Maldives entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed — just show up at Malé International Airport with the right 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. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Malé International Airport will deny boarding if it's expired. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration at Malé will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia enforce this strictly before letting you board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most resorts require a booking confirmation for island transfers. Immigration rarely asks for it, but your resort will need it to arrange your speedboat or seaplane. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration doesn't routinely check funds, but you should have enough cash or card access for your stay. Resorts and island transfers are paid in advance, so you won't need much cash on arrival. | Recommended |
| IMUGA 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 form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get 30 days on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed.Open IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv before you fly. You'll get a QR code that lets you skip the paper form queue at Malé airport.
6-month passport rule strictly enforced
Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport well in advance.
Visa is free
The 30-day visa on arrival costs nothing. No payment needed at immigration. Extensions cost about 750 MVR (€45).
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the arrival declaration. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it. Do this 24–96 hours before your flight.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and IMUGA QR code. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. No fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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
Validity30 days from arrival
CostFree (VOA)
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity30 days from arrival
CostFree (VOA) with business letter
Requires invitation from Maldivian company; same extension rules.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,000 (~$65 USD) plus processing
For those married to a Maldivian citizen; requires proof of marriage.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 2,000 (~$130 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Economic Development.
retirement visa
Maldives Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) plus proof of funds
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (approx. $2,000/month). Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
investor visa
Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) plus investment
For those investing at least $500,000 in Maldives (real estate or business). Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before current visa expires; max one extension. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day, max MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) |
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Velana International Airport do not need a transit 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
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; drink bottled water.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
Intense tropical sun; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most travellers.
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 inquiries; bring passport, arrival card, and proof of funds.
Malé
Maldives Immigration - Velana International Airport Office
Velana International Airport, Hulhulé
24/7
Handles arrival/departure issues and overstay payments; open all hours.
Practical information for NL 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 €45) and takes a few days to process.
Yes, but only once. You can apply for a 30-day extension (total 60 days) at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. You'll need a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket. The fee is about 750 MVR. Apply before your initial visa expires.
Yes, it's mandatory. Complete it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before arrival. It's free and gives you a QR code that speeds up immigration. Without it, you'll be directed to a kiosk at the airport to fill it out there — still free, but slower.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Malé. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
Not for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from a remote island can cost €10,000 or more. A basic policy covering medical expenses and evacuation is cheap insurance.
The Maldives doesn't impose entry restrictions based on where you're flying from. As long as you meet the standard visa-on-arrival requirements (valid passport, return ticket, accommodation, IMUGA), you're fine. Check with your airline for any transit requirements.
Contact the Dutch embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka (which covers the Maldives). They can issue an emergency travel document. File a police report in Malé first — you'll need it for the embassy. The embassy is reachable by phone or email.
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.