Maldives entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE) with the required documents. This policy is current as of 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 your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in the Maldives. Airlines at departure check this, and immigration in Malé will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines and check-in counters enforce this strictly — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors need a confirmed hotel or resort booking to show at immigration, especially if you're taking a seaplane or speedboat transfer to an island. A simple booking confirmation email or app screenshot works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carry at least $100–$200 per day in cash or a credit card if questioned. ATMs in Malé and on resort islands are reliable. | 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. Mandatory online pre-registration | Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — show it at immigration in Malé. This is not a visa; all nationalities get 30 days free on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is mandatory — do it before you fly
The IMUGA traveller declaration is not optional. Fill it out at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours of arrival. It's free and takes 5 minutes. Without it, you'll be stuck in a longer queue at immigration.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If you have less than 6 months left, you won't be allowed to board. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration 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 get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. The queue moves quickly — usually 10–20 minutes.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, show your IMUGA QR code (on phone or paper), and your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. No additional fees or forms needed.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 option for most visitors; extension requires application.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Maldives 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 (~$648 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Maldivian employer and a work permit. Employer typically handles application.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,240 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $1 million in Maldives. Includes residency for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of MVR 10,000 (~$648 USD). | MVR 500 (~$32 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a 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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but present; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Hulhumalé
Maldives Immigration Hulhumalé Office
Hulhumalé Phase 1, near the hospital
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for visitors staying near the airport; same services as HQ.
Practical information for MG 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
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for up to 60 more days by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension fee is about 750 MVR (~$50 USD).
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and the fee (around 750 MVR). Processing takes a few days.
No, showing the QR code on your phone is fine. But if you want to be extra safe, print it at the airport kiosk or hotel business centre.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Malé. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is free for Madagascar passport holders. No payment is required at the counter.
Yes, but the process is different. You must clear immigration at a designated port of entry (Malé, Gan, or Kulhudhuffushi). The same visa on arrival rules apply, but you'll need to complete a crew/passenger manifest and may be subject to a vessel inspection.
Overstaying is fined at 1,000 MVR (~$65 USD) per day. You'll have to pay before leaving. Avoid it — apply for an extension if you need more 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.