Is it safe to travel to Maldives right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Maldives’ current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Maldives set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Maldivian High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in Maldives. Make sure your passport is not damaged or you may be stopped by immigration.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist.

If you intend to work in Maldives, you must get a work visa before you travel.

For further information on entry requirements and visas, contact the Maldives immigration department.

Traveller declaration form

You must complete a traveller declaration form (IMUGA) within 96 hours before your flight arrives in the Maldives.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Maldives, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Maldives guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Maldives. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal to bring in anything deemed contrary to Islam, including ‘idols for worship’, bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry in the Maldives.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You can get a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. You can extend a tourist visa for a total stay of no more than 90 days.

To obtain a tourist visa, you must also show an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Departure tax

You must pay a departure tax of US$50 before boarding an international flight. However, this fee is usually included in the airfare.

Special permissions

You must obtain permission from Maldivian authorities to visit uninhabited islands and islands outside of the tourism zone.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).