Maldives entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish 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 — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Maldives | Immigration at Velana International Airport always asks for a confirmed onward ticket. If you don't have one, they'll direct you to a nearby airline desk to buy one before they stamp you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or resort booking confirmation | Most visitors book a resort or guesthouse in advance — the Maldives is an island nation and you need a place to go after clearing immigration. Have your booking confirmation printed or on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having a credit card or $100–$200 in cash covers you for incidentals like the speedboat transfer to your island. | 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 pre-registration | Complete the IMUGA form at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — show it at immigration along with your passport. This is not a visa; all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form up to 96 hours before your flight. It's a digital arrival card that lets you skip the paper queue at immigration.
6-month passport rule is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're close, renew before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA form online
Up to 96 hours before your flight, go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Prepare documents for arrival
Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and IMUGA QR code ready. Keep them in an easily accessible pocket or phone.
3
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders.
4
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp a 30-day visa on arrival — no fee, no fuss.
5
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 · Sweden 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 issue
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
Standard VOA is free; extension costs MVR 750.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity30 days
CostFree (VOA) or MVR 750 (~$48 USD) for extension
For business purposes; requires invitation letter.
Marriage Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 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 sufficient income (e.g., pension). Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Maldives Work Visa
1 year, renewable
MVR 5,000 (~$324 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Maldivian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit. Allows legal employment.
investor visa
Maldives Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 50,000 (~$3,240 USD) initial fee
For investors who invest at least $1 million in Maldives (e.g., real estate, business). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)Extension fee for an additional 30 days, applied at Immigration. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstay, no maximum cap mentioned officially. | MVR 500 (~$32 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Swedish passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Velana International Airport (MLE) for up to 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (May–November). Use repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Maldives, but prophylaxis may be considered for remote atolls. Consult a travel clinic.
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 inquiries. Bring passport, arrival card, and fee.
Malé
Immigration Counter – Velana International Airport
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa on arrival and immediate issues upon arrival.
Practical information for SE 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
No. Swedish passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. No advance application or fee is required.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Maldives immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes. All travellers must complete the IMUGA arrival declaration within 96 hours before arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes online. Without it, you'll be held up at immigration.
You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration checks this at the counter. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you refused entry.
No, there is no formal proof of funds requirement for Swedish passport holders on arrival. But having a credit card or cash is sensible for your stay.
The visa on arrival is only available at Malé International Airport. If arriving by yacht or private boat, you need to arrange a visa in advance through Maldives Immigration.
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.