Track Maldives Visa Status Using Passport Number

The Maldives offers Indians a 30 day-free entry. Indian nationals do not have to worry about the visa application process or how to check the Maldives visa status. As an Indian travelling to the Maldives, tourists do not require a pre-approval letter or documentation. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.

In this blog, we will cover the visa on arrival facility and address the common issues that you may encounter at the immigration section. 

Image Source

Requirements to Check Your Maldives Visa Status

As an Indian traveler, you do not need any specific documents or information to check Maldives visa status by passport number or track the application, since the visa is issued upon arrival. However, ensure you meet the following entry requirements:

Valid Passport

Your passport must have at least one month’s validity from the date of arrival in the Maldives. Ensure your passport is in good condition and has blank pages for stamping. Although only one month of validity is technically required, it is highly recommended to have at least six months of validity remaining to satisfy general international travel standards.

Return Flight Ticket

You must have a confirmed return flight ticket to show that you intend to leave the Maldives at the end of your stay. This document is strictly checked by immigration officers to verify that you will not overstay the allowed 30-day period.

Proof of Accommodation

Have a confirmed hotel booking or reservation for the duration of your stay in the Maldives. The booking must be with a legally registered tourist facility. Alternatively, you can show proof of sufficient funds to cover your accommodation expenses. The standard financial requirement is approximately USD 100 plus USD 50 per day for the duration of your stay, though this is usually only checked if you lack a confirmed hotel reservation.

Completed IMUGA Traveller Declaration 

This is a crucial, mandatory digital health and customs declaration. You must complete this electronic form via the official IMUGA portal within 96 hours (4 days) of your arrival in the Maldives and also again within 96 hours of your departure.

How to Check Maldives Visa Status

Here’s a quick overview of how to check Maldives visa status for different visa types:

• Tourist Visa on Arrival: Since the Maldives issues tourist visas on arrival for Indian citizens, there is no online application or pre-approval process. The 30-day visa-on-arrival is free of charge. You will be granted a 30-day visa at the immigration counter upon presenting the required documents.
• Other Visa Types: For other visa categories like business or work
  visas, you may need to apply through the Maldives Immigration portal. In such cases, you can check your Maldives visa processing status by logging into the portal with your application details. These applications are usually sponsored by a Maldivian company and require specific documentation, a process entirely separate from the tourist visa.

How to Check Maldives Visa Status Online

As mentioned earlier, there is no online portal or mechanism to verify Maldives visa status online for tourist visas, as they are issued on arrival. You do not need to check Maldives visa status online before your trip. The only required online step is the submission of the IMUGA Traveller Declaration, which provides a QR code for quick scanning at immigration.

How to Check Maldives Visa Status with Passport Number

Checking the Maldives visa application status using only your passport number is not applicable for tourist visas, as there is no pre-application process. Your passport will be stamped with the visa upon arrival in the Maldives.

How to Check Maldives Visa Status Offline

There is no offline process to track Maldives visa status for tourist visas since the visa is granted on arrival. If you have any queries or concerns, you can contact the Maldives Embassy or Consulate in India for assistance. For urgent matters upon arrival, the only “offline” check is the direct interview with the Immigration Officer at the airport.

Common Issues Related to Checking Maldives Visa Status

While checking Maldives visa status online is not necessary for tourist visas, travelers may face some common concerns:

Delays in Processing

Since the tourist visa is issued on arrival, delays in processing are unlikely. However, during peak travel seasons, you may experience slightly longer waiting times at the immigration counter.

The biggest cause of delay is often the queue length itself, particularly if multiple wide-body aircraft arrive around the same time.

Technical Difficulties

As there is no online application or tracking system for tourist visas, technical difficulties related to Maldives visa status checks online are not applicable.

However, technical issues can arise if you fail to submit the IMUGA Traveller Declaration (QR code) or if the data is incorrect. The QR code is a mandatory component of your entry, and officers may ask you to complete it on your phone before processing your passport.

Inaccurate or Incomplete Information

Ensure that all the information in your passport and supporting documents is accurate and up-to-date. Incomplete or incorrect information may lead to delays or issues at the immigration counter. This includes inconsistencies between the flight ticket, hotel booking, and the dates declared on your IMUGA form.

Meeting Entry Requirements

The most common issue travelers may face is not meeting the entry requirements, such as having an invalid passport or insufficient funds. Double-check all requirements before your trip to avoid any complications.

Immigration officers have the final authority (Sections 7 and 8 of The Maldives Immigration Act 2007) and may deny entry if they suspect the purpose of the visit is not genuinely tourism (e.g., attempting to work without a permit) or if you lack a confirmed exit ticket.

What to Do if Your Maldives Visa is Delayed?

