Maldives entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No need to apply beforehand — just show up with the right documents and fill in the IMUGA form online before you fly. This policy is current for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | 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 form for all arrivals | Complete the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It's free and takes 2 minutes — you'll get a QR code to show at immigration. This is not a visa; every nationality gets 30 days on arrival automatically.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next plane out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Resort or hotel booking confirmation | Most visitors arrive with a resort booking — island transfers depend on it. Have a printed or digital confirmation ready showing your check-in and check-out dates. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks, but having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash covers you if they do. ATMs are available in Malé and on resort islands. | Recommended |
IMUGA is free — don't pay for it
The official IMUGA website is https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Some third-party sites charge a fee for the same form. Always use the official site — it's free and takes 5 minutes.
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, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Up to 96 hours before your flight, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the arrival declaration. It's free. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, boarding pass, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and show your IMUGA QR code if asked. The officer will stamp you in for 30 days. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Maldivian 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
~$1,000 USD + processing fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer pays)
Requires a job offer from a Maldivian employer and a work permit. Employer handles most paperwork.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
~$10,000 USD + investment
For investors who invest at least $1 million in Maldives. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (up to 60 days total)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; pay before departure. | MVR 200 (~$13 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
Irish passport holders transiting through Velana International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in rainy season and on inhabited islands.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most tourists, but use mosquito repellent.
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
Main office for extensions and permits; arrive early.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration (Extension Section)
Velaanaage, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles stay extensions; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Practical information for IE 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. You get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Just show up with a valid passport (6+ months validity), a return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and your IMUGA form completed online before you fly.
30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments up to a total of 90 days. The extension fee is around 750 MVR (about €45) per month.
IMUGA is the Maldives' digital arrival declaration system. You must complete it online at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It's free. You'll get a QR code — show it on arrival to speed up immigration.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. The Maldives requires proof of onward travel for all visitors. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are granted for 30 days at a time, up to a total stay of 90 days. The fee is about 750 MVR per month. You must apply before your current visa expires.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical care in the Maldives can be expensive, and evacuation costs are very high. Most travel insurance policies cover this.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are widely accepted at resorts, hotels, and most tourist establishments. ATMs are available at the airport and in Malé. Credit cards are accepted at most resorts. It's a good idea to carry some small USD bills for tips or small purchases.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.