Indian citizens receive a FREE Visa on Arrival in Maldives for up to 30 days. No fees, no prior application required.
Maldives Visa Options at a Glance
| Option | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa on Arrival (30 Days) | Free | Tourism, Honeymoon, Diving |
| Extended Tourist Visa (60/90 Days) | Paid | Extended vacation, Long-term tourism |
Maldives Visa Plans & Pricing
Maldives Visa
₹250
per adult
Honeymoons & beach holidays
- TypeVisa on Arrival
- Stay30 days
- Validity30 days from entry
- Entrysingle
Maldives Visa Documents Required
Mandatory Documents
Maldives Visa Application Process
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Maldives Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
36 questionsEligibility 2
Do Indians need visa for Maldives?
Indians get FREE Visa on Arrival in Maldives. No prior application or fee required. Just arrive with passport, hotel booking, and return ticket. 30 days stay granted instantly.
Is Maldives visa free for Indians?
Yes, Maldives is effectively visa-free for Indians. While technically a visa-on-arrival, it's FREE and instant. No application, no fees - just show up with valid documents.
Fees & Pricing 2
What is the visa fee for Maldives from India?
There is NO visa fee for Maldives. The tourist visa on arrival is completely FREE for all nationalities including Indians. You only pay for flights, hotels, and experiences.
How much does a Maldives visa cost for Indians?
Maldives offers visa-free entry for Indian passport holders for up to 30 days. No visa fee is charged. Indians can arrive directly at Malé airport without prior visa application.
Validity, Stay & Extensions 1
How many days can Indians stay in Maldives?
Indians can stay up to 30 days on the free visa on arrival. Extension possible for another 60 days (total 90 days) by applying at Maldives Immigration (fee: USD 750).
Documents & Requirements 3
What documents are needed for Maldives from India?
Required documents: Valid passport (1+ month validity), confirmed return flight, hotel/resort booking. That's it! No photos, forms, or visa application needed.
What is the passport validity requirement for Maldives?
Maldives requires passport valid for at least 1 month from entry date. This is one of the most relaxed requirements globally. Most countries require 6 months.
Does Maldives stamp a passport?
Yes, Maldives stamps passports on arrival. Indian citizens receive an On-Arrival Visa stamp in their passport at Velana International Airport (Male). Keep your passport safe as the stamp serves as your entry/exit record for the duration of your stay.
Requirements 2
Is hotel booking mandatory for Maldives visa?
Yes, hotel/resort booking is MANDATORY. Immigration will check your accommodation confirmation. You cannot enter Maldives without pre-booked accommodation.
Can I book Maldives hotel after reaching?
No, you must have hotel booking BEFORE arrival. Immigration checks booking at entry. Book in advance - even a refundable booking works.
Travel Tips 4
How long is flight from India to Maldives?
Direct flights: Mumbai to Malé is 3.5 hours, Delhi to Malé is 4.5 hours, Chennai/Bangalore to Malé is 2-2.5 hours. Multiple daily flights available from major Indian cities.
What is the best time to visit Maldives?
Best time is dry season: November to April. Peak season is December-January (Christmas/New Year). May-October has more rain but cheaper rates.
Can I combine Maldives with Sri Lanka trip?
Yes, popular combination! Colombo is just 1.5 hours from Malé. Many travelers do Sri Lanka + Maldives. Indians need eVisa for Sri Lanka.
Is Maldives good for families with kids?
Yes, many resorts are family-friendly with kids clubs, shallow lagoons, and family villas. Some resorts are adults-only - check before booking. Activities available for all ages.
Budget & Costs 3
Is Maldives expensive for Indians?
Maldives can be expensive - resorts range from USD 200-2000/night. Budget options: Local island guesthouses (USD 50-100), off-season travel, all-inclusive packages.
What is included in all-inclusive Maldives packages?
All-inclusive typically covers: Accommodation, all meals, selected drinks (may exclude premium alcohol), some activities. Water sports and spa usually extra.
