MaldivesJapan: Visa required

MaldivesJapan

Do Maldives passport holders need a visa for Japan?

Visa required

Yes. Maldives passport holders need to obtain a visa in advance before travelling to Japan.

A visa must be obtained in advance, typically from an embassy or consulate, before travel.

Source: mofa.go.jp (checked June 22, 2026).

RequirementVisa required

Maximum stayLength of stay varies

ScopeTourism, ordinary passport

Action before travelYes, arrange in advance

Data as of2026-10-21

Distance7,602 km, straight line (~9h 27m nonstop)

Visa-free access to Japan117 of 242 nationalities tracked

Travelling the other way? Japan passport holders visiting Maldives: Visa on arrival.

Visa-free alternatives near Japan

Maldives passport holders can visit these nearby destinations without a visa in advance:

Other visa-free destinations for Maldives passport holders

See all Maldives destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do Maldives passport holders need a visa for Japan?

Yes. Maldives passport holders need to obtain a visa in advance before travelling to Japan.

How far is Japan from Maldives?

About 7,602 km in a straight line, roughly ~9h 27m nonstop by air.

What currency is used in Japan?

Japanese yen (JPY).

What is the emergency number in Japan?

110 / 118 / 119.

What time zone is Japan in?

Tokyo (UTC+9).

What is the nearest airport to Tokyo?

Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), about 13 km away.

How many countries can enter Japan without a visa?

117 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Japan visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.

What nearby countries can Maldives passport holders visit without a visa instead of Japan?

Hong Kong, Philippines, Mongolia, Palau, Micronesia, Laos.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Maldives

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is an archipelagic country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean, near the southeastern boundary of the Arabian Sea. The Maldives is located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent's mainland. The Maldives' chain of 26 atolls stretches across the equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south.

CapitalMale

RegionSouthern Asia

Population529.7K

Area300 km²

CurrencyMaldivian rufiyaa (1 USD ≈ 15.45 MVR)

LanguagesMaldivian

Calling code+960

Drives on theleft

TimezoneMaldives (UTC+5)

Nearest airportVelana International Airport (MLE), 3 km

Emergency number102 / 118 / 119

Income levelUpper middle income

GDP per capita$14,615 (2025)

Tourist arrivals555K (2020)

Travel guide

The Maldives are a chain of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean with picture-perfect beaches, strikingly blue water, and luxury resorts. There are 200 inhabited islands and 165 islands with tourist resorts. Just under the surface of the beautiful blue ocean, there's a wealth of wildlife to see: over 2000 species of fish in all colours of the rainbow roam the clear waters around the islands.

Full source list on About.

About Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, it is bordered to the west by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, and the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands alongside over 14,000 smaller islands. Japan is divided into 47 administrative prefectures and eight traditional regions, and around 75% of its terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, concentrating its agriculture and highly urbanized population along its eastern coastal plains. With a population of almost 123 million as of 2026, it is the world's 11th most populous country. Tokyo is the country's capital and largest city.

CapitalTokyo

RegionEastern Asia

Population123.4M

Area377,930 km²

CurrencyJapanese yen (1 USD ≈ 158.13 JPY)

LanguagesJapanese

Calling code+81

Drives on theleft

TimezoneTokyo (UTC+9)

Nearest airportTokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), 13 km

Emergency number110 / 118 / 119

UNESCO sites32

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$35,951 (2025)

Tourist arrivals4.1M (2020)

Climate in Tokyo

Warmest August, coolest January, driest December, sunniest August. Best time to visit: May, August.

Monthly climate normals for Tokyo, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	10°C	2.6°C	137mm	193h
February	11.4°C	2.4°C	38mm	248h
March	14°C	4.9°C	132mm	234h
April	16°C	7.6°C	177mm	281h
May	22.1°C	15.2°C	130mm	258h
June	25.9°C	19.7°C	199mm	239h
July	26.8°C	22.2°C	341mm	127h
August	31.8°C	25°C	45mm	372h
September	27.2°C	22°C	144mm	209h
October	20.3°C	13.9°C	240mm	188h
November	17.1°C	8.6°C	39mm	238h
December	11.1°C	2.2°C	20mm	224h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Japan, known as Nihon or Nippon (日本) in Japanese, is an island nation in East Asia. Its insular character has allowed it to develop a unique and very intricate culture, while its closeness to other ancient East Asian cultures, in particular China, has left lasting influence. Despite belonging to a nation long at war, Japan's people have always placed emphasis on inner balance, tranquility and natural beauty. These traditional values have become increasingly important now that Japan has grown to be one of the world's most densely-populated countries, and its legendary work ethic makes life in its cities quite hectic.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Amami-Ōshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area
Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
Higashi Kairō
Himeji Castle
Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Upcoming public holidays

November 3, 2026文化の日

November 23, 2026勤労感謝の日

January 1, 2027元日

Full source list on About.