If you are facing delays at the immigration counter upon arrival, here are a few steps you can take:

• Be Prepared and Polite: Ensure you have all the required documents printed out and easily accessible, such as a valid passport, return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation or sufficient funds.
• Seek Clarification: Politely inquire with the immigration officer about the reason for the delay and provide any additional information or clarification as needed. If the delay involves a technicality (like a short passport validity), ask if there is an on-the-spot solution or if speaking to a senior officer is possible.
• Contact Support: If the delay persists and you are being held aside for extended questioning, contact your airline or travel agent for assistance and guidance. They may be able to contact a local representative who can liaise with the immigration authorities.

What Should You Do After a Maldives Visa Rejection?

In the rare case that your Maldives tourist visa is denied upon arrival, here’s what you should do:

• Visa on Arrival: If your visa is denied at the immigration counter, the officer will inform you of the reason. If the issue cannot be resolved immediately, you may be required to return to your country of origin. Seek clarification from the immigration officer on the next steps and any possible alternatives.
• E-Visa, Sticker Visa, or Permit: These visa types are not typically applicable to Indian tourists visiting the Maldives. However, if you have applied for a different visa category and your application is rejected, contact the Maldives Immigration Department or the nearest Maldives Embassy or Consulate for further guidance and information on the appeal process or re-application procedure. The procedures for these visas are formal and often involve a Maldivian sponsor.

Suggested Read: Maldives Visa Rejection for Indians: 11 Reasons 

Maldives Visa Appeal Process

As tourist visas are issued on arrival, there is no formal appeal process for denials. However, if you face issues at the immigration counter, you can request to speak with a senior immigration officer to review your case and provide additional information or clarification. 

Also, If the denial is due to a misunderstanding or an error, the senior officer may be able to resolve the issue on the spot. This is your best chance to resolve the matter, so maintain a respectful and cooperative attitude.

For other visa categories, if your application is denied, contact the Maldives Embassy or Consulate in India for guidance on the appeal process and required documentation.

Filing a New Application (Re-Application)

If your Maldives tourist visa is denied upon arrival and the issue cannot be resolved immediately, you may need to return to India and address the reasons for the denial before attempting to re-enter the Maldives.

Ensure that you have all the required documents and meet the entry criteria before embarking on your trip again. 

For a re-application, it is highly recommended to wait at least a few weeks and consider carrying an official letter explaining how you have rectified the reason for the previous denial.

FAQs

1. How to track your Maldives visa application?

As an Indian tourist, you don’t need to track your Maldives visa application. The 30-day visa is issued on arrival at the immigration counter, free of charge. There is no pre-approval process or online application to monitor.

2. Can you check Maldives visa status online?

No, you cannot check your Maldives visa status online, as there is no e-visa system or online application portal for tourists. The visa is granted when you arrive in the Maldives. The only mandatory online step is filling out the IMUGA Traveller Declaration. This declaration is a prerequisite for your flight and immigration, but it is not a visa application.

3. Can you track your Maldives visa application using your passport number?

No, you cannot track your Maldives tourist visa using your passport number, as there is no pre-application process that generates a reference number or allows for online visa status tracking. Your passport number is used by the IMUGA system to generate your mandatory travel QR code, but this is a health/customs declaration, not a visa status tracker.

4. What information do you need to check your Maldives visa application status?

You don’t need any specific information to check your Maldives tourist visa status, as the visa is issued on arrival and does not involve any advance application or approval. However, ensure you have all the necessary documents, like a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of funds, when you travel. You must also carry the QR code generated after completing the IMUGA declaration.

5. How long does it take to process a Maldives visa application?

Maldives tourist visas are processed immediately upon arrival at the immigration counter. There is no waiting period or processing time involved, as long as you meet the entry requirements and provide the necessary documents. The actual time you spend depends on the queue, but the stamping process itself is instant.

6. What should you do if your Maldives visa application gets denied?

If your Maldives tourist visa is denied on arrival, seek clarification from the immigration officer about the reasons for the denial. If the issue can be resolved by providing additional documents or information, do so. Otherwise, you may need to make alternative travel plans or contact the Indian embassy for further assistance.

7. Can I extend my 30-day visa in the Maldives?

Yes, Indian citizens can apply to extend their visa. The initial 30-day visa can be extended for an additional 60 days, allowing a total stay of up to 90 days. You must apply at the Maldives Immigration office in Malé before your original visa expires and pay a required fee.

8. Is there a fee for the 30-day visa on arrival?

No, the standard tourist visa granted to Indian nationals upon arrival for up to 30 days is completely free of charge. Fees only apply if you choose to extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days.

9. What happens if I make a mistake on the IMUGA form?

The IMUGA system requires accurate details. If you realize you made an error (e.g., wrong flight number or accommodation details), you cannot edit the existing form. You must submit a brand new IMUGA Traveller Declaration via the official portal.

10. What is the minimum passport validity required for entry?

Your passport must be valid for at least one month from your date of arrival in the Maldives. However, for seamless travel and to comply with airline rules, Maldives Immigration strongly advises travelers to have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining.