The Maldives. A chain of islands rather dreamy islands boast fascinating culture, scrumptious cuisine, and enthralling underwater fraternity in a fulfilling way. The Maldives is one of the top destinations that comes to mind when one thinks of an escapade from regular grinding hustle & bustle. Because why not? We always keep an eye on the uber mesmerizing pictures from the glamourous Maldives flooded across the social media platforms. And being a couple who explored the destination twice, we can assure you this place completely does live up to all the hype!
Many countries now offer visa on arrival for Indian passport holders – and the Maldives tourist visa for Indians serve as the simplest and fastest to score. In this detailed post on the Maldives tourist visa for India, we try to explain the whole process and what to expect at immigration at Male Aiport.
Do Indians need a tourist visa for the Maldives?
Indian citizens do not require a pre-arrival visa. One should have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival to the Maldives. Indians are provided with a Tourist Visa on arrival at the Male Aiport with a 30 days limit. We know it’s obvious to fall in love with the magnificence of the place which may lead your heart to stay longer. If so, your tourist visa can be further extended up to 90 days with approval from the concerned authorities. Did you know that only India is an exceptional case to this amenity? All the credit goes to the strategic military and economic international tie-up between these two eminent countries.
Maldives tourist visa fee for Indians
The Indian passport isn’t the most travel-friendly one in the world but we are lucky to have some exceptions – the Maldives is one of them. The Maldives offer a visa on arrival free of cost. Yes, you heard that right! For all the Indian nationals, the tourist visa is absolutely free without any hidden clauses. It is just that one must carry valid documents along with the passport.
How to apply for the Maldives Tourist Visa for Indian citizens?
Now we know that the Maldives offer a visa on arrival that is valid for a month, one must log in to the official website (https://immigration.gov.mv/visit-maldives/) and check for regular updates. To obtain the visa on arrival at Male, you’ll have to produce certain documents like –
- The Maldives tourist form needs to be filled up with genuine & bonafide information at the airport. These forms are available at the counters of the immigration section. The complete and signed forms must be submitted to the concerned officials.
- An Indian passport valid up to six months.
- One latest & clear passport-sized color photograph whose dimensions must be 35 mm in width & 45 mm in length.
- Proof of a prepaid accommodation booking.
- Confirmed onward/return tickets to the home country.
- Proof of sufficient funds to last the intended stay i.e. the photocopies of bank statements. You must have US$100 per person per day in your bank accounts.
If you want to extend the duration of your permit, you’ll have to apply for it two days prior to the termination of the 30-day permit. The immigration authorities have complete rights to accept or decline the request.
*Tip: The Maldives is a conservative Muslim society and it’s officially ‘dry’ except the resorts. Please don’t try to sneak bargain booze into the country as all the luggage is thoroughly X-rayed at the Male airport. Customs officials will politely seize the bottles by issuing a receipt to you and return them, unopened, on departure.
Do we need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is always meant to have your back during the unfortunate incidents. You must be well equipped to handle the blow and bust situations. Having travel insurance will definitely be of great help. Imagine while having all the relaxation and fun in the Maldives you have lost your wallet or passport or you got hurt during an underwater activity. You absolutely don’t want to bear this very thought of hassle and row. Do you? That’s why buying travel insurance is an excellent option to be on the safer side. Always!
Lazing around at your own private beach property while sipping on the world-class soothing cocktails with a free visa permit – it can’t get more luxurious than that. If blue skies with pretty candy floss clouds and bluer beaches are your jam, it’s time to plan an amazing getaway to the Maldives and tick off another box in your bucket-list! Cheers, globetrotters! 🙂
