Brian GeekHere is a list of countries and territories where Maldivian citizens can travel without obtaining a visa in advance:
Maldives Passport Visa Free Countries
Africa:
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Gambia
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tunisia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Asia:
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- China
- Hong Kong
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
Europe:
- Gibraltar
- Ireland
- Kosovo
- Russia
- United Kingdom
North America:
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Panama
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
Oceania:
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Micronesia
- Niue
- Samoa
- Vanuatu
South America:
- Ecuador
- Suriname
- Venezuela
Please note that visa requirements can change, and the duration of permitted stays may vary by country. It’s essential to verify the current entry requirements with official government sources or the embassy or consulate of your destination country before making travel plans.
What Countries Do Maldives Citizens Need A Visa For?
Africa:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Mali
- Namibia
- Niger
- Senegal
- Sudan
Asia:
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Israel
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- North Korea
- Oman
- South Korea
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Turkmenistan
- Yemen
Europe:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- Vatican City
North America:
- Canada
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Greenland
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- United States
South America:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
Oceania:
- American Samoa
- Australia
- French Polynesia
- Guam
- Marshall Islands
- Nauru
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Tonga
Please note that visa requirements can change, and it’s essential to verify the current entry requirements with the embassy or consulate of your destination country before making travel plans. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of visa requirements for Maldivian citizens, you can refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives
Do Maldivians Need Visa For America?
Yes, Maldivian citizens need a visa to travel to the United States. They must apply for a U.S. visa before their trip, typically a B1/B2 tourist visa for travel, tourism, or business purposes.
Visa Application Process for Maldivians:
- Determine Visa Type – Most travelers apply for a B1/B2 visa (Business/Tourism).
- Complete DS-160 Form – Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
- Pay the Visa Fee – The fee for a U.S. visa application is usually $185 USD.
- Schedule a Visa Appointment – Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (likely in Sri Lanka or India, as there is no U.S. embassy in the Maldives).
- Attend the Visa Interview – Visit the embassy with required documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, and supporting documents).
- Wait for Processing – Visa processing times vary; approval is not guaranteed.
Do Maldivians Need Visa For Europe?
Maldivian passport holders do need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe (Schengen Area). The Schengen Area includes most European Union (EU) countries, as well as some non-EU countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Maldivians:
To visit Europe for tourism, business, or short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), Maldivians must apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to visit first or stay the longest in.
Visa-Free Exceptions:
Maldivians can visit the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland without a visa for short stays, as these countries are not part of the Schengen Area.
Countries That Gives Visa On Arrival For Maldives Passport Holders?
Africa:
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Egypt
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Somalia
- Tanzania
Asia:
- Bhutan
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Laos
- Macau
- Nepal
- Saudi Arabia
Oceania:
- Palau
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
Americas:
- Bolivia
- Nicaragua
Please note that visa requirements can change, and it’s advisable to check the latest information from official government sources or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives before planning your travel.
Traveling To UK For Maldives Passport Holders?
Maldives passport holders must follow specific visa and entry requirements when traveling to the United Kingdom (UK). Here are the key details:
1. Visa Requirement
- Yes, Maldivian citizens need a visa to enter the UK for tourism, business, study, or work.
- The Standard Visitor Visa is required for short stays (up to 6 months) for tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, or medical treatment.
- For longer stays, different visa categories apply (e.g., Student Visa, Work Visa, Spouse Visa).
2. How to Apply for a UK Visa
- Apply online through the UK Government website
- Fill out the visa application form and pay the visa fee.
- Book an appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
- Provide supporting documents (passport, financial proof, travel itinerary, etc.).
3. Visa Fees & Processing Time
- Standard Visitor Visa: £115 (approx. USD 145).
- Processing time: 3 to 6 weeks, but priority services may be available.
4. Required Documents
- A valid Maldives passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- A completed visa application form.
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, salary slips, sponsorship letters, etc.).
- A travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation details).
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of travel.
- If visiting family/friends: Invitation letter from UK residents.
- If for business: Letter from employer and UK company.
5. COVID-19 & Health Requirements
- No COVID-19 travel restrictions as of now.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended.
6. Arrival in the UK
- At UK border control, be ready to show:
- Passport & UK visa.
- Proof of accommodation and return ticket.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Traveling To Australia For Maldives Passport Holders?
Australia is a popular destination for travelers from the Maldives, whether for tourism, business, education, or visiting family. However, Maldivian passport holders must meet specific visa requirements before traveling to Australia.
Maldives passport holders require a visa to enter Australia, as the country does not fall under Australia’s visa waiver program. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit.
1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
For tourism, visiting family or friends, and short business trips, Maldivian travelers need to apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). This visa allows stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Valid Maldives passport
- Proof of financial capability (bank statements, salary slips)
- Return flight ticket or itinerary
- Accommodation details in Australia
- A letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends)
- Travel history and previous visas (if applicable)
Processing Time:
- Usually takes between 20 to 45 days, depending on individual circumstances.
2. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Maldivians planning to study in Australia for more than three months must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Requirements include:
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution
- Proof of financial capacity to cover tuition fees and living expenses
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English proficiency test results (if required)
Processing Time:
- 1 to 3 months.
3. Work and Skilled Visas
Maldivians seeking employment or skilled migration must apply for relevant work visas such as:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Working Holiday Visa (Not currently available for Maldivians)
Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria, including skill assessment and employer sponsorship.
Visa Application Process
- Create an ImmiAccount: All visa applications must be submitted online via the Australian Immigration website.
- Complete the Application Form: Select the correct visa type and fill out the required details.
- Upload Supporting Documents: This includes a valid passport, proof of financial stability, invitation letters, and other supporting documents.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Fees vary based on the visa type (e.g., AUD 190 for a Visitor Visa).
- Submit Biometrics & Medical Exam: Some applicants may need to provide biometrics and undergo a medical examination.
- Wait for Approval: Processing times vary, so applying at least 1-2 months before travel is advisable.
Travel Requirements and COVID-19 Guidelines
- As of recent updates, Australia no longer has strict COVID-19 entry restrictions, but travelers should check for any vaccination or health declaration requirements before departure.
- Travel insurance is recommended for medical and trip-related emergencies.
- A valid return ticket may be required at immigration.
Flight Options from Maldives to Australia
- There are no direct flights from Male (MLE) to Australian cities.
- Common transit hubs include Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, and Colombo.
- Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Malaysia Airlines operate flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Currency and Cost of Travel
- The currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
- Travel expenses, including accommodation, food, and transport, vary by city.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for small purchases is recommended.
Related
- Malawi Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Malta Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Mauritius Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Malaysia Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Latvia Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
Conclusion
Please note that visa requirements can change, and the duration of permitted stays may vary by country. It’s essential to verify the current entry requirements with official government sources or the embassy or consulate of your destination country before making travel plans.