How to Get Maldives Visa for Indians?
The Maldives is a country situated in the Indian Ocean region and is well-known for its serene beaches and clear blue waters. Being an Indian citizen looking to visit the Maldives, you’ll need to apply for a visa before your visit. In this article, we’ll take you through the application process for a Maldives vacation packages, telling you everything about fees, charges, and processing times.
Applying for a Maldives Visa for Indians
Step 1:
Filling out an application form. This step can be done online via the Maldives Immigration website, or one can download and print the necessary form from the website and submit it in person at a Maldives diplomatic mission.
Step 2:
Once the form is submitted, one needs to pay the necessary application fee, which is currently $100 for most nationalities, including Indian citizens.
Step 3:
After paying the application fee, it is required for applicants to submit additional documentation which includes, a passport photocopy, a passport-sized photo along with a letter of invitation from a Maldives sponsor.
Step 4:
Once the visa application is finished, the applicants can expect to be called for an interview process which would take place at a Maldives diplomatic mission.
Once your interview is done, your visa will be processed before you get notified about the application results.
Types of Maldives Visas for Indian Passport Holders
One can avail of two types of visas for travel to the Maldives namely a Tourist visa and a Business visa.
Maldives tourist Visa:
- Validity: 90 Days
- Stay Duration: 30 Days
Maldives Business Visa:
- Validity: 90 Days
- Stay Duration: 60 Days
NOTE : Tourists having plans to stay in Maldives for longer than 60 days need to apply for a resident visa for the same. The resident visa has a one-year validity that allows a 90-day stay for tourists. A stay longer than 90 days would require an extended resident visa.
Maldives Visa Requirements
In case one wants to become eligible for the Maldives visa, they are expected to meet the following necessary requirements:
- You must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining.
- You must have a return ticket or onward ticket.
- You must have proof of sufficient funds with you to support your stay in the Maldives.
- You must have proof of accommodation in the Maldives, such as a hotel booking or a rental agreement.
- You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re someone coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic.
Apart from the above formalities, you must submit two photographs that are passport-sized along with the completed form for visa application.
Fees and Charges for a Maldives Visa for Indians
The application fee for tourists from most nationalities, including Indian nationals, amounts to $100. This fee payment can be made via credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. If you’re somebody who is applying for a tourist visa, you’ll also be required to pay a tourist development fee of $10, which is payable only in cash on arrival in the Maldives.
If you’re applying for a business visa, you’ll need to pay an additional fee amounting to $250. This fee is payable by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
Processing Time for a Maldives Visa
The processing time for a Maldives visa typically ranges between three to five working days. However, it’s important to note that the processing time may sometimes be longer during peak travel periods. If you are somebody who’s planning to travel to the Maldives during a peak travel period, it is recommended that you apply for your visa well in advance.
Maldives Visa Extensions
If you wish to extend your stay in the Maldives beyond the validity of your visa, you may apply for a visa extension at any time before your visa expires. The extension fee amounts to $100, and the application must be made in person at the Immigration Department in Male. The extension will usually be granted for a period of 30 days.
To apply for a visa extension, you will need to submit the following necessary documents:
- A completed visa extension application form
- Your passport along with the current visa
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of onward travel, such as a flight ticket
The application process usually takes about three days, and once your passport is ready to be picked up you will be notified about it. If your extension is approved, your new visa will be valid for 30 days from the date of approval.
Cancelling or Revoking a Maldives Visa
If somebody needs to cancel their Maldives visa for any reason, they can do so by contacting the Immigration Department. Although there is no refund for the visa application fee, if they have already paid the tourist development fee, they will be entitled to get back half of this fee amount.
If the visa is cancelled or revoked, one will need to vacate the country immediately. Failure to do so can result in an arrest or getting deported from the country.
Maldives Visa Official Website and Embassies in India
Maldives Visa Official Website : Maldives Immigration
Maldives Visa Office: First Floor, Velaanage Ameer Ahmed Magu,Male’, Republic of Maldives
Email : info@immigration.gov.mv
Contact: 1434
Maldives Embassy Delhi :
Address : C-31, ANAND NIKETAN, South West Delhi 110021, Delhi India
Email : consular@maldiveshighcom.in
Contact: +91 11 4143 5701
Working Days : Monday to Friday
Working Hours : 09:00 am – 04:30 pm
Maldives Embassy Chennai :
Address : Huma Specialists Hospital & Research Centre Pvt Ltd, 786, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai-600035, India
Email : honconsul@maldiveschennai.in
Contact : (+91) 44 4390 0100
Working Days : Monday to Friday
Working Hours : 09:00 am – 04:30 pm
Frequently asked Question
Q : How to get a Maldives visa on arrival ?
A : If you have all the required paperwork with you, including a passport that is valid for at least six months, enough money to cover your expenses while you are there, pre-paid lodging, and return tickets to your home country, Maldives visa on arrival for Indians will be an easy process.
Q : Should I carry my Visa when I Visit Maldives?
A : Not necessary. For Indian passport holders, it will be issued once you reach the county.
Q : What fees are associated with obtaining and renewing a visa for the Maldives?
A : The Maldives government does not charge Indian nationals for the issuance of a visa upon arrival. But, you must pay Rs 3,350 in order to extend your vis
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