Maldives visa requirements for South Africa citizens (2026)

Do South Africa citizens need a visa for Maldives?

You get the visa at the border. Bring cash/card for the fee, a photo and your onward ticket.

South Africa passport holders can currently enter 88 destinations visa-free or with a visa on arrival, and 41 more with an online ETA or e-Visa. Maldives admits 197 of 198 passports without a full visa (visa-free, on arrival or ETA).

What to bring to Maldives

• Passport valid 6+ months with at least one blank page
• Visa-on-arrival fee (cash in USD/EUR or card — check which)
• Return or onward ticket
• Hotel booking or host address
• Passport photo (some border posts ask for one)

General checklist for this type of entry — not an official list. Requirements vary by purpose and personal circumstances; we confirm the exact list for your case when you apply.

Maldives visa on arrival cost & official fees

Entering the Maldives: step by step

1. Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and a blank page.
2. Bring the visa fee in an accepted form (cash or card).
3. Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration.
4. Keep your onward ticket and hotel booking handy.

Arrival card: IMUGA Traveller Declaration

Free traveller declaration, submitted within 96 hours before arrival (one per traveller). Official site: imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller. Beware of look-alike sites that charge for free forms.

Entry tips for Maldives

• You need a confirmed onward ticket and a booking at a registered tourist facility (or sufficient funds).
• Local currency is Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) — carry a card that works abroad and some cash for arrival costs (including the visa fee).
• Buy travel medical insurance that covers your whole stay.
• An eSIM bought before you fly means data as soon as you land — handy for showing bookings at immigration.

Maldives at a glance

Sources & last verified

The visa requirement on this page is derived from the open passport-index dataset (updated 17 Feb 2026) and has not been individually verified by our team. Documents and steps are general guidance. Always verify with the official source before travel.