Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining a Maldivian passport goes beyond filling out a simple form. Between the very strict immigration rules, the mandatory online platform, the different passport types, and the multiple special cases (loss, medical emergency, application from abroad), the subject deserves a real breakdown.
This guide details in French the competent authorities for passports, the steps to follow on the IMUGA platform, the list of required documents, associated costs, the procedure from abroad, and explains how these processes relate to entry requirements for foreigners.
Understanding the Maldivian Passport System
The Maldives has a highly centralized system, entirely managed by the Department of Immigration and Emigration (Maldives Immigration). It is responsible for issuing passports, managing visas, controlling entry into the country, and administering the IMUGA digital platform, which has become the single point of access for most procedures.
The Maldivian passport serves not only as a travel document and proof of nationality but is also integrated into a broader ecosystem. This portfolio notably includes a biometric e-passport, a non-electronic passport, an emergency passport, a multi-function passport card, as well as visa-related services and certificates of identity for return to the country.
The central tool, IMUGA, is not reserved for citizens: it is also used by foreign travelers to submit the mandatory Traveller Declaration before arrival and departure. This digital, secure approach (HTTPS sites, payments via the Bank of Maldives) allows the administration to avoid physical queues and track each application online.
The Different Types of Maldivian Passports
The Maldives does not issue just one type of passport. The document is adapted based on age, medical condition, type of mission abroad, or professional status.
The Ordinary Electronic Passport
The core of the system is the electronic passport (e‑passport) for citizens aged 10 to approximately 65. It is a second-generation biometric document, launched in 2016, with a polycarbonate data page, laser engraving, and 34 visible or invisible security features.
This passport:
– contains the holder’s biometric data, requiring their physical presence for collection ;
– is available in 32 or 48-page versions;
– is valid for 5 years;
– costs 1,000 MVR for the standard version (32 pages).
It is considered one of the most secure passports in the region and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 90 countries, according to recent international rankings.
The Non-Electronic Passport
The non-electronic passport meets specific needs. It is reserved for:
Biometric collection is not required for children under 10, people over 65, individuals whose permanent or temporary health condition makes travel difficult, and some citizens residing abroad in particular situations.
This document does not contain a chip or biometric data, which allows, in certain situations, for a third party to collect it on behalf of the holder, provided they present the necessary authorizations. Its price is generally lower than that of the e‑passport (e.g., 600 MVR for a non-electronic passport issued via the High Commission in Malaysia).
The Emergency Passport
For critical medical situations requiring rapid departure abroad, the Maldives provides an emergency passport:
– valid for a single journey;
– triggered upon presentation of a medical certificate indicating the urgency of treatment abroad;
– managed via the IMUGA platform, with a priority processing channel;
– supported by a dedicated emergency line (+960 9555333, also available on WhatsApp and Viber).
This document bypasses standard processing times when the patient’s life or health is at stake. It maintains strict process control through prior medical verification, a specific case file, and the use of a priority token.
Diplomatic and Official Passports
Two other categories complete the system:
– the diplomatic passport, reserved for diplomats and senior officials;
– the official passport, intended for agents on official state missions.
They are issued under the Dhivehi Passport Regulation and its amendments, upon request from the relevant administrations. The procedures are not individual but handled through the employing ministries or institutions.
The Passport Card
The passport card is a hybrid product: a technologically advanced multi‑purpose card, which serves as an identity document, driver’s license, health card, insurance card, and payment method (MasterCard), developed with a European biometrics specialist.
For now, this card is only valid for domestic use and internal border controls within the archipelago. It does not replace a passport for international travel. It costs 450 MVR, with a validity period aligned with the associated passport.
IMUGA, the Key to Obtaining a Maldivian Passport
The major shift by the Maldives is the requirement to go through IMUGA for passport applications, particularly renewals. The platform (https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/) has been the mandatory interface for passport services for several years.
Creating an Account and Selecting the Service
All procedures start with creating an IMUGA account. The process is entirely online:
– registration with a mobile phone number;
– automatic sending of a verification code via SMS;
– creation of a user profile.
Once logged in, you must select the “Dhivehi Passport” service and then click “New Application”. The system guides the user to choose the reason for the application: first passport, renewal, loss, damage, full passport, medical emergency, etc.
