Maldives Visa RequirementsFor India passport holders
Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day visitor visa sticker on arrival in the Maldives with no prior application required. The Maldives is one of India's most popular holiday destinations.
Great news! India passport holders can enter Maldives without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
Present your valid passport, a completed arrival card, confirmed accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds. A return or onward ticket is required. No yellow fever certificate is needed unless arriving from an endemic country. The stay can sometimes be extended up to 90 days at the immigration office.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
India to Maldives: What You Need to Know
The Maldives issues a complimentary 30-day visa on arrival to all nationalities, including Indian citizens. No advance application is needed. The visa is given free of charge and stamped into the passport at Velana International Airport in Male. Direct flights operate from over a dozen Indian cities.
Practical Tips
Maldivian rufiyaa is the official currency but USD is accepted everywhere in resorts. Alcohol is only permitted in resort islands, not inhabited local islands. Modesty of dress is expected on local islands. Speed boat or seaplane transfers connect atolls beyond Male. Travel insurance is recommended as medical care on outer atolls is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for the Maldives?
No prior visa is required. Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day visitor visa sticker on arrival at Velana International Airport in Male. Bring your passport, hotel confirmation, return ticket, and proof of funds. No fee is charged.
Can the Maldives visa on arrival be extended for Indian tourists?
Yes. The initial 30-day free visa can be extended up to 90 days total at the Maldives Immigration Department in Male. Extensions require a confirmed hotel booking for the extended period and proof of sufficient funds.
Are there direct flights from India to the Maldives?
Yes. Direct flights operate from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, and several other Indian cities to Male International Airport (Velana). IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Maldivian airlines all operate on this route. Flight time is around 2 to 4 hours depending on origin.
Can tourists drink alcohol on local islands in the Maldives?
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on local inhabited islands in the Maldives and may only be consumed at resort islands, liveaboard vessels, and designated tourist facilities. Attempting to bring or consume alcohol on local islands can result in serious legal consequences including deportation.