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Entry Requirements to Maldive Islands
A passport is required. Tourist visas are issued upon arrival to any nationality at no charge. Visitors must have proof of onward/return transportation and sufficient funds for their stay.
Visas
If they meet the entrance requirements, visitors get a 30-day visa on arrival. A landing card must be filled out. Photographs are not required.
Extension of Stay
INDOEX participants planning to stay in the Maldives longer than 30 days must extend the visa they receive upon arrival. The extension visa is usually granted in one working week; however, it is recommended that you apply two weeks before the 30-day visa expires. If your 30-day visa expires and you do not obtain an extension, you will most likely encounter difficulty when leaving the country. Departures have been delayed by several days while the traveler is obtaining an extension to an expired visa.
To apply for an extension, you will need a visa extension form. The cost of the form is 10Rf. and it can be purchased at the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) located in the Huravee Building next to the National Security Service Headquarters in downtown Malé. The DIE only serves a limited number of visa applicants each day. Numbers are passed out beginning at 7:00am; if you arrive at the DIE after their limit is reached, you repeat the exercise the next day.
In addition to your completed extension form, you will need your passport, landing card, and two passport-size photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm) to obtain a visa extension. NOTE: photos must be recent and many businesses in Malé that display a Kodak sign provide the service.
The fee for an extension is 450Rf. and allows a total of 90 days in the Maldives. The 30-day visa upon arrival is included in the 90 days.
If you have questions or need clarification regarding information contained in these Bulletins, contact Ms. Diane Lask, JOSS, at (+1) 303-497-8684, lask@ucar.edu.
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Last modified: 4 December 1998