How to get a Travel Visa to Maldives in 2025? Indian Travelers Guide

The Maldives is a dream destination for Indian travelers, known for its stunning islands, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. Luckily, traveling to the Maldives is hassle-free, as the country offers a visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. Here’s an updated guide on how to get a travel visa to the Maldives in 2025, including all the essential steps and requirements.

A simple guide for Indian travelers to get your Maldives visa in 2025

1. Visa-on-Arrival

Indian citizens traveling to the Maldives need not apply for a visa in advance. The Maldives offers a visa-on-arrival to Indian passport holders, making it a simple and convenient process. This visa-on-arrival is granted for up to 30 days for tourism/leisure purposes.

Key points to note:

Visa type: Visa-on-arrival

Duration: Up to 30 days (can be extended till 90 days with a fee)

Initial cost: Free of charge (no visa fee)

Purpose: Only tourism, short-term visits. Business owners are not allowed to conduct any business at all while there.

2. Documents required for Visa-on-Arrival

Even though you don’t need a pre-applied visa, Indian travelers must present a few essential documents upon arrival at Malé International Airport. Make sure you have the following:

Required documents:

Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives.

Return ticket: A confirmed return or onward flight ticket is required to show that you plan to leave the Maldives within the allowed time frame.

Proof of accommodation: You must provide evidence of where you’ll be staying, such as hotel reservations or the contact details of your resort.

Sufficient funds: Although not strictly enforced, it’s a good idea to have proof of funds or enough money to support yourself during your stay (recommended around INR 10,000 to 20,000 per day).

Health Declaration Form: As of 2025, all visitors are required to submit a Traveler Health Declaration (THD) form online before arriving in the Maldives. Visit the following website to do so (https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller). Fill in the required details, including your personal information, flight details, and accommodation information.

Submit the form online, and you’ll receive a confirmation receipt that you should keep handy for immigration purposes.

Also read: Top 6 Airbnbs in Maldives for an Idyllic Island Escape!

3. Arrival process at Malé International Airport

Once you arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé), the immigration process is quite smooth and straightforward. Here's what you can expect:

At the airport:

Present documents: Show your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and THD confirmation.

Biometric information: You may be asked for biometric data (fingerprints) as part of the immigration process.

Visa stamp: Once verified, you will receive a visa-on-arrival stamp in your passport, allowing you to stay for up to 30 days.

You’re now free to enjoy the Maldives!!!

4. Travel tips for Indian tourists in the Maldives

To make your trip to the Maldives even more enjoyable, keep the following tips in mind:

Travel insurance: While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended that Indian travelers obtain travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations.

Currency: The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but USD is widely accepted at resorts, hotels, and restaurants. It’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases.

Resort transfers: Plan your transfers from Malé to your resort in advance, as many islands are accessible only by speedboat or seaplane.

5. Extending your stay

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, Indian tourists can apply for a visa extension in the Maldives. However, it’s essential to make the request before your initial visa-on-arrival expires.

Visa extension process:

Submit the extension application: Visit the Maldives Immigration office in Malé and submit the extension request.

Extension fee: The visa extension comes with a fee (approx. INR 3045), and approval is subject to the immigration officer’s discretion.

6. Prohibited items and rules in the Maldives

Indian travelers should also be aware of certain rules and restrictions when entering the Maldives to avoid any issues at immigration:

Drones: Drone usage in the Maldives is restricted in certain areas, especially around resorts and you need approval from the Maldives National Defence Force in order to do so. Always check with your accommodation before bringing a drone.

Alcohol and pork: The Maldives is an Islamic country, and the import of alcohol, pork, and pork products is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is available at licensed resorts, but cannot be brought into the country. Also, drinking in public is forbidden.

Religious material: Public practice of any religion other than Islam is restricted. Avoid bringing any religious materials intended for proselytizing.

Also read: What Souvenirs to buy in Maldives? A Simple Guide

Getting a travel visa to the Maldives in 2025 is incredibly straightforward for Indian travelers thanks to the visa-on-arrival process. With no need for advance applications or fees, the Maldives is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a tropical getaway. Ensure you have all your documents ready, to enjoy a hassle-free entry into this island paradise. Start planning your trip to the Maldives, and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the world!