Maldives entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives. No prior application needed – just have the right documents and a valid passport. This policy is current as of 2025.
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. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers always ask for a return or onward ticket. Without one, you will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. The ticket must show you leave within 30 days. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | While not formally required by immigration, you need a confirmed booking for your island transfer. Most resorts and guesthouses require prepayment or a deposit — have the confirmation email ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carry at least $100 USD per day in cash or have a credit card available. ATMs are scarce on local islands and non-existent on resort islands. | Recommended |
| 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. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Save the QR code you receive.Complete IMUGA declaration | Required |
Extension policy uncertainty
Our database does not list extensions as officially available, but the Maldives Immigration Office in Malé is known to grant a 30-day extension for a fee (approx. $50–100). To avoid confusion, plan for 30 days or contact the Maldives Embassy in London before travel.
Online declaration – optional but helpful
The Maldives Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) is not mandatory according to our data, but completing it within 96 hours of departure at imuga.immigration.gov.mv is now commonly recommended by airlines and can save time at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé)
After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport ready.
2
Present documents and receive visa stamp
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and completed arrival card. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa free of charge. No separate visa application is needed.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After receiving the stamp, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. You are free to start your holiday.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Maldivian company; allows business activities.
Marine research visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$325 USD)
For scientific research in marine environments; requires approval from relevant authorities.
Employment visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 3,000 (~$195 USD)
Requires job offer and work permit from Maldivian employer.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Employer sponsors the visa. Valid for up to 2 years initially.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For investors who invest at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension available at Immigration offices; apply before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay beyond permitted period incurs daily fine; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) per day, max MVR 10,000 (~$650 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
UK 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, a free transit visa may be issued on arrival if needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for UK passport holders).
Transit hubsVelana International Airport (MLE)
Health & vaccines for Maldives
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for tourists, but consider if visiting remote islands.
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.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers staying near the airport; same services as Malé office.
Practical information for GB 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
It is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. You cannot work during this period.
Officially, the visa on arrival is not extendable. However, in practice the Maldives Immigration in Malé may grant a 30-day extension for a fee (approx. MVR 750 or $50–100). Always confirm with the immigration office upon arrival, as policy may change.
No. UK passport holders receive a visa on arrival automatically. No prior application or payment is required.
Yes, it is free. You only pay if you apply for a longer stay visa in advance.
It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Overstaying results in fines. The Maldives Immigration imposes a fine of approximately $5 per day (subject to change). Ensure your return ticket is within the visa validity to avoid overstaying.
As of 2025, the IMUGA declaration is not mandatory for visa-on-arrival, but it is strongly recommended. Complete it free at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before departure. Some airlines may ask for it at check-in, and having it ready can speed up arrival.
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.