Ever felt like waking up to see beautiful blue beaches and get soaked in the white sand of a beautiful island? 

If yes, then Maldives is the place for you. And to visit here, Maldives visa for Indian citizens will be required. 

The Maldives has around 1192 coral islands that fascinate not one but all. Other than the natural environment and clean air, it is an alluring place for adventure lovers. Snorkeling, swimming, jet skiing, fishing, and scuba diving in Maldives are some of the best activities one can indulge in. It is a perfect place for honeymooners also.

Sounds attractive, right?

But before you dream and plan your next vacation to Maldives from India, you need to check on the visa requirement for Maldives along with the visa on arrival process and costs.

Yes, if you plan on visiting the Maldives for a holiday from India, then you must acquire a Maldives visa upon arrival at the country. However, you do not need a pre-arrival visa.

Indians are given a tourist visa on arrival at Male airport, and it comes with the 30 days limit. It is easy to fall in love with the place which may push you to stay longer. If so, then it can be extended up to 90 days after approval from the respective authorities.

Do you know that Indians are an exception to this extension? Thanks to the close strategic, military, economic and cultural relationship. Other than this, it is Bruneians who are allowed for 15 days only. The best part is that no fee is charged for the visa.

Yes, Maldives provides visa on arrival for Indian citizens. The facility is absolutely free of cost.

The Maldives is one of those liberal countries that attract visitors every year. But it is wise that one checks the details with the visa office. At times, the rules may change.

No, a travel insurance is not a mandate for Indian nationals to visit Maldives. But, as there is always an ‘if’ which is associated with risks during a foreign trip, it is important to protect yourself with travel insurance for your financial security.

To get entry in Maldives, visa requirements for Indian citizens are listed below.

• Passport or Travel Document: A passport or a travel document with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) that is valid for at least 1 month. Note that passports with extended validity beyond their original expiration are not accepted for entry. 
• Travel Itinerary: Your full travel plan, including tickets for your return journey and a prepaid hotel booking at a registered hotel. 
• Proof of Finance: You must also show you have enough money for your stay or have a visa sponsorship pre-approved by Maldives Immigration. 
• Document for Next Destination: The required entry documents for your next destination, such as a visa and a passport that is valid for the necessary period.
• Traveller Declaration Form: A Traveller Declaration must be completed and submitted by all travelers going to and from Maldives, at least 96 hours before your flight. This form is submitted online through IMUGA. 
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: If needed, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Children under 1 year old do not need this vaccination. You can check which countries need this on the specific website. 
• For Minors: Children or minors entering Maldives must have their own passport.

What if You're Only Transiting Through Maldives?

If you’re just passing through Maldives on your way to another country, you won't require to go through immigration.

Even if you have all the required documents and bookings, entering Maldives is not guaranteed. Immigration officers at the port of entry make the final call on entry.

We already know that the Maldives give visa on arrival which is valid for a month. As an Indian citizen, you can obtain a Tourist Visa upon arrival in the Maldives, eliminating the need for a pre-application process.

As you arrive in the Maldives from India, here’s how you can get a visa on arrival:

Visit Maldives Visa on Arrival Counter

Proceed to the Visa on Arrival Counter Upon Arrival at the international airport in Maldives.

Present Your Documents at the Maldives Airport for Verification

Present your passport, proof of sufficient funds, confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation and other important documents mentioned above.

Respond Honestly to Immigration Queries about Your Visit to Maldives

Provide accurate answers if you are asked by the immigration officials about your purpose of travel to the Republic of Maldives.

Wait for the Processing of Maldives Tourist Visa

The immigration authorities will process your Visa on Arrival while you wait. Once granted, you can enter the Maldives and enjoy its splendors.

Keep in mind that the Maldives immigration officer decides how long your visa will last or whether you can enter the country or not when you arrive. If you're from India and come to the Maldives with a tourist visa, you're not allowed to work for pay, start a business, or set up any professional work.

You get a visa on arrival, hence as such, there is no processing time. It is just that the Department of Immigration and Emigration will check for your stay details. If they find everything in place, you will be allowed to have the time of your life at Maldives.

The Maldives visa for Indian citizens is absolutely free and does not come with any hidden clauses. For all nationals, including Indians, Maldives provide visa on arrival which is valid for 30 days. Anyone applying for the visa should have valid documents along with the passport.

However, charges may apply if you apply to extend your travel visa for Maldives.

The Department of Immigration always reserves the right to allow you a stay fewer than 30 days. In case you wish to extend the stay, a written application, 2 days prior to your visa expiry, can be submitted. You may then get new visa approval for the next 60 days or less, as the need may be. The department may reject or approve the application or request for a visa.

Extension fees and additional requirements might apply. For the latest information on fees, it’s recommendable to visit the Maldives Immigration website.

The Maldives is a coral island where people go for utter relaxation and fun. Imagine that during this time, you happen to lose your passport or maybe your wallet. It may give you a knock especially when you are in a mood for enjoyment. This is where having travel insurance will give you a relief by covering the loss for you. 

Let us look at the whole picture considering some cases.

• The Maldives is great for water sports and obviously all those who visit the island explore the underwater life. During the activity, there can be chances when you can get hurt and need some medical help. Your travel insurance will cover the expenses for you.
• Imagine as soon as you land at the airport, you realize that from the baggage counter someone else has taken your bag by mistake. All your clothes and other belongings were there. Thankfully, you have the money but for the stolen or lost bag, your Travel Insurance Policy will pay you for.
• Your travel policy will cover your accidental medical emergencies if any arise. So, the idea is don’t be careless but don’t panic for any medical help.
• For any reason like the demise of a relative, if you are unable to start off your journey and you need immediate cancellation of the trip, your Travel Insurance will cover that for you.
• Think that if you get injured during some activity and now you cannot move because of the pain or fracture. You don’t want to get the treatment in the Maldives and wish to return to India. The Travel Policy will cover you for the Emergency Medical Evacuation.
• If you happen to damage some third-party property also, the Maldives Travel Insurance will cover you for that liability incurred.

There are quite a few reasons which make Digit a prime choice as a Maldives travel insurance provider.

• High Cover Amount at low premium - With premiums starting at ₹395 for 4 days trip for 1 adult, Digit offers a high sum insured of $50,000 under its Maldives travel insurance.
• Flight Delay Compensation - Digit takes wastage of time and the ensuing harassment due to flight delay very seriously, offering reimbursement immediately.
• Trip Cancellation - If any emergency circumstance necessitates you to cancel your trip and get back home, Digit also offers compensation for it.
• Fast Paperless Claim - Digit offers a smartphone-enabled process which makes the whole method of filing a claim easy and fast. Additionally, Digit also offers the option for 24x7 missed call facility for claim settlement.

Travel Insurance is designed to help you in times of some blow and bust. Buying international travel insurance for Maldives will not avert your misfortune but will surely be of great help during your Maldives trip. Furthermore, while travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a Maldives visa on arrival for Indians, it can be very beneficial for financial security.