Maldives entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up at Malé International Airport with your documents. This policy is confirmed for 2026.
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. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by immigration, but airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at Male International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or resort confirmation | While not formally required by law, most visitors arrive with a resort or guesthouse booking. If you don't have one, expect questions about where you're staying and how you'll get to your island. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but it's smart to carry a credit card or have a bank statement accessible. The Maldives is expensive — budget at least $100–150 per day for a basic guesthouse and meals. | 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 pre-registration | Complete the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — show it at immigration upon arrival. This is not a visa; all nationalities receive a free 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration online up to 96 hours before your flight. It's not mandatory — you can fill out a paper card on arrival — but the online form gets you through immigration much faster. Save the QR code on your phone.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
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. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue moves quickly. Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and IMUGA QR code ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will stamp you in for 30 days. No fee is charged. Collect your passport and proceed to baggage claim.
4
Exit and enjoy the Maldives
Once through immigration, you're free to leave the airport. If you need a local SIM, there are counters in the arrivals hall — or activate an eSIM before you travel.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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 (~$49 USD) for extension
Standard entry for Iceland holders; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$49 USD) for extension
Requires invitation 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
MVR 10,000 (~$649 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) per year
Sponsored by a Maldivian employer. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,622 USD) per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$49 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | 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
Iceland passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Velana International Airport (MLE) for up to 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (May–November).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in local eateries; stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in all tourist areas, including Malé and resorts. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short stays.
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 visa extensions and permits. Arrive early.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Velaanaage, Ameeru Ahmed Magu, Malé
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles overstay fines and re-entry permits.
Practical information for IS 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. Extensions are possible but not automatic — you must apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your 30 days expire. Extensions cost around 750 MVR (about $50 USD) and can add up to 60 more days.
Yes, it's completely free. No fee is charged at the airport. The only cost is if you later apply for an extension.
You can still enter — you'll just fill out a paper arrival card at the airport. But the online form is faster and skips the queue. Do it within 96 hours of your flight.
No. You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration checks this at the visa counter. A one-way ticket will get you denied entry.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport transit area, you'll need the standard visa on arrival — same requirements apply.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Maldives immigration. Renew your passport before you travel — no exceptions.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs about 750 MVR and can give you up to 60 additional days. Apply before your initial 30 days expire.
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.