Travelling from India to the Maldives is a breeze—most Indian passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival, allowing a stay of up to 30 days, extendable to 90. But for other visa types—work, business, dependent, or marriage visas—Indian nationals must apply in advance. Here’s your ultimate guide.
1. Who Needs What? Visa Types
| Visa Type | Tourist (On‑Arrival) | Business | Work | Marriage | Dependent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility (Indians) | All Indian passport holders | All Indians | Indians with job offer | Indian marrying Maldivian | Family of work visa holders |
| Pre‑Arrival Needed? | No | Often no, but better online | Yes via Xpat portal | Yes via IMUGA portal | Yes via Xpat portal |
| Stay Max Allowed | 30 days, extendable to 90 | Up to 90 days per 12-month period | Initial 15 days, renewable | 1 year initial, 5‑yr renewals | Based on principal visa |
| Visa Fee (approx.) | Free | Free | Free (employer pays) | MVR 50 (~INR 270) | MVR 750/3 mo + MVR 50 (~INR 4,100) |
| Apply Online? | IMUGA declaration only | Business portal (optional) | Xpat (15 days process) | IMUGA (within 30 days arrival) | Xpat portal |
2. Tourist Visa on Arrival for Indians
Eligibility & Requirements
- Valid Indian passport with at least one month’s validity.
- Confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation).
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
- Traveller Health Declaration via IMUGA within 96 hours before departure.
- Yellow fever certificate if applicable.
Process & Fees
- No pre-arrival visa needed; immigration issues visa free of cost.
- Initial stay: 30 days.
- Visa extension possible up to 90 days by applying at the Immigration department in Malé.
- Extension fee is approx. INR 4,100 for a 60-day extension.
Refund/Cancellation
- No visa fee to refund for tourist visa.
- Extension fee is typically non-refundable.
3. Business & Meeting Visas
Business Visa (Short-term/Non-resident)
- Indian citizens can use visa on arrival for short business visits.
- Valid documents like invitation letter or business meeting confirmation are needed.
- For frequent travel, a 5-year multiple-entry business visa can be applied for.
- Each visit under this visa allows a stay of 90 days.
- No visa fee is charged for business visas.
Meeting/Conference Visa
- Similar to business visits; visa on arrival can be used.
- Require invitation from event organizers.
- No special pre-application unless attending high-security events.
4. Work Visa
Purpose & Process
- Indians must have a job offer from a Maldivian employer.
- The employer applies for a Work Permit through the Ministry of Economic Development.
- Visa is applied via the Xpat portal after work permit is approved.
Timeline & Fees
- Initial work visa is granted for 15 days; can be extended up to 90 days.
- Application usually processed within 48 hours; passport processing takes 3 working days.
- No fees for employees; employers bear all visa costs.
Documents Required
- Valid passport with minimum 1-year validity and MRZ.
- Work permit copy.
- Passport-size photo.
- Medical report from recognized hospital.
- IMUGA health declaration.
- Yellow fever certificate, if required.
5. Marriage Visa
Who & Why
- For Indian nationals married to Maldivian citizens.
- Applicant must first enter Maldives on tourist visa and then convert it within 30 days.
Validity & Fees
- Initial marriage visa valid for 1 year.
- Can be extended up to 5 years.
- Fee is MVR 50 (approx. INR 270) for visa card.
Documents Required
- Family court-approved IM23 form.
- Passport bio page.
- Marriage certificate and Maldivian spouse’s ID.
- Passport-size photo.
- Medical report and health insurance (first application).
- Yellow fever certificate, if applicable.
6. Dependent Visa
Eligible Dependents
- Spouse, children, or parents of Indian nationals holding valid work visas.
Validity & Fees
- Visa validity depends on principal visa holder.
- Extension is possible.
- Fees: MVR 750 for 3 months plus MVR 50 (approx. INR 4,100 total).
Documents Required
- IM23 application form.
- Passport copy and photo.
- Principal’s visa copy.
- Marriage or birth certificate.
- Medical report, health insurance, yellow fever certificate.
- IMUGA application.
7. Photo Requirements
- Size: 35 × 44 mm
- Face coverage: 70–80% of the photo
- Format: JPG/JPEG, under 3 MB
- Quality: Neutral background (white), high resolution, no shadows or glare
- Expression: Neutral, eyes open, no headgear (except for religious reasons)
- Recency: Taken within past 6 months
- For infants: face can cover 50–80%, white background required
8. Visa Extensions & Refunds
Tourist Visa
- Can be extended from 30 to 90 days.
- Application must be done before visa expiry.
- Fees are non-refundable.
Other Visas
- Work, Marriage, and Dependent visas can be extended via online portals.
- Extensions usually require new health checkups and payment of renewal fees.
- Refunds are not typically offered once payment is made.
9. Application Steps for Indians
Tourist / Meeting Visitors
- Book flights and accommodation.
- Fill IMUGA health declaration 96 hours before travel.
- Arrive at airport and receive visa on arrival.
- Apply for extension if needed at Immigration.
Work / Dependent / Marriage Visas
- Submit application via respective portal (Xpat or IMUGA).
- Upload all documents, including scanned passport and photograph.
- Wait for visa approval (usually within 3–5 working days).
- Collect visa and travel to Maldives.
10. Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejections
- Ensure passport validity of at least 6 months and MRZ presence.
- Always complete IMUGA health declaration before boarding.
- Get yellow fever vaccination if you’ve visited an affected country recently.
- Do not perform paid work on tourist or business visa.
- Prepare correct document format and size to avoid processing delays.
Indians traveling to the Maldives enjoy one of the easiest and most traveler-friendly visa processes in the world. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a work assignment, or attending a conference, the process is smooth if you follow the official guidelines. Just ensure you have valid documents, follow the right process, and apply through the correct online platforms