Requirements to travel to the Maldives from USA

To enter the Maldives, US citizens must have the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
• Proof of onward or return travel (e.g., a return ticket).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, guesthouse reservation, or invitation letter from a host).
• Sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Maldives (typically around $100 per day or more).
• Traveller Declaration: must be filled out and submitted by all travelers entering and leaving the Maldives. This form must be submitted electronically via IMUGA within 96 hours before their flight time.

Maldives visa for Americans and entry requirements

If you are planning a trip to the Maldives and are a citizen of USA, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. The Maldives offers a visa on arrival to travelers from most countries, including USA. This means you can obtain your visa when you land at the Maldivian airport, making it an easy and hassle-free process.

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How to get a Maldives visa on arrival: steps for US tourists

Getting a Maldives visa on arrival is a straightforward process. Here's how you can obtain it upon arrival:

1. Arrive at a Maldivian airport. Once you land, head to the immigration counter.

2. Present your passport: your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

3. Show proof of onward travel: this could be your return flight ticket or a ticket to your next destination.

4. Provide accommodation details. Show your hotel booking, guesthouse reservation, or invitation letter from a local host.

5. Submit the Traveller Declaration. Ensure that you’ve submitted this form electronically via IMUGA within 96 hours before their flight time.

6. Receive your visa. The immigration officer will process your application and issue your visa, which is valid for 30 days.

Maldives visa fee for Americans and duration

The Maldives visa on arrival is free of charge for all eligible travelers, including those from USA. The visa is typically valid for 30 days. In some cases, you may request an extension of up to 60 days, but this will require additional steps and documentation.

Required documents for a Maldives visa

When arriving in the Maldives, travelers from USA will need the following documents to receive their visa on arrival:

1. Valid passport: your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

2. Return or onward ticket. Proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket.

3. Proof of accommodation: hotel booking, guesthouse reservation, or an invitation letter from a local host.

4. Sufficient funds: proof of financial means to cover your stay (approximately $100 per day).

5. Traveller declaration. Must be completed through IMUGA within 96 hours before their flight time.

Important: Having valid medical insurance for traveling to the Maldives is mandatory. You should purchase a suitable medical travel insurance plan before traveling to the country to ensure that your trip is financially protected against any adverse events.

Take care of extended insurance to cover expenses resulting from outdoor activities or extreme sports (diving, snorkeling, surfing, etc.).

Embassy of the Maldives in USA

While the Maldives does not require you to apply for a visa in advance, you can still contact the Maldives embassy in your country for additional information or queries.

For a full list of Maldives embassies and consulates worldwide, please refer to this link.

How much money do US citizens need for a trip to the Maldives?

The cost of a trip to the Maldives varies based on factors such as duration, accommodation choice, dining preferences, activities, and transportation. Here's a breakdown of typical expenses:

Accommodation:

• Budget options: guesthouses on local islands offer rooms ranging from $25 to $40 per night.
• Mid-range: 3 to 4-star hotels on resort islands cost between $80 and $200 per night.
• Luxury: 5-star resorts and overwater villas start at $250 per night and can go much higher.

Dining:

• Local cafés: meals average around $10 per person.
• Mid-Range restaurants: dishes range from $15 to $25 per person.
• Hotel restaurants: prices are typically higher, especially in luxury resorts.

Transportation:

• Local transport: ferry tickets cost approximately $0.70, with monthly passes around $22.
• Inter-island transfers: speedboats or seaplanes range from $25 to $120, depending on distance.

Activities:

• Diving and snorkeling: dives start at $25.
• Excursions: prices vary by type and duration, averaging around $40.

Estimated daily budget:

• Budget travel: $60 to $100 per person.
• Mid-range: $150 to $200 per person.
• Luxury: $250 and above per person.

💡 For more detailed information about budgeting your trip to the Maldives, check out our full article: Budget for a trip to the Maldives: How much does a trip to the Maldives cost? Tips for budget travelers.

Unique must-visit places in the Maldives that are worth visiting for Americans tourists

Beyond the renowned white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, the Maldives offers several unique destinations worth exploring:

1. Cocoa island. A small island featuring luxurious overwater villas surrounded by emerald lagoons, ideal for secluded relaxation and snorkeling.

2. Ithaa undersea restaurant. Located 5 meters below sea level, this restaurant provides a unique dining experience amidst marine life.

3. HP reef. Known as the "Rainbow Reef" for its vibrant corals and rich marine biodiversity, it's a popular diving spot with caves and vertical swim-throughs.

4. Fihalhohi island. Offers pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities, allowing visitors to observe diverse marine species in a tranquil setting.

5. Utheemu island. A historical site housing the residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, celebrated for his resistance against Portuguese colonizers.

Can I extend my tourist visa to the Maldives?

Yes, you can extend your tourist visa to the Maldives upon arrival by contacting the Maldives Immigration Department in Male before the current visa expires.

To apply, you must submit a visa extension application form at the head office of the Immigration Service during official business hours. The Immigration Service will check whether you have the necessary financial resources to cover the extended period of stay.

If your current visa is 30 days long, you can get an extension for a maximum of 60 days, namely the total length of stay should not exceed 90 days.

How much does a visa extension cost?

The renewal fee is 750 Maldivian ruffians if the total number of days you spend (including the outgoing tourist visa) exceeds 30. if even with the extension you will be in the Maldives for less than 30 days, then you do not need to pay the fee.