The short answer
Indians get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives. There is nothing to apply for in advance except the IMUGA traveller declaration. Checked against Maldives Immigration on 6 October 2026.
What immigration asks for
A confirmed, prepaid booking at a registered resort, hotel or guesthouse; a confirmed return ticket; and enough money for your stay. Maldives Immigration asks for only one month of passport validity, but we recommend six months, because airlines and transit countries can be stricter. Every child needs their own passport.
The IMUGA declaration
Every traveller, including children, must submit the IMUGA traveller declaration on the official Maldives Immigration portal. You can submit it up to 96 hours before arrival; do it before you fly. It is a short online form — avoid paid look-alike sites.
Taxes that changed
From January 2025 the green tax at resorts doubled to US$12 per person per night (US$6 at smaller guesthouses on local islands). The departure tax and airport fee for economy passengers rose to US$50 from December 2024, usually included in your air fare. Tourism GST is 17%. When we quote a resort, these are included so the price you see is the price you pay.
What not to pack
All alcohol is confiscated on arrival, including duty-free — drinks are served only at resorts. Pork products, vapes and drones without a permit are also not allowed, and you cannot take coral, sand or shells home.
Getting there from Delhi
IndiGo flies Delhi to Malé nonstop daily, about 4½ hours. From Malé, your resort arranges the speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight — seaplanes fly only in daylight, which shapes your arrival time.
