Maldives entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No visa application needed before you travel — just show up with your passport and a few key documents. This policy is in effect 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're in the Maldives. No 6-month validity rule applies here. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Male Airport. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors arrive with a resort or guesthouse booking. While not formally required, you'll need it for the speedboat or domestic flight transfer from Male. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but have a credit card or cash available if questioned. No set minimum amount. | 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 free 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.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA form is free — don't pay for it
The official IMUGA website is imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Some third-party sites charge a fee to submit the form. Use the official site — it's free and takes 5 minutes.
Alcohol and pork are strictly prohibited
You cannot bring alcohol, pork products, or pornographic material into the Maldives. Customs checks are thorough. Banned items will be confiscated, and you could be fined or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and complete the free Travel Declaration form. Do this 24–96 hours before your flight. 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'. The queue moves quickly. Have your passport, boarding pass, IMUGA QR code, and return ticket ready.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in — usually for 30 days. No fee. No questions beyond the basics.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives. If you arranged an eSIM, it should activate as soon as you switch off airplane mode.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 entry for tourism; extension possible once.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Work Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) plus processing fees
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
MVR 1,500 (~$97 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Economic Development. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD) plus processing
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (e.g., $100,000 in savings or pension). Allows stay in Maldives without working.
investor visa
Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,240 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $1 million in Maldives (e.g., real estate, business). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Extension available for an additional 30 days, applied at Immigration. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged per day overstay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | MVR 200 (~$13 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
South Korean passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and having a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for South Koreans).
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in Maldives, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks reported; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food or water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers, 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.
Malé
Velana International Airport Immigration
Velana International Airport, Hulhulé
24/7
Handles visa on arrival and entry/exit procedures.
Practical information for KR 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 a free 30-day visa on arrival. 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) and takes a few days to process.
Yes, but you must apply before your 30 days expire. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the airport ferry terminal). You'll need your passport, a completed application form, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket. The extension fee is 750 MVR. Processing takes 2–3 business days.
Yes. Every traveler must complete the IMUGA Travel Declaration within 96 hours of arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes online. Without it, you'll be asked to fill it out at the airport — which wastes time. Do it before you fly.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Malé. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before booking your trip.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to stay overnight in Malé), you'll need the standard visa on arrival. The same 30-day rule applies.
No. Immigration will ask for proof of onward travel. A one-way ticket is not enough. Book a refundable onward flight if you're unsure of your plans — just make sure it's within 30 days.
Overstays are fined 1,000 MVR (about $65 USD) per day. Serious overstays can lead to deportation and a ban. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your visa expires.
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.