---
title: Canada visa for citizens of the Maldives
description: "Citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$10 service fee. Processing: 14–60 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/maldives
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of the Maldives

Citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

*Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days
- **Entries:** Multiple entry
- **Processing time:** 14–60 days
- **Government fee:** CA$100 + CA$10 service fee
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** CAD$2,500 per person minimum

## How to apply

1. **Determine if you need a visa** — Maldives passport holders require a visitor visa for Canada.
2. **Gather required documents** — Collect all supporting documents listed above.
3. **Complete the visa application form (IMM 5257)** — Fill online or print and sign.
4. **Pay processing and biometric fees online** — Use the IRCC fee payment portal; fee is CAD$100 processing + CAD$85 biometrics.
5. **Book and attend biometrics appointment** — Visit a VFS Global centre in Male or nearest location to give fingerprints and photo.
6. **Submit application and documents at VFS centre** — Bring all originals and copies to the visa application centre.
7. **Wait for processing** — Average processing time is 2–8 weeks.
8. **Collect passport (if approved)** — VFS will notify you; collect in person or via courier.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Travel): At least 2 blank pages and validity beyond stay
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Supporting)
- **Biometrics fee receipt** (Supporting): Pay online and bring receipt to appointment
- **Two recent passport-sized photos** (Supporting): Meet IRCC photo specifications
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letter
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Round-trip flight booking and accommodation details
- **Employment letter or proof of ties** (Employment): Show you will return to Maldives
- **Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, optional): Include host’s Canadian status proof
- **Marriage certificate or birth certificate (if accompanying spouse/child)** (Supporting, optional): Proof of relationship
- **Travel medical insurance** (Travel, optional): Recommended but not mandatory
- **Police clearance certificate** (Supporting, optional): May be requested during processing
- **Medical exam report** (Supporting, optional): Only if staying over 6 months or specific conditions
- **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Supporting)
- **Consent form for minor (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Both parents must sign if minor travelling alone

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** CAD$2,500
- bank statements
- pay slips
- sponsor letter
- fixed deposit certificates

Sufficient funds for entire stay and return ticket.

## Good to know

- Biometrics are mandatory and must be done in person at a VFS centre; appointment must be booked online.
- Processing times can be longer during peak seasons; apply well in advance.
- Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient ties to home country (Maldives)** — Provide strong evidence of employment, family, or property.
- **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields and signatures.
- **Inadequate financial proof** — Show consistent income and enough funds.
- **Previous immigration violations** — Be honest; include explanation if overstayed.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

### How long can citizens of the Maldives stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

### How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of the Maldives?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$10 service fee.

### How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 14–60 days.

### What documents do citizens of the Maldives need for Canada?

Valid passport; Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Biometrics fee receipt; Two recent passport-sized photos; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; and 8 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

### Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

## Sources

- [canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html)

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for Maldives passport holders](/visa/passport/maldives)