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Maldives Visa for France Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

French citizens receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives, extendable to a total of 90 days, with no advance application needed.

Guide last updated October 26, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport with remaining validity covering the full stay (6 months recommended for onward travel)
  • Confirmed onward or return ticket
  • Proof of pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation for the full duration of stay
  • Sufficient funds, generally reckoned as USD 100 plus USD 25/day of stay, rarely checked if accommodation is prepaid
  • No visa application form or photo required in advance
  • Biometrics not required for the visa-on-arrival stamp
  • Travel/health insurance recommended; some resorts request proof at check-in

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: issued free at Velana International Airport immigration, valid 30 days, single entry
  • Extension: a further 60 days can be requested online via extend.immigration.gov.mv or in person in Male, for a maximum tourist stay of 90 days
  • Business visa: for work-related visits, requires sponsorship from a Maldivian company, arranged through the Department of Immigration

Visa on arrival

  • All arrivals pass through a single immigration line at Velana International Airport; present your passport, return ticket and accommodation confirmation
  • The officer stamps a free 30-day tourist visa directly into the passport, no separate form or fee required
  • Queue times are generally short outside peak cruise/charter arrival windows
  • No payment is needed at the visa counter itself since the visa on arrival is free

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival: free of charge
  • Extension beyond 30 days (up to 90 days total): fee of USD 25-50 depending on the extension length, payable online
  • Processing at the airport takes only a few minutes per traveler
  • Online extension requests are typically processed within 1-3 working days

Tips for France travelers

  • Book and pay for your accommodation before departure, since officers and some airlines verify it before boarding
  • If island-hopping between resorts or guesthouses, carry confirmations for each leg of your trip
  • Save a digital copy of your passport and visa stamp in case you need an extension while in the Maldives
  • French citizens never need a visa in advance for leisure travel, so avoid third-party sites offering to 'process' a Maldives visa for a fee
  • Check France Diplomatie's advisory for updates on inter-island transport and safety

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.