Maldives entry requirements for Hong Kong 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
Hong Kong passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. Just show up at Malé International Airport, fill in a quick form, and you're in. No advance visa needed for 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 the duration of stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the Maldives. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Maldives Immigration. | Required |
| 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. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have your flight booking ready — they check this at the counter before you get your visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | While not formally required by immigration, your resort or guesthouse booking is needed for the speedboat or seaplane transfer from Male airport. Have the confirmation printed or on your phone. | Recommended |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration online before you fly. It's mandatory and will get you through immigration faster. Do it at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before you board. If it's close, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA 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. It's free and takes 5 minutes. Save the QR code or screenshot the confirmation.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After you land, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. The queue moves fast. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in for 30 days. No fee. No fuss.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're free to go.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa extension
Max stay30 days, extendable once
Validity30 days from extension approval
CostMVR 750 (~$49 USD)
Must apply before initial 30-day VOA expires.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity30 days from issue
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Maldivian company.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus processing
Requires employer sponsorship and quota approval.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and quota. Allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of monthly income of at least $2,000. Allows stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,240 USD) plus investment proof
For investors who invest at least $1 million in Maldives. Includes residency rights for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial stay expires. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration before departure. | MVR 500 (~$32 USD) per day, max MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) |
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
Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Velana International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in rainy season (May–November). Use repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in all tourist resorts and Malé; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for remote atolls.
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
For visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, arrival card, and fee.
Hulhumalé
Maldives Immigration Hulhumalé Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Closer to airport; handles extensions for transit passengers.
Practical information for HK 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
You get 30 days on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about 50 USD) and takes a few days to process.
Yes, completely free. No fee at the airport, no hidden charges.
Yes, it's mandatory. Do it online at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before you arrive. It's free and takes 5 minutes. Without it, you'll be stuck filling out a paper form at the airport.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or turned away at immigration. Get your passport renewed before you travel.
Yes, you can apply for one 30-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The cost is about 750 MVR (around 50 USD). You'll need a valid passport, a completed application form, and a reason for the extension. Processing takes 2-3 working days.
Yes, you must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration may ask to see it at the airport. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
Overstaying costs about 100 MVR (around 6.50 USD) per day. If you overstay more than 30 days, you may be fined and banned from re-entering for a period. Best to extend or leave on time.
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.