Quick summary
Maldives Immigration announced on March 2, 2026, that tourist visas will be extended for visitors unable to depart due to flight disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Affected travelers must submit extension requests through the official Imuga portal at immigration.gov.mv before their current 30-day visa expires to avoid USD 100 per day overstay fines. The extension grants up to 30 additional days for a USD 90 fee, with processing currently taking 3–5 working days.
From April 1, 2026, a new online system reduces processing time to 48 hours and simplifies documentation requirements to passport photo and payment only. Middle East airspace closures have forced reroutes adding 4–6 hours to UAE and Qatar carrier flights, canceling 20% of weekly flights to Velana International Airport and stranding tourists whose 30-day visas are expiring.
The measure targets the 30% of Maldives arrivals originating from Middle East hubs — primarily travelers connecting through Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi — whose return flights have been canceled or indefinitely delayed since airspace over Iran and Iraq closed in early 2026. Rerouted flights now add 4–6 hours to journey times, making many connections commercially unviable and forcing carriers to suspend frequencies.
Tourists facing expiring visas should act immediately. The standard 30-day visa-on-arrival can be extended once for up to 30 additional days, bringing the total legal stay to 60 days. Applications require proof of sufficient funds, confirmed accommodation for the extension period, an onward ticket, and documentation of the flight disruption — typically a cancellation notice from the airline.
Support desks at Velana International Airport are assisting with in-person applications, but the online portal at immigration.gov.mv/imuga is the primary channel. Travelers who overstay without an approved extension face USD 100 daily penalties, potential deportation, and entry bans for future visits.
Extension process and timeline
Current applications submitted through the Imuga portal take 3–5 working days to process. Applicants must upload a passport photo, proof of their existing visa, bank statements showing sufficient funds, hotel booking confirmation, and evidence of the flight cancellation. Payment of the USD 90 fee is processed online.
From April 1, 2026, the new streamlined system reduces processing to 48 hours and eliminates the need for multiple supporting documents. Only a passport photo and payment will be required, with the system automatically verifying visa status and accommodation through integrated databases.
| Process stage | Current system (until March 31) | New system (from April 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 3–5 working days | 48 hours |
| Required documents | Passport photo, visa proof, bank statement, hotel booking, flight cancellation notice | Passport photo, payment only |
| Fee | USD 90 | USD 90 |
| Maximum extension | 30 days (total stay 60 days) | 30 days (total stay 60 days) |
| Overstay penalty | USD 100 per day | USD 100 per day |
The Maldives does not restrict visa extensions by nationality, but the policy change directly addresses the 20–21% drop in arrivals since March 2026, driven by Middle East route disruptions. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have all reduced frequencies to Malé, leaving European travelers who booked connecting flights through Gulf hubs with limited rebooking options.
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Why Middle East airspace matters for Maldives tourism
The Maldives relies on Gulf hub connectivity for 30% of its tourist arrivals. Airspace closures over Iran and Iraq since early 2026 have forced carriers to reroute around the conflict zone, adding 4–6 hours to flight times between Europe and the Middle East. This makes many onward connections to Malé commercially unviable, particularly for narrowbody aircraft operating from secondary Gulf cities.
Qatar Airways and Emirates have reduced weekly frequencies by approximately 20%, prioritizing long-haul routes over regional leisure destinations. European travelers who booked tickets months in advance are now receiving cancellation notices with rebooking options that add 12–24 hours to total journey time or require positioning flights to alternative hubs.
The Maldives government is also developing new visa categories — including Remote Working and Content Creator visas for stays exceeding 90 days — to diversify beyond transit-dependent markets. These have been announced but not yet launched, with implementation expected in Q2 2026.
Steps to extend your visa before expiry
The extension must be requested before your current 30-day visa expires — applications submitted after expiry will not prevent overstay penalties from accruing during processing.
- Log into the Imuga portal at immigration.gov.mv/imuga and create an account using your passport number and arrival stamp details.
- Upload required documents: passport photo page, visa stamp photo, bank statement (last 3 months), hotel booking confirmation, and airline cancellation notice showing your original departure date.
- Pay the USD 90 fee online via credit card or bank transfer — payment confirmation is required before the application is reviewed.
- Monitor your application status through the portal — processing takes 3–5 days under the current system, reducing to 48 hours from April 1.
- Visit Velana Airport Immigration if the online system fails or you need urgent assistance — support desks are staffed daily from 08:00 to 20:00 local time.
Watch: The April 1 system launch will reveal whether the 48-hour processing window applies to backlogged applications submitted in March, or only to new requests filed after the cutover date.
Questions? Answers.
How does Middle East airspace closure specifically delay Maldives flights?
Airspace over Iran and Iraq has been closed to commercial traffic since early 2026, forcing carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways to reroute flights around the conflict zone. This adds 4–6 hours to journey times between Europe and the Gulf, making many onward connections to Malé commercially unviable. Airlines have responded by canceling approximately 20% of weekly flights to Velana International Airport, prioritizing long-haul routes over regional leisure destinations.
What if my extension is denied — can I appeal?
Yes. You can appeal a rejection by visiting the Immigration office in Malé within 7 days of the denial notice. Bring additional supporting documents, such as a new flight booking showing the earliest available departure or updated bank statements proving sufficient funds. Success rates for appeals are not publicly reported, but Immigration has granted ad hoc approvals for travelers affected by documented flight disruptions.
Are the new long-stay visas available yet?
No. The Remote Working Visa and Content Creator Visa were announced on March 23, 2026, but have not yet been implemented. These visas are designed for stays exceeding 90 days and are intended to diversify the Maldives’ tourism base beyond short-stay leisure travelers. Implementation is expected in Q2 2026 — check immigration.gov.mv for updates on eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Can I apply for an extension if I’m staying at a private guesthouse instead of a resort?
Yes, but you must provide proof of your accommodation booking for the full extension period. Immigration may contact the guesthouse directly to verify your reservation, so ensure the property is registered with the Maldives Tourism Ministry and can provide official documentation. Unregistered guesthouses or informal arrangements will result in application rejection.
What happens if my flight is canceled again after I receive the extension?
You can apply for a second extension, but this is granted at Immigration’s discretion and is not automatic. You will need to provide updated flight cancellation documentation and proof that no alternative routing is available within your current visa validity. The USD 90 fee applies again, and processing times remain 3–5 days (or 48 hours from April 1). Repeated extensions beyond 60 days total are rare and typically require additional justification.
