India Visa RequirementsFor Maldives passport holders
Maldivian citizens are eligible for India's e-Visa (eTV). The Tourist e-Visa allows a 90-day double-entry stay and is applied for entirely online. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
Maldives passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Complete the form, upload a passport photo and biodata page, and pay USD 25 by card. The approved e-Visa is sent by email. Print and carry it to the airport.
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
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months from travel date with at least 2 blank pages.
Digital Passport Photo
Recent colour photo in JPEG format meeting Indian e-Visa specifications.
Passport Biodata Page Scan
Scanned copy of the biographical data page in JPEG or PDF format.
Credit or Debit Card
For online payment of the USD 25 e-Visa fee.
Required at Entry
Printed e-Visa Approval
PDF printout of approved e-Visa to present at the airport and to immigration on arrival.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from India within the visa validity period.
Current Travel Situation
Maldives to India: What You Need to Know
India and the Maldives have strong historical and cultural ties, and India is the Maldives' closest large neighbor. Maldivian citizens are included in India's expanded e-Visa program, making visits to India very accessible for medical, tourism, and business purposes.
How to Get There
IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India operate direct flights from Male (MLE) to several Indian cities including Trivandrum, Cochin, Chennai, and Bangalore. India is one of the most accessible destinations from the Maldives.
Money & Banking
India uses the Indian rupee (INR). ATMs widely available. Cards accepted in malls and major establishments. Cash needed for smaller vendors. UPI apps are widely used.
Practical Tips
1. India is the closest large country to the Maldives; Male to Chennai and Male to Trivandrum routes are short.
2. Apply at least 7 days before travel; the minimum is 4 days.
3. The e-Visa is valid from first entry, not the application date.
4. Entry only at designated e-Visa ports; check the portal list.
5. Print and carry the e-Visa; Indian airports check it at the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Maldives citizens get an Indian eVisa?
Yes. Maldivian passport holders are eligible for India's e-Visa (eTV). Given India's geographic proximity to the Maldives, the Tourist e-Visa is a convenient option for the short flights between the two countries.
Are there direct flights from the Maldives to India?
Yes. Multiple airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India operate direct flights from Male (MLE) to Trivandrum, Cochin, Chennai, Bangalore, and other Indian cities. The flight time is typically 1 to 2.5 hours.
How much does the India eVisa cost for Maldives citizens?
The India Tourist e-Visa costs USD 25. It allows a 90-day double-entry stay. Business and medical e-Visas are available at different fee structures.
How do I apply for an Indian eVisa from the Maldives?
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Fill in the form, upload a passport photo and biodata page, and pay by card. The approved e-Visa arrives by email within 3 to 5 business days.
What is the minimum lead time for applying for an Indian eVisa?
Apply at least 7 days before your intended arrival. The technical minimum is 4 days, but 7 days provides a safety buffer.
Do I need to print my Indian eVisa when traveling from the Maldives?
Yes. Always carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval. Indian airports check it at the departure gate, and immigration officers may request it on arrival.
What can I do in India on a Tourist eVisa?
The Tourist e-Visa allows sightseeing, visiting family and friends, recreational activities, and attending cultural events. It does not permit employment or long-term study.
Is the Indian eVisa extendable within India?
No. The Tourist e-Visa cannot be extended within India. If you need to stay longer, leave India and re-apply, or obtain a regular tourist visa from the Indian embassy before travel.