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Maldives Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Free

China citizens can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Malé International Airport; no pre-arrival visa is required, but a confirmed hotel booking and a return ticket must be shown.

Guide last updated September 4, 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.
  • Specific forms: No pre-arrival visa application forms; visa on arrival is issued at the airport.
  • Financial proof: No fixed minimum amount published; show funds sufficient to cover the stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel booking for the full stay; proof of onward/return flight.
  • Photo spec: No separate visa photo required for the visa on arrival.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are not required specifically for the Maldives visa-on-arrival.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory, but strongly advised.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: Official name: Tourist Visa on Arrival. Validity: 30 days. Max stay: 30 days. Entry: Single-entry. Approximate fee: 0 USD.
  • Business visa on arrival: Not typically issued on arrival; may require prior approval through Maldives authorities or embassy channels.
  • Student visa: Not available on arrival; requires pre-approval through the Maldives MOFA/embassy pathways.
  • Work visa: Not available on arrival; requires pre-approval and processing through the Maldives authorities.

Application process

  • Visa on arrival:
  • How to apply: No online application is needed for a tourist visa on arrival; obtain the visa at Velana International Airport on arrival.
  • Steps: Arrive at Velana International Airport in Malé; present passport valid at least 6 months, and provide a confirmed hotel booking and return/onward flight details to the immigration officer.
  • Approval arrival: Immigration stamps a 30-day visa onto your passport at the border control desk.
  • Extensions: If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your current visa expires; processing times and approvals vary.
  • Interview requirement: Generally none for tourism on arrival; officials may ask about travel plans or hotel details if needed.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 0 USD (visa on arrival is free).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Maldives visa on arrival.
  • Total cost estimate: 0 USD for the visa itself; additional costs are your flight, accommodation, and any applicable airport taxes or hotel charges.
  • Standard processing time: Visa issued on arrival at the airport; processing is typically the time spent at immigration queues (same-day decision).
  • Express/priority option: Not available for the on-arrival visa.

Tips for China travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: No pre-arrival visa application is required; you should arrange a hotel booking and return flight in advance.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants specifically: Passport validity less than 6 months; lack of confirmed hotel booking or proof of funds; lack of a return/onward ticket; travel history that raises questions about the purpose of visit.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For Maldives, the visa on arrival route does not require VFS/BLS pre-processing; if you need a different visa type or longer stay, contact a Maldives embassy/consulate for guidance, not a VFS/BLS center.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check your government travel advisory and the Maldives Department of Immigration for any current-entry requirements or health advisories; relationships between China and Maldives are generally stable.
  • Extension options inside Maldives: Extensions are possible by applying at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Malé before your current visa expires; approval and duration depend on case specifics.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.