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Maldives Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

South African citizens receive a free visa on arrival in the Maldives, valid for 30 days, with no advance application required.

Guide last updated October 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the duration of the stay
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation, including confirmed resort or guesthouse booking (required for all visitors, as independent travel outside resorts needs a registered local guesthouse)
  • Sufficient funds for the stay (cash or card)
  • IMUGA online traveller declaration completed within 96 hours before arrival (mandatory for all visitors, including South Africans)
  • No advance visa application, photos, or fee required
  • Biometrics captured at immigration on arrival as standard procedure

Visa types

  • Free visa on arrival: single entry, valid for a stay of up to 30 days, issued to almost all nationalities including South Africa at no cost
  • Extension of stay: available for tourists wishing to stay longer, arranged with the Maldives Immigration
  • Business visa: for work-related visits, requires sponsor documentation and is arranged separately from the standard tourist visa on arrival

Visa on arrival

  • On arrival at Velana International Airport (Male) or another authorised entry point, present your passport, confirmed accommodation, and return ticket at the immigration counter
  • The 30-day tourist visa is stamped free of charge — no fee is collected for this standard visa on arrival
  • Processing at the counter is typically quick, a few minutes per traveller, provided the IMUGA declaration was submitted in advance
  • Resort check-in staff or your travel agent will usually assist with any documentation needed for immigration

Fees & processing time

  • No fee for the standard 30-day visa on arrival
  • IMUGA traveller declaration: free to submit online
  • Processing time at the airport: typically under 15 minutes with complete documentation
  • Extensions of stay beyond 30 days carry an administrative fee payable through Maldives Immigration and require evidence of continued accommodation

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Submit the IMUGA traveller declaration within the 96-hour window before arrival to avoid delays at immigration
  • Always have a confirmed accommodation booking before travel, as the Maldives requires this even for the free visa on arrival
  • Budget separately for the Maldives Green Tax and airport departure fees, which are charged per night of stay and are not part of the visa cost
  • Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended given the remote island geography
  • Extensions are straightforward if you have continued accommodation booked, but should be arranged before the initial 30 days expire

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.