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Maldives Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

British citizens receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives, issued automatically at immigration with no advance application needed.

Guide last updated October 6, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 1 month beyond your intended departure date
  • Confirmed onward or return ticket
  • Proof of a confirmed hotel, resort, guesthouse, or liveaboard booking for the full length of stay
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, occasionally requested
  • No application form or fee required in advance; the visa is issued automatically at Velana International Airport
  • No biometrics beyond a standard photo and fingerprint scan some travelers encounter at immigration
  • Travel health insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended given the cost of medical transfers between islands

Visa types

  • Free tourist visa on arrival: single entry, valid 30 days, issued to almost all nationalities including the UK at no cost
  • Extended tourist visa: available from the Maldives Immigration Department for stays beyond 30 days, up to a maximum of 90 days per visit
  • Business visa: required for work-related visits, arranged with a local sponsor through the Immigration Department

Visa on arrival

  • Issued automatically at Velana International Airport immigration desks for almost all nationalities, no separate counter or form needed
  • Present your passport, resort or hotel booking confirmation, and return ticket to the immigration officer
  • No fee is charged for the standard 30-day tourist visa on arrival
  • Processing takes only a few minutes per traveler under normal conditions

Fees & processing time

  • No fee for the initial 30-day tourist visa on arrival
  • Extensions beyond 30 days, up to the 90-day maximum, cost approximately USD 110-120 depending on the extra days requested
  • Extension applications are handled by the Maldives Immigration Department in Male and typically processed within a few working days
  • No VFS or outsourced service is involved, since all visa processing happens directly through Maldives immigration

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Book your resort, guesthouse, or liveaboard before you fly, as immigration can ask to see a confirmed booking covering your full stay
  • If island-hopping between resorts, carry printed or digital confirmations for each property you plan to stay at
  • Apply for an extension well before your 30 days run out if you want to stay longer, since overstaying incurs daily fines
  • Pack comprehensive travel insurance, as inter-island medical evacuation can be extremely costly without cover
  • Alcohol is restricted outside resort islands, so be mindful of local laws if visiting inhabited local islands during your stay

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.