Maldives entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application is needed — just show up with a valid passport and a few key documents. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Malé International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in the Maldives. No 6-month validity rule applies for Italian passport holders. Airlines at check-in may still ask to see your return ticket and accommodation booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Malé International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have your return or onward flight booking ready — printed or on your phone. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | You don't need to show a hotel booking at immigration, but your airline may ask for it at check-in. If you're staying at a resort, have the booking confirmation handy — it also helps with the speedboat or seaplane transfer. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds for Italian passport holders. Still, have a credit card or cash (around $100–$150 per day) available if questioned. Most resorts include meals, so actual spending is low. | Recommended |
| 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. Online pre-registration required | Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30 days on arrival automatically.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before arrival. You'll get a QR code that lets you use the faster queue at immigration. Without it, you'll wait longer.
6-month passport rule strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter the Maldives. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight. Fill in your personal details, flight info, and accommodation. You'll receive a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There are separate queues for those who completed IMUGA (faster) and those who didn't. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and show your IMUGA QR code. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa on arrival. No fee is charged. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel. Then proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're now free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 requires fee and application.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Must show business invitation letter; extension possible.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 2,500 (~$162 USD) per year
For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires proof of marriage.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (e.g., pension). Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay but no work.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Employer sponsors the visa. Allows work and residence.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,625 USD) per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a Maldivian business. Requires business registration and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Extension fee for an additional 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged per day overstay, with no official cap but may lead to deportation. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
No confirmed 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
Italian passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
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-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts, but avoid tap water and street food.
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 issues; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé Immigration Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for those staying near the airport; same services as Malé.
Practical information for IT 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
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about $50 USD). You must apply before your initial 30 days expire.
No, the 30-day visa on arrival for Italian passport holders is completely free. There are no fees at the airport.
You can still fill it out on arrival using the airport's free Wi-Fi or kiosks, but you'll likely wait longer in a separate queue. It's much faster to do it online before you fly.
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The cost is about 750 MVR (around $50 USD). You must apply before your initial 30 days expire. Extensions beyond 90 days total are not normally granted.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Malé. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the standard visa on arrival.
No, the same visa on arrival applies regardless of where you stay — resorts, guesthouses, or liveaboards. However, if you stay on a local island, you must have a confirmed booking at a registered guesthouse.
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.