Maldives entry requirements for Malaysia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Malaysian passport holders can get a free visa on arrival in the Maldives, valid for up to 30 days. It's issued at the airport, so no advance application is needed. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and you have a confirmed booking.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou get the visa stamped in your passport when you arrive — no embassy visit or eVisa needed. 30-day entry permit | Malaysian citizens receive a free visa on arrival at Malé International Airport and other official entry points, valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. No prior application is needed. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's under 6 months, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in the Maldives. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| IMUGA arrival declarationThis is a digital form you fill out online before you fly — don't skip it or you may face delays. Online within 96 hours before arrival | Complete the Maldives IMUGA online arrival declaration at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight lands. You'll receive a QR code to show at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking — have it handy. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the Maldives, covering your departure before the 30-day visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationNot always checked, but it's smart to have your booking details accessible. Hotel booking or invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Maldives ready to present if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you'll support yourself — a credit card or recent bank statement works. For your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., cash, credit card, or bank statement) to cover your expenses during the stay. There is no fixed minimum amount specified for Malaysian citizens. | Recommended |
| Visa extensionDon't plan to stay longer than 30 days — overstaying can lead to fines or deportation. Not available | The 30-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. You must leave the Maldives before the visa expires. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationSkip any eVisa websites — you don't need one for this trip. Not applicable | Malaysian citizens do not need to apply for an eVisa for the Maldives. The visa on arrival is the only entry permit required. | Not required |
IMUGA is mandatory
Don't skip the IMUGA declaration. It's required for all arrivals, and you'll need the QR code to pass through immigration. Fill it out within 96 hours before your flight—it's free and quick.
Visa is not extendable
The 30-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip to fit within 30 days.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA declaration
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in your details (passport, flight, accommodation). Do this within 96 hours before your flight. Save the QR code or screenshot it.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow the signs to immigration. Have your passport, IMUGA QR code, and possibly your return ticket and hotel booking ready.
3
Get your visa on arrival
At the immigration counter, the officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and grant a 30-day visa. It's free—no payment needed.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim and then to the arrivals hall. If you have a resort transfer, look for your resort's representative.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 30 days from arrival
CostUSD 50
Requires a sponsor in Maldives and prior approval from the Department of Immigration.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityIssued based on employment contract
CostUSD 100 (approx.)
Requires employer sponsorship and medical clearance.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD + processing fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD + employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Employer sponsors the visa. Requires a work permit and health check.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD + investment
For investors who invest at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 60 additional days)Apply at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before current visa expires. | MVR 750 (approx. USD 49) |
| Tourist departure feeIncluded in resort package or paid at airport for independent travelers. | USD 30 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Malaysian citizens transiting through Malé International Airport do not require 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 (free for 30 days).
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, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most tourists, 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 permits. 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 or Hulhumalé.
Practical information for MY 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
Getting to Maldives
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Maldives — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you get a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. Just show your passport and the required documents at the airport.
It's completely free. No fees are charged at immigration for the visa on arrival.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave within 30 days or you'll be overstaying, which can lead to fines or other penalties.
IMUGA is the Maldives' online arrival declaration system. You must complete it within 96 hours before your flight lands. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. You'll get a QR code to show at immigration.
Immigration may deny you entry. The Maldives requires all tourists to stay at registered accommodations. If you're staying on a liveaboard (safari vessel), that counts too—just have the booking confirmation ready.
Yes, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's less, you could be refused boarding or entry.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward or return ticket showing you'll leave within 30 days. Immigration may ask to see it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.