Filling Out the Application and Uploading Documents
The IMUGA application requires filling in all mandatory fields and uploading several documents:
List of supporting documents needed to complete a full application or renewal dossier for a passport.
A recent photo (less than a month old) complying with Maldives Immigration standards.
A digital image of the applicant’s signature, placed on a white background.
The completed passport application form (IM01).
For Maldivians residing abroad, the IM32 form “Passport Applicant Information Form for Maldivians Abroad”.
A digital copy of the national identity card (National ID).
For a renewal: the old passport. In case of loss: a police report (unless the passport was already expired).
IMUGA is designed to be secure and fully digital: forms, supporting documents, and payment all go through the platform, under the control of Maldives Immigration.
Verification, Payment, and Tracking
Once the application is submitted, the file goes into verification. If everything is correct:
An SMS with a secure payment link via the Bank of Maldives is sent to the registered number. The applicant can also track the status of their application in real-time on the IMUGA platform.
The main costs are as follows:
| Document Type | Indicative Amount (MVR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Electronic Passport | 1,000 | Base fee for an e‑passport |
| Non-Electronic Passport (example) | 600 | Fee observed via a High Commission |
| Passport Card | 450 | Valid as long as the passport remains valid |
| Fine for Damaged Passport | 2,000 | Flat fee, all types of damage |
| Maximum Fine for Lost Passport | Up to 2,000 | Set by a review committee |
| Cancellation (per year of remaining validity) | 100 | If more than one year remains at the time of renewal |
Once the payment is confirmed, passport production begins. SMS notifications (and sometimes email) inform the applicant when the document is ready.
Choosing the Collection Point
At the time of application, IMUGA offers the selection of a collection location:
– Maldives Immigration offices in Malé or Hulhumalé;
– other branches on certain islands;
– Maldivian diplomatic missions abroad (High Commissions, Embassies, Permanent Missions).
Once the passport is produced, an SMS sets a date and time for collection. Before appearing, the user must obtain a virtual ticket via the QueueBee application within the indicated time slot.
If the appointment is missed, it is possible to come later, as long as the maximum period of six months after the application is not exceeded. Beyond that, the passport is revoked and a new procedure must be initiated.
Conditions for Passport Collection
Collection of a Maldivian passport is governed by strict rules, particularly due to biometrics for e‑passports.
Collection by the Holder (Electronic Passport)
For an ordinary electronic passport:
– only the person whose name is on the passport can come to collect it;
– a biometric check is performed at the time of handover;
– the applicant must present a valid national identity card;
– if the old passport is not expired, it must be surrendered for cancellation (an expired passport is not required).
This step secures the identity chain and limits the risk of fraud.
Collection by a Third Party (Non-Electronic Passport Only)
Non-electronic passports, lacking biometric data, can, in some cases, be collected by a representative, provided they present:
– the holder’s valid identity card;
– a letter of no‑objection signed by the holder or legal representative;
– the national identity card of the person collecting the passport.
This system is particularly useful for:
– children under 10;
– elderly or disabled persons unable to travel;
– cases where the holder lives far from the immigration office.
Collection Deadlines and Cancellation of the Old Passport
Once the new passport is issued:
– the old document automatically becomes invalid;
– it must be surrendered to Maldives Immigration or a diplomatic mission for cancellation within the set period (in practice, at collection or within a month if exchange was not possible on site).
If a new passport is requested when there is more than one year of validity remaining on the old one, “cancellation” fees are applied, charged per remaining year, even if only one day exceeds the one‑year threshold.
Special Cases: Loss, Damage, Medical Emergency
The Maldivian system provides detailed procedures for problematic situations, which almost always involve the IMUGA platform.
Lost Passport
In case of loss:
1. The holder must immediately go to the nearest police station to report the loss. 2. A police report is issued. If the passport was still valid, this report is essential for the replacement request. 3. On IMUGA, when applying, select the “lost passport” option. 4. The file is sent to Maldives Immigration, which has three working days to analyze the case after receiving the report. 5. A committee may decide to apply a fine of up to 2,000 MVR, depending on the circumstances.
If your passport was already expired at the time you lost it, providing a police report may not be required for renewal, which significantly simplifies the administrative process.
