Maldives Visa On Arrival Guide for Filipinos + Tips on Getting Work Visa & Tourist Visa Extension

Maldives is undeniably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s beautiful tropical islands, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life surely makes people flock. It’s a great destination for honeymoons or those who want to rejuvenate and relax by the sun and the sea.

Photo by Jennvmy_

Photo by Jennvmy_

Since it’s a Visa on Arrival country for most nationalities, including Filipinos, it’s pretty easy to enter here. Plus there are no visa fees to pay. If you want to stay more than 30 days in the Maldives then you can extend your visa up to 90.

Filipinos are known for their world-class workers, so if you love the ambiance and want to be there for a long time, you can get a Maldives work visa, too!



This guide will help you about Maldives Visa On Arrival, Tourist Visa Extension, and Work Visas:

Quick Facts about Maldives Entry for Filipinos

Validity: up to 30 days

Process: Visa on Arrival

Number of Entries: Single

Requirements for Maldives Visa on Arrival

1. Valid Passport  - must be valid for at least six months and is Machine readable

2. Onward or Return Ticket – present a valid ticket after your stay at the Maldives

3. Sufficient Funds - you must have at least USD 100 per day and a hotel booking or confirmation; if no hotel yet, additional USD 50 per day

Maldives Tourist Visa Extension

Duration: Up to 90 Days

Where to Apply: Immigration Head Office

Address: First Floor, Velaanage, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male, Republic of Maldives

Process before the expiration of your visa, a week is better.

Photo by Jcob Nasyr

Photo by Jcob Nasyr

Documents Required for Maldives Tourist Visa Extension

1. Valid Passport  - must be valid for at least six months and is Machine readable

2. Sufficient Funds - you will be checked if you still have enough money for your stay in the Maldives

3. Visa Extension Application Form - you can ask from the Head Office

4. Visa Fee - It’s free for the first 30 days, but if the maximum is 90 with a fee of MVR 750

Maldives Work Visa 

If you want to stay for longer or want to work in the Maldives, you can get a Maldives work visa. Most establishments where you can work are mostly at resorts, hotels, or in the tourism industry.

Immigration Offices: 

Visa Division, Huravee Building, 3rd Floor, Orchid Magu, Male
Hithadhoo Immigration Office, Addu City
Fuvahmulah Immigration Office, Fuvahmulah City
Kulhudhuffushi Immigration Office, H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi

Maldives Work Visa Requirements at the Immigration

1. Valid Passport - Must be machine-readable and valid for at least one year

2. Employment Approval - this must not exceed 90 days from the date of your arrival. This will be taken care of by your employer. The requirements needed for an employer to get this are:

  • Employee’s Passport - a copy of your bio-page, again, it must be valid for more than a year

  • Digital Photo - passport sized that’s recently taken with white background 

  • Letter of Appointment - details of your employment as well as the employee and employer’s details, this must be colored

  • Relevant educational or Professional certificates - if the job is for professional, a Transcript of records, resume or training certificates maybe give 

3. Work Visa Card Fee - MVR 50

4. Passport-sized photo - 1 copy with white background

5. Work Visa Application form - completely and diligently filled-up

6. Medical Report - this must be issued by an authorized hospital or clinic

7. Work Visa Submission Receipt - ℅ the submitter or your employer

8. Insurance - you must be under an expatriate insurance policy issued from Allied Insurance Company (your employer can handle this)

9. Work Visa Fee - MVR 250 per month, paid for at least 3 months

Photo by Jackie Tsang

Photo by Jackie Tsang

Guide in getting a Maldives Work Visa

Step 1: Find a job or an employer online. If you are accepted for a job, submit documents to your employer for Employment Approval.

Step 2: Fly to the Maldives within 90 days from the Employment Approval is given to you. At the immigration, you will be granted 15 days to process your Work Visa.

Step 3: Most documents and payments are already handled by the employer; the last step is mostly your Medical Check-up. 

Step 4: If you are fit to work; then you will be issued a Work Visa Stamp and a Work Permit Card. You may start working in the Maldives for the duration of your contract or visa.

FAQS in Maldives Visa

1. How Maldives Visa on Arrival fee?

It’s free. There is no charge unless you are extending.

2. How much is the visa extension fee?

The fee is a maximum of MVR 750 if you extend for a maximum of 90 days. However, if 30 days or less, then it’s free.

3. Can I work with my Tourist Visa?

No, it is prohibited to engage in work with your tourist visa. You need a residence permit or a Maldives Work Visa.

4. Can I get a work visa without an employer?

No, Employment Approval is done by the employer in the Maldives and has a specific process. You need an EA to enter the Maldives to process your work visa.

FAQS about the Maldives

1. What is the language in the Maldives?

Dhivehi is the national language in the Maldives. In the capital, Male, there are many who can speak English especially those in tropical resorts too.

2. What is the currency in the Maldives?

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is used in the Maldives. 1 MVR  is about 3.20 PHP.

3. When to visit the Maldives?

The Maldives is a sunny all-year-round, so you can book anytime. However, the peak seasons are from December to March. The rainy season is from May to October.

4. Is the Maldives safe?

For tourists, it is safe in the Maldives, mostly on tropical islands. However, diving may be dangerous and I would encourage all travelers to get travel insurance in case of emergencies.

5. How to get to the Maldives?

There are no direct flights from the Philippines to the Maldives; you can stop at Malaysia, Hong Kong or other SEA countries.

The Maldives is truly a luxurious and relaxing place to be! It’s somewhat visa-free as you don’t pay anything, just give your documents and you can enter the Maldives! If you are budget conscious, here’s a budget Maldives Guide. I hope you enjoy this paradise and find this guide helpful. Happy Travels!

Click this for the Directory of Visa Applications Guides & Tips For Filipinos

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