What is the average resort cost per night in Maldives?
Budget (local islands): $50-150/night. Mid-range: $300-600/night. Luxury: $800-2000/night. Ultra-luxury: $2000-5000+/night. Prices vary by season and inclusions.
Rules 2
Can I drink alcohol in Maldives?
Alcohol is available ONLY at resorts (they have special licenses). Alcohol is banned in Malé and local islands. Do not import alcohol - it will be confiscated.
Can I wear bikini in Maldives?
Bikinis are allowed at resort beaches and pools. In Malé city and local islands, modest dress is required (cover shoulders and knees). Some local islands have "bikini beaches".
Safety 2
Is Maldives safe for honeymoon?
Yes, Maldives is extremely safe and one of the world's top honeymoon destinations. Low crime rate, private resort islands, romantic settings. Perfect for couples.
Is it safe to swim in Maldives?
Yes, very safe within resort lagoons. Be cautious of currents outside reef. Most resorts have designated swimming areas. Follow resort safety guidelines. Jellyfish occasionally present.
Insurance 1
Do I need travel insurance for Maldives?
Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Medical facilities are limited on resort islands. Evacuation to Malé or abroad can be expensive.
Money 1
What currency is used in Maldives?
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is local currency, but USD is widely accepted everywhere, especially at resorts. Credit cards accepted at most resorts. Carry some cash for tips.
Transport & Getting Around 1
How to reach resort from Malé airport?
Resorts arrange transfers: Speedboat (nearby islands, 15-60 mins), Seaplane (distant islands, 30-60 mins), or Domestic flight + speedboat. Cost: USD 50-500+ depending on distance.
Activities 4
Can I visit local islands in Maldives?
Yes, you can visit local islands for cultural experience. Book day trips from resort. Local islands have stricter dress codes and no alcohol. Great for budget travelers.
Can I island hop in Maldives?
Yes, island hopping is possible via speedboat or public ferry. Local ferries are cheap but slow. Speedboats are faster but expensive. Plan transfers in advance.
Is snorkeling good for beginners in Maldives?
Yes, Maldives is perfect for beginners! House coral formations at resorts are shallow and calm. Equipment usually free at resorts. Marine life visible within meters of beach.
Can I see dolphins in Maldives?
Yes! Dolphin cruises are popular activity. Spinner dolphins are common. Many resorts include dolphin watching in excursions. Best time is sunrise or sunset.
Food 1
Is vegetarian food available in Maldives?
Yes, all resorts offer vegetarian options. Indian restaurants available in Malé. Most resorts accommodate dietary requirements - inform them in advance.
Practical 4
What is the time difference between India and Maldives?
Maldives is 30 minutes behind India (IST). When it is 12:00 PM in India, it is 11:30 AM in Maldives. Easy time zone adjustment.
Do I need adapter for Indian plugs in Maldives?
Maldives uses Type G (UK-style 3-pin) and Type D (Indian) plugs. Most resorts have universal outlets. Carry adapter just in case.
Is WiFi available in Maldives resorts?
Yes, all resorts have WiFi but quality varies. Some charge extra for high-speed. Local SIM with data is cheaper alternative. Dhiraagu and Ooredoo are main operators.
What should I pack for Maldives?
Pack: Sunscreen (reef-safe), swimwear, light clothes, underwater camera, waterproof phone case, insect repellent, prescription medicines. Resorts are casual - no formal wear needed.
General Information 3
How to get Maldives visa on arrival?
Indian passport holders get 30-day visa-on-arrival (VOA) free at Velana International Airport, Male. Bring your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. No prior application needed.
Is Maldives visa on arrival?
Yes, Indian passport holders get 30 days visa-free entry to Maldives on arrival. No advance visa application needed — you receive it directly at Malé airport upon landing.
Is Maldives open for Indians?
Yes, Maldives is open for Indian passport holders. Indians get a FREE 30-day tourist visa on arrival — no advance application needed. Just carry your passport, return flight ticket, and hotel booking confirmation.