1. Do I need to apply for a visa to visit Maldives on a holiday?                                                                            

Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to the Maldives. As such, a foreigner travelling to Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.

1. A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month validity.

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, or hold a pre-approved visa sponsorship approved by Maldives Immigration.

3. All foreigners arriving in the Maldives must complete and submit the ‘Traveller Declaration’ form. The form can be completed up to 96 hours (4 days) before your arrival in Maldives. Submission of the form is free of charge and must be filled electronically via the IMUGA portal.

4. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable. Children under 1 year of age are exempt from Yellow Fever vaccination. Click here to check the Yellow Fever endemic countries.

Please refer to ‘Tourist Visa’ of Maldives Immigration website for more details.

If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

2. Can I use a drone to take pictures and videos during my trip to Maldives?

STEP 1 - Approval from the Hotel or Island

Commercial Video / Photography

Approval should be obtained from the National Centre for the Arts prior to the operation. Fill their application form and email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Recreational Video / Photography

Approval should be obtained hotel or the local island council prior to the operation.

STEP 2 - Approval from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)

Obtain approval from the Maldives National Defence Force. Fill in their application form and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This step may be completed concurrently with Step 1.

STEP 3 - Approval from the CAA

Once approval has been obtained from the hotel/island and MNDF apply to the CAA on our application form and send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ENSURE to include a copy of the permit from MNDF with the application. Further restrict drone operations to below 400 feet.

3. I have traveled to countries with a yellow fever alert. Do I need proof of vaccination for my trip to Maldives?

If you have visited countries with yellow fever alert in the past one month, or if you plan to visit one before you arrive in Maldives, you may be asked to show your vaccination record.
If you have been living in Bangladesh you do not require a vaccine.

4. Will I be restricted from entering Maldives for a holiday if I have a record of past offense or was rejected visa to another country?

In general, having a record of minor past offense or being rejected visa to another country does not disallow you from entering Maldives as long as you fulfil the visa requirements (see Question 1).

If you are in doubt about any travel restrictions you may write to Maldives Immigration at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (in English) together with your passport details to check if there are any outstanding travel restrictions.