Key Highlights
- FREE visa on arrival - zero fees!
- Instant processing at airport
- 30 days stay (extendable)
- No application needed
- Just 4-5 hours from India
- World's best beaches and resorts
- Top honeymoon destination
- Excellent diving and snorkeling
- Indian food available at resorts
- Direct flights from major Indian cities
The Maldives offers **FREE Visa on Arrival** to Indian citizens. No application, no fees - just arrive with your passport and hotel booking. It's the easiest entry process for one of the world's most beautiful destinations. **Key Highlights:** - Completely FREE visa on arrival - No prior application required - 30 days stay (extendable) - Instant processing at airport - One of the easiest visa processes in the world **Why Maldives is Perfect for Indians:** - Just 4-5 hours flight from India - Top honeymoon destination - Crystal clear water and white beaches - World-class diving and snorkeling - Overwater villas and luxury resorts - Indian food available at most resorts - No language barrier (English widely spoken) **Important Notes:** - Must have hotel/resort booking - Return ticket mandatory - Most resorts are all-inclusive - Alcohol available at resorts (not in Malé) - No public beaches on resort islands
Visa Types Available
Free visa granted at Maldives airport for all tourists
- Tourism
- Honeymoon
- Diving
- Beach vacation
Extension possible for longer stays
- Extended vacation
- Long-term tourism
Complete Fee Breakdown
Visa-on-arrival/visa-free entry. No advance fees required.
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents
Financial Documents 1 items
Employment/Business Proof 1 items
Ties to India (Supporting) 1 items
Step-by-Step Application Process
Book Resort/Hotel
Book your resort or hotel in Maldives. Confirmation is required at immigration. Most resorts are all-inclusive.
30 minutesBook Return Flights
Book round-trip flights to Malé (Velana International Airport). Direct flights available from major Indian cities.
30 minutesPrepare Travel Documents
Keep passport, hotel booking, and return ticket ready. No visa application needed.
10 minutesFill Immigration Card
Complete the Maldives Immigration arrival card on flight or at airport.
5 minutesArrive at Malé Airport
Present passport, booking confirmation, and return ticket at immigration. Visa stamp given free.
15-30 minutesTransfer to Resort
Take speedboat or seaplane transfer to your resort island. Most resorts arrange this.
30 mins - 2 hoursCheck Your Visa Readiness Score
Assess your Maldives application strength before you apply. Get personalized tips to improve your chances of approval.
Check Your ScoreCommon Rejection Reasons
No hotel/resort booking • No return ticket • Prohibited items ... 4 reasons to avoid
No hotel/resort booking
Immigration requires confirmed accommodation. Cannot enter without booking.
No return ticket
Must show proof of onward travel out of Maldives.
Prohibited items
Carrying alcohol, pork, drugs, or religious idols is illegal.
Blacklisted traveler
Previous violations in Maldives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need visa for Maldives? • Is Maldives visa free for Indians? 31+ questions answered
Do Indians need visa for Maldives?
Indians get FREE Visa on Arrival in Maldives. No prior application or fee required. Just arrive with passport, hotel booking, and return ticket. 30 days stay granted instantly.
Is Maldives visa free for Indians?
Yes, Maldives is effectively visa-free for Indians. While technically a visa-on-arrival, it's FREE and instant. No application, no fees - just show up with valid documents.
What is the visa fee for Maldives from India?
There is NO visa fee for Maldives. The tourist visa on arrival is completely FREE for all nationalities including Indians. You only pay for flights, hotels, and experiences.
How many days can Indians stay in Maldives?
Indians can stay up to 30 days on the free visa on arrival. Extension possible for another 60 days (total 90 days) by applying at Maldives Immigration (fee: USD 750).
What documents are needed for Maldives from India?
Required documents: Valid passport (1+ month validity), confirmed return flight, hotel/resort booking. That's it! No photos, forms, or visa application needed.
Is hotel booking mandatory for Maldives visa?
Yes, hotel/resort booking is MANDATORY. Immigration will check your accommodation confirmation. You cannot enter Maldives without pre-booked accommodation.
Can I book Maldives hotel after reaching?
No, you must have hotel booking BEFORE arrival. Immigration checks booking at entry. Book in advance - even a refundable booking works.
How long is flight from India to Maldives?
Direct flights: Mumbai to Malé is 3.5 hours, Delhi to Malé is 4.5 hours, Chennai/Bangalore to Malé is 2-2.5 hours. Multiple daily flights by IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India.
What is the best time to visit Maldives?
Best time is dry season: November to April. Peak season is December-January (Christmas/New Year). May-October has more rain but cheaper rates.
Is Maldives expensive for Indians?
Maldives can be expensive - resorts range from USD 200-2000/night. Budget options: Local island guesthouses (USD 50-100), off-season travel, all-inclusive packages.
Can I drink alcohol in Maldives?
Alcohol is available ONLY at resorts (they have special licenses). Alcohol is banned in Malé and local islands. Do not import alcohol - it will be confiscated.
Is Maldives safe for honeymoon?
Yes, Maldives is extremely safe and one of the world's top honeymoon destinations. Low crime rate, private resort islands, romantic settings. Perfect for couples.
Can I wear bikini in Maldives?
Bikinis are allowed at resort beaches and pools. In Malé city and local islands, modest dress is required (cover shoulders and knees). Some local islands have "bikini beaches".
Do I need travel insurance for Maldives?
Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Medical facilities are limited on resort islands. Evacuation to Malé or abroad can be expensive.
What currency is used in Maldives?
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is local currency, but USD is widely accepted everywhere, especially at resorts. Credit cards accepted at most resorts. Carry some cash for tips.
How to reach resort from Malé airport?
Resorts arrange transfers: Speedboat (nearby islands, 15-60 mins), Seaplane (distant islands, 30-60 mins), or Domestic flight + speedboat. Cost: USD 50-500+ depending on distance.
Can I visit local islands in Maldives?
Yes, you can visit local islands for cultural experience. Book day trips from resort. Local islands have stricter dress codes and no alcohol. Great for budget travelers.
Is vegetarian food available in Maldives?
Yes, all resorts offer vegetarian options. Indian restaurants available in Malé. Most resorts accommodate dietary requirements - inform them in advance.
What is the passport validity requirement for Maldives?
Maldives requires passport valid for at least 1 month from entry date. This is one of the most relaxed requirements globally. Most countries require 6 months.
Can I combine Maldives with Sri Lanka trip?
Yes, popular combination! Colombo is just 1.5 hours from Malé. Many travelers do Sri Lanka + Maldives. Indians need eVisa for Sri Lanka.
Official Sources & Verification
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Last verified: 2026-01-04 by Times of Visa Editorial Team