Maldives requires free IMUGA form 96 hours before arrival

Anyone planning a Maldives holiday must file a free digital declaration before departure and can then collect their visa on landing. The requirement applies to every foreign national, EU citizens included, and was set out alongside a traveller's account of a week split between two resort islands in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Key facts

• All foreign nationals, including EU citizens, must complete the free digital self traveller declaration known as IMUGA.
• It must be submitted at least 96 hours before arriving in the Maldives.
• Once the declaration is approved, tourists receive a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.
• The trip described began with a brief stop in the capital, Malé, followed by a speedboat transfer to the island of Helengeli.

Who has to complete the declaration?

Every foreign national travelling to the Maldives. The requirement covers EU citizens alongside other international visitors, and the declaration itself is free of charge.

When must it be submitted?

At least 96 hours before arrival. The declaration is described as a digital self traveller declaration called IMUGA, which travellers complete ahead of their trip and have approved before flying.

What visa do tourists receive?

After approval of the declaration, tourists are granted a visa on arrival allowing a stay of up to 30 days.

What this means for travellers

• Complete the free IMUGA digital declaration at least 96 hours before reaching the Maldives.
• Wait for approval before travelling.
• On arrival, tourists are granted a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

The week-long trip described covered two island retreats, OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU Select Sangeli, both reached by speedboat and both with house reefs accessible on foot or by swimming from the shore.