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Maldives Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Afghanistan citizens can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport in the Maldives, with the option to extend up to 90 days total, no pre-approval required and no pre-arrival visa application.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
  • Forms: No pre-arrival visa application; a visa will be issued on arrival at Velana International Airport for a 30-day stay.
  • Financial proof: Not a formal requirement, but carry proof of sufficient funds and have hotel bookings; typical guidance is to have at least enough funds for your stay (e.g., USD 50–100 per day).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel reservation for the duration of your stay and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: Bring one recent passport-style photograph (size not strictly enforced on arrival; ensure photographs meet standard passport photo requirements).
  • Biometrics: Not required on arrival; your passport will be stamped after entry checks.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required by immigration, but strongly recommended.
  • Entry condition note: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from date of entry; you may also need proof of accommodation and funds if asked by the immigration officer. For the latest requirements, check immigration.gov.mv.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: official name Tourist Visa on Arrival; validity 30 days; maximum stay up to 90 days with extension; single-entry; typical guidance states visa on arrival is issued free of charge.
  • Business visa on arrival: not commonly offered as a separate on-arrival category; pre-approval and embassy processing are typically required.
  • Student visa: not available on arrival; requires prior approval and visa processing before travel.
  • Work visa: not available on arrival; employer sponsorship and pre-clearance required; must apply before traveling.

Visa on arrival

  • How to apply: Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé) or other designated entry points. At the visa-on-arrival counter, present your passport, hotel reservation, and return/onward ticket. Pay any applicable fees if required and await visa stamping. For official details, and to confirm current policies, check the Maldives Department of Immigration and Emigration portal at https://immigration.gov.mv/.
  • Ports: Velana International Airport (Malé) is the primary entry point for visa on arrival.
  • Steps: Arrival check -> passport submission -> verification of hotel booking and return ticket -> visa issuance -> stamp in passport.
  • Fee and currencies: Visa on arrival is generally issued with no separate visa fee; if a fee applies it is payable at the airport counter in available currencies (USD or local currency); confirm at the counter.
  • Queue tips: Arrive early, have hotel and return tickets ready, join the regular visa-on-arrival queue; ensure all documents are legible and match the name on your passport.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival fee: Typically none; if charged, payment is required at the airport counter; currencies accepted are USD and MVR.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Maldives visa on arrival; no outsourced processing through VFS/BLS for the standard visa on arrival.
  • Total cost estimate: 0 USD for the visa itself; additional costs may include hotel bookings and potential extension fees if you extend.
  • Standard processing time: Immediate upon stamping; expect up to a few hours in busy periods.
  • Express/priority option: Not applicable for visa on arrival; extensions would be processed by DoI&E and may take several days.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Apply for travel plans well in advance; while visa on arrival requires no pre-approval, ensure you have confirmed hotel and return tickets.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants specifically: inadequate funds proof, unclear or missing hotel bookings, or passport validity under 6 months; ensure all documents are in order.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For Maldives visa on arrival, use direct airport entry rather than prior visa processing; no VFS/BLS submission is needed.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check your government's travel advisory for the Maldives prior to travel; ensure you meet entry conditions.
  • Extension options inside Maldives: You can inquire about visa extensions with the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DoI&E) in Malé; processing times and fees vary; do not overstay the initial 30-day visa without approval.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.