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Maldives Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for tourism in the Maldives at Velana International Airport; no pre-approval or visa fee is required. Check the official Maldives Immigration portal at https://immigration.gov.mv/ for current rules.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
  • Specific forms: no pre-arrival visa application form is required for UK citizens; you will be processed on arrival at Velana International Airport for a 30-day visa on arrival.
  • Financial proof: there is no fixed minimum amount published for visa on arrival; you may be asked to show you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. Have bank statements or recent cash to demonstrate capability if asked.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: a confirmed hotel reservation or address where you will stay, and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: no separate immigration photo submission is required for the visa on arrival; if requested, you should provide one passport photo with standard size (if asked by immigration).
  • Biometrics: biometric data collection is not mandatory specifically for visa on arrival; the process uses your passport at entry.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory, but recommended to have travel health/medical insurance for your stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival (official name): Visa on arrival for tourism
  • Official name: Tourist visa on arrival
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Max stay: 30 days
  • Entry: Single entry
  • Approx. fee: Free (no visa fee on arrival)

Application process

  • How to apply online: not applicable for visa on arrival; you do not submit a visa application before travel.
  • Visa on arrival steps: arrive at Velana International Airport in Malé; present your passport (valid at least 6 months), a confirmed accommodation, and a return/onward ticket to immigration on arrival.
  • Fees and currencies: visa on arrival is free of charge; you can pay for other services in USD or Maldivian Rufiyaa if required at entry; no prepayment required.
  • Processing time and approval: the 30-day visa is issued as a stamp at the port of entry; approval is instantaneous upon completion of the immigration check.
  • Note: there is no online confirmation email or e-visa; ensure you have your documents ready before travel.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 0 USD / 0 MVR for the 30-day visa on arrival
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable
  • Total cost estimate: USD 0 (visa on arrival); other transit costs may apply if you use third-party services, but not required for entry
  • Standard processing time: immediate at the port of entry (minutes to stamp the visa)
  • Express/priority option: not available for visa on arrival

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: no pre-travel visa application is required; check passport validity and hotel bookings before you travel
  • Common reasons for entry denial (UK travelers): insufficient funds or hotel/booking not shown, lack of return/onward ticket, passport validity less than 6 months, or not meeting entry requirements for the visa on arrival
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: not used for Maldives visa on arrival; apply directly at the port of entry
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: review the UK government travel advice for the Maldives before travel
  • Extension options inside Maldives: extensions are possible through the Maldives Department of Immigration and Emigration; apply before your current visa expires and follow official guidance on current fees and required documents

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.