Visa-on-arrival or visa-free destinations
Maldives — free 30-day visa on arrival for almost every nationality. Just a stamp. Indonesia — 30-day visa on arrival (USD 35) at Bali, Jakarta, Manado, Sorong. Many EU + UK + US passports also have visa-free entry but VOA gives you the option to extend. Thailand — 30 to 60 day visa-free entry for most Western passports. Philippines — 30-day visa-free entry for most Western passports. Costa Rica — 90-day visa-free entry for most Western and EU passports.
E-visa required (apply online before flying)
Egypt — single-entry e-visa USD 25, valid 3 months, processing 5–7 days. Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Or buy a "visa stamp" sticker at the airport for 25 USD if you have a Western passport. Australia — ETA / eVisitor required, free or AUD 20, apply online. Mexico — FMM tourist card filed online or at the airport, free for most nationalities for 180 days. Some destinations like Cocos Island via Costa Rica may require an additional permit. Cuba — Tourist Card required (issued by airline or embassy). Sri Lanka — ETA online required, USD 50.
Stricter visa countries (apply weeks in advance)
Sudan — required for the southern Red Sea liveaboards. Tourist visa via embassy, 4–8 week processing, plus a "letter of invitation" arranged by the operator. India — e-visa required (Andaman / Lakshadweep liveaboards), USD 25–80, apply 4 weeks ahead. China — required for any destination, full embassy visa, biometrics in person, 4–6 weeks. Russia — required, embassy only.
Special diver-specific permits
Galapagos National Park entry fee: USD 200 cash, payable on arrival in Quito or Baltra, plus USD 20 INGALA transit card. Both required even with a tourist visa. Egypt Marine Park fees: 10–25 USD per day, often included in the trip but worth confirming. Indonesia Raja Ampat marine park fee: ~1,000,000 IDR (around 60 EUR), valid 1 year. Cocos Island National Park (Costa Rica): USD 490 park fee, paid by the operator, included in the trip price. Always check what's included in your liveaboard price BEFORE you arrive.
Passport rules everyone forgets
Almost every country requires your passport to be valid 6 months past your return date. Some — Indonesia, Egypt, Maldives — will refuse boarding the airplane in your home country if it isn't. You also need at least 2 blank visa pages. Renew early if you're close. Carry at least 2 photocopies of your passport in your luggage and email yourself a digital copy. If your passport is lost, your home embassy is your single point of contact and reissue typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for the Maldives or Egypt?
Maldives: free visa on arrival, no application needed. Egypt: e-visa required online (USD 25, 5–7 days) OR a visa-on-arrival sticker for USD 25 if you have a Western passport.
Do I need a separate dive permit for Galapagos or Cocos?
Galapagos: USD 200 national park fee plus USD 20 INGALA card, paid on arrival, separate from your visa. Cocos (Costa Rica): USD 490 park fee, almost always included in the liveaboard price.
How long does my passport need to be valid for a liveaboard trip?
At least 6 months past your return date for almost every destination. Some countries will refuse boarding at your departure airport if it isn't.
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