Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to the Maldives.
Maldives Status
WATCH
Tourism and international travel to the Maldives are operating. However, regional aviation disruption can affect some connecting flights, while official travel advice continues to highlight terrorism and other security risks.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport near Malé is the Maldives’ principal international gateway and is operating passenger services.
Regional flight disruption
Flights to the Maldives are operating, but current disruption and airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East can affect airlines serving the Maldives or passengers connecting through regional hubs.
Check connecting flights
Travellers connecting through major Middle Eastern aviation hubs should check their entire itinerary before departure rather than checking only the final flight to Malé.
Tourist visa on arrival
Foreign tourists generally do not need to obtain prior approval for a Maldives tourist visa. A tourist visa is normally granted on arrival provided the traveller meets immigration requirements.
Traveller Declaration
All foreign travellers arriving in the Maldives must submit the Traveller Declaration through the official IMUGA system within 96 hours before arrival. The declaration is free.
Beware of Traveller Declaration websites
Maldives Immigration has warned travellers about unofficial websites charging money to complete the Traveller Declaration. The official declaration is free and should be submitted directly through IMUGA.
Return or onward ticket
Tourists should have a confirmed return or onward journey and a confirmed booking at a registered accommodation facility, as well as sufficient funds for their stay.
Yellow fever
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from, or who have recently travelled through, countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Israeli passports
Maldives Immigration states that entry is not granted to travellers using Israeli passports. This restriction has applied since 15 April 2025.
Security
Official travel advice warns that terrorist attacks are possible in the Maldives. Travellers should remain alert in populated areas and follow instructions from local authorities.
Resort islands
The security environment on resort islands can differ significantly from Malé and other inhabited islands. Most international tourism continues through established resort areas.
Sea transfers
Many resorts require speedboat, ferry or seaplane transfers after arrival. Weather and sea conditions can occasionally delay these connections.
Latest Travel Changes
Tourism operating
No significant nationwide closure affecting Maldives tourism, resorts or international entry has been identified.
Regional aviation remains a concern
Current UK travel advice warns that Middle Eastern airspace closures, delayed flights and cancellations can affect connections to and from the Maldives.
Traveller Declaration remains mandatory
Maldives Immigration confirmed in August 2026 that foreign arrivals must continue to submit the Traveller Declaration through the official IMUGA portal.
Declaration remains free
Maldives Immigration has again warned travellers that the official Traveller Declaration does not carry a fee and that visitors should avoid third-party websites requesting payment.
Canadian advisory remains elevated
Current Canadian guidance recommends exercising a high degree of caution in the Maldives because of the threat of terrorism.
Before You Travel
Check your flight and any connecting flights shortly before departure, particularly if your itinerary passes through the Middle East.
Submit the Traveller Declaration through the official Maldives IMUGA system within 96 hours before your arrival. Do not pay a third party to submit it.
Make sure you have a confirmed return or onward ticket and accommodation booking.
Check whether your recent travel history means you require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Confirm your resort transfer arrangements before departure, particularly if your accommodation requires a seaplane or speedboat connection.
Monitor weather and sea conditions if your journey involves inter-island transport.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.