Maldives IMUGA Guide 2026: Complete Traveler Declaration Form Requirements

IMUGA stands for Immigration Arrival — the official online traveler declaration system managed by Maldives Immigration. This mandatory digital form replaced the traditional paper arrival and departure cards that travelers previously completed on flights to the Maldives. The electronic system collects essential passenger information including travel details, accommodation arrangements, health declarations, and customs information before travelers arrive in the country.

The IMUGA system serves multiple purposes for Maldivian authorities: it facilitates pre-screening of arriving passengers for security and health requirements, enables immigration officers to process travelers more efficiently upon arrival, and provides the government with accurate tourism data for planning and resource allocation. For travelers, completing IMUGA in advance means faster processing at Velana International Airport — rather than filling out paper forms during your flight or upon landing, your information is already in the system, allowing immigration officers to verify and approve your entry more quickly.

Since its implementation, IMUGA has become an integral part of traveling to the Maldives, applying to all foreign visitors regardless of nationality. The system operates separately from the visa-free entry policy — even though most tourists don't need a visa, everyone must still complete the IMUGA traveler declaration before arrival. The form is available through the official IMUGA portal and can be completed online from anywhere in the world within the submission window.

The Maldives maintains one of the world's most generous visa policies for tourists, offering visa-free entry to citizens of virtually every country. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport or any designated port of entry, eligible travelers receive a free 30-day tourist visa stamp that allows them to explore the islands, relax at resorts, enjoy water activities, and experience Maldivian hospitality without any prior visa application process. This open-door policy has made the Maldives a premier destination for spontaneous luxury getaways and bucket-list vacations.

To qualify for visa-free entry, travelers must meet several straightforward requirements: a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival, a confirmed hotel booking or resort reservation for the duration of their stay, proof of sufficient funds to cover their visit, and a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration officers at Velana Airport verify these requirements during the entry process, though the actual checks are typically quick and efficient for tourists with proper documentation and completed IMUGA forms.

While the initial visa-free stay is 30 days, visitors who wish to extend their paradise vacation can apply for extensions through Maldives Immigration, potentially staying up to 90 days total. Extension applications must be submitted before the original 30-day period expires and require proof of continued accommodation, sufficient funds, and a valid reason for extending. Most tourists find 30 days ample time to experience multiple islands, resorts, and the incredible underwater world that makes the Maldives famous.

The IMUGA traveler declaration requirement applies universally to all passengers entering the Maldives by air or sea, regardless of nationality, purpose of visit, or length of stay. This includes tourists on vacation, business travelers attending meetings or conferences, transit passengers connecting through Velana Airport, crew members, and even Maldivian citizens and residents returning home. There are essentially no exemptions from the IMUGA requirement — if you're entering the Maldives, you must complete the declaration form.

The requirement extends to travelers of all ages. Parents or guardians must complete IMUGA forms on behalf of minor children traveling with them, entering each child's information separately within the family group submission option. Infants who travel without their own seat still require individual IMUGA submissions. Group tours and travel agencies often assist their clients with IMUGA completion, but the responsibility for accurate information ultimately rests with each individual traveler.

Completing your IMUGA submission requires having several pieces of information readily available. Gathering these details before starting the online form ensures a smooth, uninterrupted submission process. The information requested covers your identity, travel arrangements, accommodation details, and health status — all standard requirements for international travel declarations that most travelers can provide easily from their travel documents and booking confirmations.

The IMUGA submission process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, allowing travelers to complete their declarations from any device with internet access. The entire process typically takes 10-15 minutes if you have all required information ready. Following these steps carefully ensures your submission is processed correctly and your arrival in the Maldives goes smoothly.

Velana International Airport (formerly known as Malé International Airport) serves as the main gateway to the Maldives, located on Hulhulé Island adjacent to the capital city Malé. Understanding the arrival process helps ensure your transition from aircraft to paradise is as smooth as possible. With your IMUGA already submitted and approved, you'll move through immigration efficiently, allowing you to begin your Maldivian adventure without unnecessary delays.

Upon landing, follow the signs to immigration and arrivals. Have your passport and IMUGA confirmation ready — the QR code on your confirmation allows officers to quickly pull up your pre-submitted information. Immigration officers will verify your details, stamp your passport with the 30-day visa-free entry, and welcome you to the Maldives. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes for prepared travelers.

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. Customs officers may check bags randomly; ensure you're not carrying prohibited items. Once through customs, you'll enter the arrivals hall where resort representatives and transfer services await. Most resorts arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers directly from the airport — look for your resort's sign or check-in counter in the arrivals area. Domestic flights to outer atolls also depart from Velana Airport's domestic terminal.

While the IMUGA process is straightforward, travelers occasionally encounter issues that can be easily avoided with proper preparation. Understanding these common pitfalls helps ensure your submission is processed correctly and your arrival goes smoothly. Taking a few extra minutes to verify your information before submitting can save significant time and stress at the airport.

Beyond completing your IMUGA, preparing for a Maldives trip involves understanding the unique aspects of this island nation. From the distinct resort versus local island experiences to practical considerations about money, connectivity, and cultural norms, these tips help you make the most of your time in paradise. The Maldives offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth — proper preparation ensures you can fully enjoy them.

The Maldives offers an unparalleled escape to paradise — where overwater villas float above crystalline lagoons, vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life, and the worries of everyday life dissolve into the turquoise horizon. Completing your IMUGA declaration is a small but essential step toward experiencing this remarkable destination, ensuring your arrival is smooth and your vacation begins without delay.

Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon in a private water villa, an adventure-filled diving expedition, a wellness retreat on a remote island, or a cultural journey through local Maldivian communities, the IMUGA system ensures the Maldives can welcome you safely while maintaining the pristine environment that makes these islands so special. The simple online form takes minutes to complete but opens the door to memories that last a lifetime.

Submit your IMUGA traveler declaration within 96 hours of arrival, pack your swimsuit and snorkel gear, and prepare for an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. The Maldives awaits — those scattered emerald and turquoise jewels across the Indian Ocean, where every sunset is extraordinary and the underwater world reveals new wonders with each dive. Your island paradise adventure begins with a simple online form, and the rewards are beyond imagination.