We rank the Maldives passport as number 44 in the world in line with our Passport Index ratings. As a Maldives citizen, you’ll be able to travel visa-free to 117 countries. To gain access to all other countries, you and your family as Maldives passport holders will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visa online in advance. Certain countries will allow you to apply for a visa on arrival.
As a Maldives passport holder, you are permitted to travel visa-free to 117 countries and territories. This data is correct as of March 2024.
In order to travel visa-free, you will need a valid passport, often with at least six months until expiry. Additionally, you may need travel insurance, as required by your destination country.
Within these countries, there is often a separate section in airports where you can submit your Visa on Arrival. You will receive your visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issued the visa.
Acquiring an eVisa follows the same process as applying for a traditional visa. The main difference with an eVisa is that you don’t need to visit a visa application centre. You can submit your application online, including making any payments relating to the visa.
Once the relevant authorities approve your application, you will receive a confirmation email regarding your visa status, along with a document that you must print and bring with you when crossing the border.
You will need a valid visa to enter the 117 countries with a Maldives passport.
The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is an archipelago of 26 coral atolls, comprising over 1,000 individual islands. With a population of approximately 540,000 people, it is the smallest Asian country by both land area and population.
The climate of the Maldives is tropical monsoon, with two distinct seasons: the dry season during the northeast monsoon, and the rainy season during the southwest monsoon. The average daily temperature varies from 31 °C during the day to 23 °C at night.
Maldivian culture is a blend of influences from the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Persia, Indonesia, and Africa. The official language is Dhivehi, and the dominant religion is Islam.
The economy of the Maldives is primarily based on tourism, which accounts for a third of the country’s GDP. Other significant sectors include fishing, construction, shipping, and boat building. Despite its small size, the Maldives has a vibrant cultural scene with traditional music, dance, and arts and crafts.
The Maldives is renowned for its marine biodiversity, with over 2,000 species of fish and 200 species of coral. The country’s natural beauty, coupled with its rich culture and warm hospitality, makes it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.