Damaged Passport
Damaged passports – tears, torn pages, deterioration of the MRZ zone, etc. – are managed in a standardized way:
– a renewal application is submitted via IMUGA;
– the “damaged passport” reason is selected;
– a fixed fine of 2,000 MVR is systematically applied, regardless of the nature of the damage.
The Maldives applies very low tolerance regarding damaged passports or other documents. In line with their strict entry requirements, a damaged document can lead to refusal of admission into the country.
Medical Emergencies
Medical emergency cases follow an expedited process:
– prior submission of an application on IMUGA with the usual documents;
– provision of a medical certificate attesting to the necessity of immediate treatment abroad;
– contact with the emergency hotline +960 9555333 to report the situation;
– issuance of a specific “token” to prioritize processing;
– possibility, if the patient cannot travel, to have a relative transmit the ID photo.
Payments can be handled flexibly (secure link sent to any provided contact number), in order to save time.
Applying for a Maldivian Passport from Abroad
Many Maldivians live, study, or work abroad. For them, Maldives Immigration has established a network of diplomatic missions (High Commissions, Embassies, Permanent Missions), which act as relays for passport applications.
Role of High Commissions and Embassies
Missions abroad work closely with Maldives Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They can:
– receive IM01 and IM32 forms;
– verify supporting documents;
– electronically transmit files to Malé;
– serve as collection points for passports or certificates of identity;
– collect certain fees (in local currency or by bank transfer).
For example, the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur offers a renewal service with:
For same-day transmission to Malé, forms must be submitted before 2 PM. The total processing time is announced as between 5 and 10 working days, depending on the diplomatic bag schedule. The passport must be collected at the counter once its arrival is confirmed.
In other countries (United Kingdom, Switzerland, Pakistan, India…), services are similar, with varying hours and submission procedures.
Example Fee Schedule in the United Kingdom
Applications via the High Commission in the UK illustrate how costs are structured for Maldivians residing abroad:
| Cost Item | Amount (GBP) | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Fee (issuance/renewal/replacement) | 29.00 | Paid to Maldivian Immigration |
| Revenue Stamps | 0.48 | State Revenue |
| Courier Fee (international mail) | 37.51 | Shipping between Malé and London |
| Royal Mail Special Delivery (UK) | 6.50 | Secure delivery to applicant’s home |
| Indicative Total | 73.49 | Excluding possible fluctuations or bank fees |
Payment is usually made by bank transfer to the High Commission’s account, which then consolidates payments to immigration services in Malé.
Standard Dossiers for Maldivians Abroad
Requirements vary slightly depending on whether it is:
– a first application;
– a renewal;
– a replacement due to loss.
But they almost always include:
– IM01 form;
– IM32 form for Maldivians abroad;
– recent digital photo meeting standards;
– copy of the national identity card;
– old passport (except for first application);
– letter explaining the request (especially if the passport still has more than a year of validity or in case of loss);
– police report with translation for lost passports.
Missions often request a cover letter summarizing the list of attached documents. Announced processing times vary from 7 to 12 working days, from receipt of a complete dossier and compliant payment.
Certificate of Identity and Temporary Travel Documents
When a Maldivian citizen abroad no longer has a valid passport to return home (loss, destruction, birth of a child abroad), diplomatic missions can issue a temporary document called a Certificate of Identity (CI) or Temporary Travel Document.
This document:
This visa allows a single journey to the Maldives and has a very short validity, for example 14 days. It is sometimes used for newborns to allow them to enter the Maldives before an official passport is issued.
Required documents depend on the situation. Typically include:
| Situation | Main Required Documents (examples) |
|---|---|
| Newborn Abroad | CI form, IM32, photo, birth certificate, parents’ passports, marriage certificate, copy of ticket |
| Lost Passport | CI form, IM32, photo, explanatory letter, police report, copy of ID card, copy of passport if available, ticket |
| Passport Held for Visa | CI form, IM32, photo, letter explaining need, proof from visa center, copies of ID/passport, ticket |
Once back in the Maldives, the holder must immediately initiate a formal passport application via IMUGA.
Passport Photos: A Compliance Issue
A significant number of applications are delayed, or even rejected, for a simple reason: the photo does not meet the standards. The Maldives conforms to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for machine-readable travel documents.
