Visiting Maldives

About Maldives

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant tourism industry. Comprising 1,192 islands spread across 26 atolls, the Maldives is known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and diverse marine life, making it a top destination for travelers worldwide. The country's unique geography and protected marine environment make it a haven for eco-tourism and sustainable travel, with many resorts focusing on conservation efforts and responsible tourism practices.

In terms of travel, the Maldives offers a straightforward visa policy. Most visitors are granted a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival, with no need for prior arrangements. However, travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from their date of arrival.

As a leader in eco-tourism, the Maldives is committed to preserving its fragile environment. Efforts to protect its coral reefs, reduce plastic waste, and promote sustainable practices are key components of the nation's approach to tourism. This conference on integrity in tourism highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, ensuring that the Maldives remains a pristine destination for future generations.

Meeting Visa

Effective from 14th May 2023, an on-arrival 14 (fourteen) days short-stay visa ‘Meeting Visa’ will be granted for any foreign national visiting the Maldives for the purpose of attending a meeting, conference or convention held in the Maldives provided that the individual satisfies the entry requirements to the Maldives.

The following are the prerequisites for entry;

1. The primary purpose of the visit is to attend or participate in a meeting, conference or convention held in the Maldives for permissible businesses accepted by the Registrar of Businesses, or to participate in a meeting held in the Maldives for government and state use, or to participate in a meeting or a conference or a convention arranged by other entities with approval from the concerned government authority
2. A complete travel itinerary including return journey confirmed tickets, with a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel and provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives.
3. Traveller Declaration filled in and submitted electronically via IMUGA within 96 hours to the flight time to Maldives.
4. A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month validity. (Passengers with an extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter.).
5. Entry requirements to their onward destinations; for example, the visa and passport validity.

Important Note:

• Meeting Visa is a non-extendable visa.

• Meeting Visa holder is not eligible to obtain a Business Visa while in the Maldives.

• Entry to the Maldives is not guaranteed even with a comprehensive travel plan (confirmed tickets for the return trip, prepaid confirmed accommodation reservations at registered hotels, or proof of sufficient financial resources). According to Sections 7 and 8 of The Maldives Immigration Act 2007, entrance will be permitted at the port of entry following an immigration officer’s determination of eligibility.

Source: Maldives Immigration

Photo Credit: Shifaaz Shamoon

Photo Credit: Hassan Ishan

Photo Credit: Hassan Ishan