Maldives entry requirements for Singapore 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
Singapore 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. 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 plan to be in the Maldives. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Malé International Airport will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| 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 form for all travellers | Complete the IMUGA arrival declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before your flight. This is not a visa — all nationalities get free 30-day entry on arrival. Have the QR code ready on your phone or printed when you reach the immigration counter.Complete IMUGA form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Maldives | Immigration officers at Malé International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. Budget airlines flying into the Maldives also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Resort or hotel booking confirmation | While not formally required by immigration, most travellers need a confirmed hotel or resort booking to arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers from the airport. If you're staying at a guesthouse on a local island, the booking is often checked by the island's council. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having a credit card or bank statement showing at least $100 per day of your stay avoids any issues. Carry some US dollars in cash for the $25 departure fee at Malé Airport (payable in cash only). | Recommended |
IMUGA saves time
Complete the free IMUGA form online before you fly. It's not optional — but doing it in advance means you skip the paper form queue at the airport.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Complete IMUGA online
Go to https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv and fill in the free arrival declaration. Do this 24–96 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE)
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, boarding pass, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. No fee. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
Download Maldives Entry Checklist
PDF · Singapore 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 visa on arrival for Singapore passport holders.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity30 days from arrival
CostFree (VOA)
For business purposes; requires invitation letter from Maldives company.
Marriage visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostMVR 1,500 (~$97 USD)
For foreign spouses of Maldivian citizens; requires marriage certificate.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 2,500 (~$162 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Maldivian company. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
MVR 5,000 (~$325 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient funds (minimum $1,000/month). Requires health insurance and a local sponsor.
investor visa
Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
MVR 25,000 (~$1,620 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a Maldivian business or property. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Extension for an additional 30 days, applied at immigration office. | MVR 750 (~$48 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | MVR 100 (~$6.50 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | 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
Singapore 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 Singapore passport holders).
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 disease present year-round; use repellent and sleep under nets.
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; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists. No local transmission in resort 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 inquiries. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Malé
Immigration Counter at Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport, Malé
24/7
For visa on arrival and immediate issues upon landing.
Practical information for SG 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. You get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Malé International Airport. No pre-approval needed.
Up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé. The extension costs around 750 MVR (about SGD 65).
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Maldives immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Yes. It's the official digital arrival card. Fill it in at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv up to 96 hours before arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.
Yes, you can apply for one 30-day extension at the immigration office in Malé. The fee is about 750 MVR. You must apply before your initial 30 days expire.
Not officially, but immigration may ask if you look like you might overstay. Having a credit card or cash (around USD 100 per day) is a good idea.
If you stay airside and don't clear immigration, you don't need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
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.