covers you if questioned. Keep a printed copy handy. | Recommended |
IMUGA is mandatory
Complete the free IMUGA form at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv before you fly. It's quick and saves you time in the queue at Malé Airport.
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. Double-check before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA Declaration
Before you fly, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free IMUGA form. It takes about 5 minutes. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport — no fee.
3
Collect Luggage and Exit
Once stamped, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes if you've done the IMUGA form.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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 MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard VOA is free; extension costs apply.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Maldives company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 2,500 (~$162 USD)
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD + processing fee
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (employer pays)
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Employer handles sponsorship and quota.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD + investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Maldives business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Apply at Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD). | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Ethiopian 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 (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 risk (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in rainy season (May–November).
Food and Waterborne DiseasesLow risk
Tap water not safe; stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Sunburn and HeatstrokeModerate risk
High UV index year-round; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most travellers.
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 visa queries.
Malé
Immigration Counter – Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For arrival/departure issues and transit queries.
Practical information for ET 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
The visa on arrival is typically granted for 30 days. There's no set maximum in the database, but 30 days is the standard. You can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The cost and duration depend on your circumstances — check with them directly. Extensions are not guaranteed.
No, the visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders is free. There are no charges at the airport.
You can still fill it out at the airport, but it will take longer. You'll need to use the kiosks or ask an officer. Doing it online beforehand saves time.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for the Maldives. But always check the latest health advisories before you travel.
No, you need a valid Ethiopian passport with at least 6 months validity. Temporary or emergency passports are not accepted for visa on arrival.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
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.