Is a Passport Required for the Maldives? Travel Documents & Visa Guide

All international travelers need a passport to visit the Maldives. After the date of entrance, your passport must be valid for at least six months. Without a valid passport, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country.

The Maldives offers visa-free entry for 30 days to many nationalities, including travelers from India, the USA, the UK, and most European countries. You don’t need to apply for a visa in advance, but you must show a return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds at immigration.

In this guide, we’ll explain all the travel requirements, including visa rules, passport renewal tips, and what to do if your passport is about to expire. Read on to make sure your trip to the Maldives goes smoothly!

Is a Passport Required for Travel to the Maldives?

Yes, all foreign travelers must have a passport to visit the Maldives. Whether you are traveling for a holiday, business, or any other purpose, entry is not allowed without a valid passport.

At least six months after the date of your intended departure, your passport should still be valid. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before your trip to avoid any issues at immigration.

While there are no special exceptions, certain diplomatic passport holders or travelers under bilateral agreements may have different rules. However, for most travelers, a valid passport is mandatory.

If you are planning a trip to the Maldives, ensure your passport meets these requirements to avoid last-minute travel hassles.

Visa Requirements for the Maldives

The Maldives has a visa-free policy for many nationalities, including India, the USA, the UK, and most European countries. Upon arrival, eligible travelers receive a 30-day visa on arrival free of charge.

Visa Extension

If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the Maldives Immigration Office. Extensions are granted for up to 60 additional days, making the total stay 90 days. However, approval depends on factors like financial stability and accommodation arrangements.

Required Documents for Immigration

When you arrive in the Maldives, you must present the following:

A valid passport (with at least six months' validity)
A return or onward ticket
Proof of stay (hotel booking confirmation or local contact details)
Sufficient funds to cover your stay

Passport & Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers

If you are an Indian citizen planning a trip to the Maldives, a passport is mandatory for entry. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Make sure to check your passport’s validity before booking your trip.

Do Indians Need a Visa for the Maldives?

No, Indians do not need a visa in advance. The Maldives offers a free 30-day visa on arrival for Indian travelers. This makes it easy to plan a last-minute trip without worrying about visa applications.

Documents Required for Indian Travelers

When arriving in the Maldives, Indian citizens must present:

A valid passport (with at least six months' validity)
A return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or a local host’s contact details)
Sufficient funds for the trip

If you plan to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the Maldives Immigration Office. The extension is granted based on your financial capability and accommodation arrangements.

Passport & Visa Requirements for Other Nationalities

Travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and Canada enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days upon arrival in the Maldives. However, all foreign travelers must meet the passport validity requirements.

Passport Validity Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
At least one page should be left vacant for the entry stamp.

Visa Extension Details

Visitors who wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days can apply for a visa extension of up to 60 additional days. The total stay cannot exceed 90 days in one visit.

Special Cases: Countries Requiring a Visa in Advance

Most nationalities can enter visa-free, but some travelers from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a visa in advance. It’s best to check with the Maldives Immigration Office or the nearest Maldivian embassy to confirm visa requirements before traveling.

Passport Renewal & What to Do If Your Passport Is Expired

Before traveling to the Maldives, ensure your passport is valid. Here’s how to check and renew your passport if needed.

How to Check If Your Passport Is Valid for Travel

Look at the expiration date on your passport. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Steps to Renew Your Passport

Before your vacation, renew your passport if it is about to expire. Here’s how:

For Indian Citizens: Apply for renewal via the Passport Seva website. Choose Tatkal service for faster processing.

For U.S. citizens: Apply through the U.S. State Department. Routine renewal takes 6-8 weeks, expedited service takes 2-3 weeks.

For UK Citizens: Renew via the UK Passport Office. Standard renewal takes 3 weeks, and fast-track service is available.

What Should You Do While Abroad If Your Passport Expires?

If your passport expires while you’re in the Maldives:

Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the Maldives or a nearby country.
To get back home, apply for an emergency travel document.
Request a temporary extension from Maldivian authorities if needed.

Yes, a passport is required to travel to the Maldives, and most nationalities, including Indians, Americans, and Europeans, receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. However, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months to avoid any travel issues.

Before traveling, check your passport’s validity, keep all required documents ready, and follow the entry guidelines to ensure a hassle-free trip.

Ready for your Maldives adventure? Ensure your passport is valid and start planning today.