Skip to main content

Maldives Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens receive a free 30-day visa on arrival for the Maldives, issued automatically at Velana International Airport with no pre-approval needed.

Guide last updated October 2, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 1 month beyond your intended stay.
  • No application form required in advance
  • Proof of onward/return ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds (USD 100 + USD 50/day, or confirmed resort/hotel booking)
  • Confirmed accommodation booking (resort, guesthouse, or liveaboard)
  • No biometrics collected on arrival
  • Travel health insurance recommended but not mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa on Arrival - issued free of charge, valid for 30 days, single entry, non-extendable beyond 90 days total.
  • Business Visa - requires a local sponsor letter, 30 days validity, obtainable through Maldives Immigration in advance.
  • Extensions - available at the Department of Immigration in Male for up to 90 days total at no extra visa fee, only administrative processing fee applies.

Visa on arrival

  • Processed at Velana International Airport (MLE) immigration counters.
  • Steps: present passport, return ticket, and confirmed accommodation booking at the immigration desk
  • No fee is charged for the 30-day tourist visa
  • Processing takes 5-15 minutes per traveler, no separate payment counter needed
  • Keep a printed or digital copy of your resort/hotel confirmation to show on request

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist visa on arrival: free (USD 0).
  • No VFS or BLS service fees since there is no pre-arrival application.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 0 for the visa itself.
  • Processing time: same-day, done at the airport immigration counter in minutes.
  • Extension fee (if staying beyond 30 days): approximately USD 25-50 depending on duration, processed at the Male immigration office, taking 1-3 working days.

Tips for United States travelers

  • No advance application needed; just ensure your onward ticket and accommodation booking are confirmed before departure.
  • Common issue: travelers without a confirmed resort/hotel booking or sufficient funds proof can be questioned at immigration.
  • No VFS/BLS involved - this is a pure airport arrival process.
  • Check the US State Department travel advisory for the Maldives before departing.
  • If extending your stay, visit the Department of Immigration in Male well before your 30 days expire to avoid overstay penalties.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

United KingdomFranceGermanyJapanAustraliaCanadaView all →

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.