Maldives Visa from Dubai: Complete Guide 2026

The Republic of Maldives has one of the most welcoming visa policies in the world. Every nationality on Earth receives a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival — there are no exceptions, no tiers, and no nationality-based restrictions. This makes the Maldives uniquely accessible compared to virtually every other popular tourist destination.

The free visa on arrival is granted at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male, which is the main international gateway. There is no separate visa counter, no application form to fill out at the airport, and no fee to pay. Immigration officers simply check your passport, verify your return ticket and accommodation details, and stamp your passport with a 30-day tourist authorization.

Although no visa is required, the Maldives does have entry requirements that immigration officers check at arrival. Meeting all of these is essential — failure to provide the required documents can result in being denied entry despite the universal visa-free policy.

1. 1Valid passport — must have at least 1 month validity beyond your planned departure date from the Maldives. At least one blank page is needed for the entry stamp.
2. 2Return or onward flight ticket — you must show proof that you will leave the Maldives within 30 days. A confirmed return flight booking to Dubai (or onward to another destination) is mandatory.
3. 3Confirmed accommodation — a hotel booking, resort reservation, or guesthouse confirmation for your entire stay. If staying on a liveaboard (dive boat), provide the booking confirmation from the operator.
4. 4Sufficient funds — while there is no specific minimum amount, you should be able to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay. A credit card or cash equivalent to USD 100 per day is generally considered sufficient.
5. 5Completed Traveller Declaration — an online form that must be submitted within 96 hours (and no earlier than 96 hours) before your arrival in the Maldives.

The Traveller Declaration (previously known as the IMUGA form) is mandatory for all travellers entering the Maldives. This is an online form completed at imuga.immigration.gov.mv that collects your travel details, passport information, and health declaration. You receive a QR code upon completion that you present at immigration in Male. The form is free and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.

The Maldives is one of the most accessible exotic destinations from Dubai, with multiple direct flights daily to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male. Flight time is approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, making it ideal for both short weekend getaways and longer honeymoon trips.

The Maldives peak tourist season runs from November to April — this is also the dry northeast monsoon season with the best weather for beach holidays and diving. Flights and resort prices are highest during December, January, and Eid holidays. For budget-conscious travellers, the May to October wet season offers significantly lower prices with occasional rain showers that typically clear within an hour.

The Maldives has three main types of tourist accommodation, each with different experiences and price points. Your choice affects not just your budget but also your experience of the country and the documentation you need for immigration.

For immigration purposes, all three accommodation types are equally valid. You simply need a confirmed booking for your entire stay. If you are island-hopping between multiple guesthouses or splitting your stay between a resort and a liveaboard, carry booking confirmations for each segment.

The standard free visa on arrival grants 30 days in the Maldives. If you wish to stay longer — perhaps for an extended dive trip, a digital nomad stint, or a prolonged honeymoon — extensions are possible through the Maldives Immigration office in Male.

For most Dubai residents visiting the Maldives for a holiday, the 30-day free period is more than sufficient. However, if you are considering a longer stay, contact OraVisa before travel — we can advise on the extension process, documentation requirements, and any fees involved.

The Maldives is an Islamic country with specific customs and import regulations that differ from what many Dubai residents might expect from a tropical beach destination. Being aware of these rules before departure ensures a smooth entry and avoids confiscation of prohibited items at customs.

• Alcohol is prohibited for import — you cannot bring alcoholic beverages into the Maldives. Alcohol is available only at resort islands, not on local inhabited islands or in Male city.
• Pork products are prohibited for import — all meat products brought into the country must be non-pork.
• Religious materials other than Islam are prohibited for import — this includes religious books, idols, and symbols intended for public worship. Personal items for private use are generally tolerated but can be confiscated.
• Drones require prior permission from the Maldives National Defence Force — importing a drone without approval may result in confiscation at customs.
• Bikini beaches on local islands — on inhabited local islands, bikinis and swimwear are only permitted on designated "bikini beaches." Resort islands have no such restrictions.
• Drug laws are extremely strict — importing illegal drugs carries severe penalties including life imprisonment.

For Dubai residents, the alcohol prohibition at entry is the most practically relevant regulation. Unlike Dubai hotels and licensed venues, the Maldives only permits alcohol consumption at licensed resort islands. If you are staying at a local guesthouse rather than a resort, alcohol will not be available. Plan accordingly before you travel.