United States Visa RequirementsFor Maldives passport holders

The Maldives is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so all Maldivian passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. Crucially, there is no US Embassy or Consulate in the Maldives. Maldivian nationals must travel to the US Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka for their visa interview.

This adds an additional international trip to the application process. Travelers from Male' (MLE) can reach Colombo (CMB) via direct flight with SriLankan Airlines or IndiGo, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours.

Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy Colombo are typically in the range of 100 to 200 days. Begin your application 6 to 9 months before intended travel. Factor in the trip to Colombo for the interview when planning your schedule.

The standard B1/B2 criteria apply: demonstrating non-immigrant intent, financial means, and a clear legitimate purpose for the visit. Maldivian applicants should demonstrate ties to the Maldives through employment, property, business, or family. The Maldivian economy is heavily centered on tourism and hospitality, so employment in these sectors is well understood by consular officers.

No direct flights connect the Maldives to the United States. Travelers route through major Gulf or Asian hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur.

There are no direct flights between the Maldives and the United States. Common routings involve connecting at Dubai (DXB) on Emirates, Doha (DOH) on Qatar Airways, or Abu Dhabi (AUH) on Etihad Airways, all of which offer direct onward service to multiple US cities. Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST) are also options. The Emirates hub in Dubai is one of the most popular connection points, with direct service to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, and Boston.

The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is not accepted in the US. Exchange currency before travel or use a Visa or Mastercard bank card enabled for international transactions. Notify your bank of travel plans.

The US is significantly more expensive than the Maldives for everyday costs outside the resort context. Budget $150 to $300 per day for mid-range city travel. New York, San Francisco, and Boston are among the most expensive US cities.

Tipping is expected and standard in US restaurants at 18% to 20% of the bill. This applies to bars, taxis, hotel staff, and tour guides as well.

ATMs are widely available across the US. Credit cards are accepted at virtually all merchants.

Plan the trip to Colombo. Budget for flights to Colombo for your interview appointment, plus accommodation in Colombo if needed. The Male' (MLE) to Colombo (CMB) direct flight takes around 2 hours on SriLankan Airlines or IndiGo.

Apply well in advance. Allow 6 to 9 months before intended travel to account for the Colombo appointment wait and any subsequent processing after the interview.

Demonstrate ties to the Maldives. Employment in tourism or hospitality, property ownership, business registration, or family ties are all relevant. Strong financial documentation, including bank statements, also supports your application.

No direct flights from the Maldives to the US. Plan your routing via a Gulf hub (Dubai, Doha) or an Asian hub (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur) for connections to US cities.

Check your passport validity. Your Maldivian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended US stay.