Maldives entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. No application needed before you travel — just show up with the right documents and fill in the IMUGA form online beforehand. 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 expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration at Malé will ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines and full-service carriers both enforce this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | You don't need to show a hotel booking to clear immigration, but it's smart to have one. Most resorts require a booking for the speedboat or seaplane transfer from Malé, and the transfer desk won't let you board without a reservation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but it's worth carrying a credit card or a few hundred dollars cash. If you're staying at a resort, your package usually covers everything — no one will quiz you on your bank balance. | 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 Maldives IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. It's free, takes 2 minutes, and generates a QR code you show at immigration. This is not a visa — all nationalities get 30 days on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA is mandatory — do it before you fly
The IMUGA arrival declaration is not optional. Complete it at imuga.immigration.gov.mv between 96 and 24 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone. It's free and takes 5 minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to the limit, renew your passport before booking your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the arrival declaration. Do this between 96 hours and 24 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
3
Get your visa stamp
The immigration officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and grant a 30-day visa on arrival. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're now free to enter the Maldives.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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 1,200 for extension
Standard entry for tourism; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 1,200 for extension
Requires invitation letter from Maldivian company.
Marine research visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostMVR 5,000 (~$325 USD)
For scientific research; requires approval from Ministry of Fisheries.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD) per year
For foreign employees 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 annually
MVR 15,000 (~$975 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (minimum $2,000/month). Allows long-term stay but no work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,250 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $500,000 in Maldives (real estate, business, or government bonds). Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Maldives Immigration before initial 30 days expire. | MVR 1,200 (~$78 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of MVR 10,000 (~$650 USD). | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Portuguese 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 (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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk 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; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Maldives; no prophylaxis recommended for most 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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, arrival card, and proof of funds.
Malé
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Velaanaage, 5th Floor, Malé
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for PT 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 30 days on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a total of 90 days. The fee is about 750 MVR (roughly €45) per extension.
Yes, but you must apply before your 30 days expire. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé (near the main port). You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and the fee (around 750 MVR). Processing takes 1–2 working days.
A digital copy on your phone is perfectly fine. Just make sure you can pull it up quickly — immigration may ask to see it at the counter.
You can still fill it out at the airport using the kiosks, but it takes longer. Doing it online beforehand saves you 10–15 minutes in the queue. The form is free and takes about 5 minutes.
No, it's completely free for Portuguese passport holders. No payment needed at any point.
No. Airlines will likely deny you boarding, and even if you reach the Maldives, immigration will refuse entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need the standard 30-day visa on arrival — same rules apply.
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.