Maldives entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders get a visa on arrival in the Maldives — no need to apply before you travel. Just show up at Malé International Airport with the right documents and you'll be stamped in for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Maldives eVisaFree 30-day on-arrival visa for most nationalities. IMUGA for pre-registration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Free 30-day entry for all nationalities | Walk up to the immigration counter at Velana International Airport — you get a 30-day tourist visa stamped in your passport at no cost. No application needed beforehand. Overstaying costs MVR 100 (about $6.50) per day, paid at the airport departure counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Nigerian passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers always ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of the Maldives. A printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination works. Without one, you will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Officers rarely ask for it, but having a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host speeds things up. If you are staying at a resort, the resort handles your island transfer — they need your booking reference. | Recommended |
| IMUGA — Maldives 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 form within 96 hours of departure | Fill in the free IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before your flight lands. You enter your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Save the QR code — you show it at immigration on arrival.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration online up to 96 hours before you land. It's not optional — it's required — but doing it in advance means you skip the paper form queue at the airport.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before you board. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
Visa on arrival is free
There is no fee for the visa on arrival. Don't pay anyone who offers to 'expedite' it — it's a straightforward process at the immigration counter.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online before flying
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. Do this between 96 hours and 1 hour before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Land at Malé International Airport (MLE)
All international flights arrive here. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue moves fast, especially if you've done IMUGA.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp you in — no fee, no fuss.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're now in the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (on arrival) or ~$50 USD via embassy
Standard option; extension possible once.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For those married to a Maldivian citizen.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$2,000–$10,000 USD
For investors in Maldivian businesses or real estate. Minimum investment of $100,000 USD typically required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. Max one extension. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstay. No cap mentioned officially, but may accumulate. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, pre-arranged)Visa on arrival is free; pre-arranged visa may have fee if required. | Free (if on arrival) or ~$50 USD via embassy |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Maldives do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For stays over 24 hours or leaving airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australia visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours if leaving airport.
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 (Nigeria is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in resorts but higher in local islands; practice good hygiene.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
Strong tropical sun; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for 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
Maldives Immigration Headquarters
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Hulhumalé
Maldives Immigration Hulhumalé 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 NG 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
You get up to 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) and takes a few days to process.
No, the visa on arrival is free. You don't pay anything at the airport.
You can still fill it out at the airport on arrival, but you'll have to queue at a separate counter. It's much faster to do it online beforehand — it takes 5 minutes.
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The cost is about 750 MVR ($50 USD). You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 2–3 working days.
No, the Maldives does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry from Nigeria. But if you're coming from a country with yellow fever, you'd need the certificate. Since Nigeria is on the WHO list of yellow fever endemic countries, it's wise to carry your vaccination card just in case — some airlines or transit countries may ask.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry at Malé Airport. No exceptions. Renew your passport before you travel.
The Maldives does not automatically deny entry for a criminal record, but immigration officers have discretion. If you have a serious conviction (especially drug-related), you may be questioned or refused. There's no formal ban for most offences, but it's not guaranteed.
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.