The main requirements are as follows:
The photo must meet strict criteria: 35 x 45 mm format (826 x 1,062 pixels), plain light background, natural colors without retouching. It must be recent (less than 6 months, sometimes less than a month online). The face must be centered, occupying 50 to 80% of the height, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and looking straight ahead. Avoid glare, shadows, ‘red-eye’, and any accessory covering the head or ears, except for justified exceptions.
Clothing and accessory rules favor sufficient contrast with the background:
– everyday clothing, preferably dark-colored;
– avoid very light or white clothing, especially with a hijab or light hair on a white background;
– jewelry and permanent tattoos accepted as long as they do not obscure the face.
For children and infants, authorities accept some adjustments (eyes not fully open, discreet assistance out of frame), but always require a uniform background and a clear image.
How Passport Rules Relate to Entry into the Maldives
Even though this guide focuses on obtaining a Maldivian passport, it is useful to understand how this document interacts with entry requirements for foreigners, as the legal architecture is the same and helps better interpret the severity of internal rules.
General Requirements for Foreign Visitors
All international travelers, regardless of country of origin:
To enter the Maldives, the traveler must: possess a passport with a machine-readable zone (MRZ) compliant with ICAO standards; avoid any passport with manually extended validity (refused); ensure their passport is valid for at least one month after arrival (but plan for 6 months for airline requirements); have a return or onward ticket; present a prepaid and registered accommodation booking or proof of sufficient financial means (approx. 100 USD + 50 USD/day); and complete the online Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) within 96 hours before arrival and before departure.
Children and infants can no longer be included on a parent’s passport: each must have their own document.
Tourist Visa Regime and Others
The Maldives has a relatively open regime:
A free tourist visa is issued on arrival for most nationalities, initially valid for up to 30 days. It can be extended for a total stay of 90 days (60-day extension) with Maldives Immigration, for about 750 MVR and subject to means and accommodation conditions. No professional activity, paid or unpaid, is allowed on this visa. For other purposes (meetings, business, work, marriage, dependents), specific visas exist with precise rules on documents, passport validity (often at least 6 months for dependent visas), and online procedures via the IMUGA or Xpat Online System platforms for employers.
Finally, a recent decision bans entry and even transit for holders of an Israeli passport, illustrating the ability of Maldivian authorities to adjust their admission rules for political or security reasons.
The Central Role of the Legal Framework and Official Contacts
The entire system is structured by an updated body of laws and regulations: the Maldives Immigration Act, Maldives Passport Act, regulations on passports and the passport card, as well as multi‑year strategic plans for immigration.
For a citizen wishing to obtain or renew a Maldivian passport, the essential contact channels are:
Essential contact details for the Maldives Immigration services, including websites, phone lines, and email addresses.
Main site: https://immigration.gov.mv/ | IMUGA service portal: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/
General hotline: 1434 (working days, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM) | Passport emergencies: +960 9555333 (also on WhatsApp/Viber)
General address: [email protected] | Dedicated passport service: [email protected]
For contacts of diplomatic missions (High Commissions, Embassies, Permanent Missions), consult the website according to your country of residence.
Visa and passport services are physically spread across several buildings in Malé and other Maldivian cities, but for the user, the entry point remains IMUGA, whether to initiate an application or simply check the latest official instructions.
In Summary
Obtaining a Maldivian passport, whether you are a resident of Malé, an inhabitant of a remote island, or a citizen living abroad, now involves a combination of:
For a smooth procedure, master the IMUGA platform and forms (IM01, IM32). Scrupulously adhere to standards for the photo and supporting documents. Anticipate all costs: fees, stamps, postage, and potential fines in case of loss or damage. Carefully choose your collection point (Malé, regional branch, or diplomatic mission). Finally, consider special cases: non-electronic passport, medical emergencies, and certificates of identity for return to the country.
This digital and highly regulated architecture has a counterpart: a faster system (1 to 2 working days in simple cases), more secure, and closely integrated with entry rules for foreigners. For those who know their way around, the Maldivian passport is now one of the most effective travel documents in its region, provided the procedures described by Maldives Immigration are scrupulously followed.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
