Effective from 22nd July 2020, application for Dhivehi Passport must be submitted via IMUGA, the online platform for immigration services.
Steps to apply for Dhivehi Passport via IMUGA portal
- Visit imuga.immigration.gov.mv and register.
- Select ‘Dhivehi Passport’ service.
- Select ‘New Application’ and fill in the required fields.
- Upload a passport size photo taken within 1 month to the date of application (follow the Passport Photo Standard) and a clear photo of the applicant’s signature.
- Review the information, mark the consent box and click ‘Submit Now’.
- A text message will be sent to the registered mobile number once the passport application is verified and ready for payment. Pay the passport fee via Bank of Maldives gateway.
- Once the passport is ready for collection, a text message will be sent again to the registered mobile number with the date and time to collect the passport) (status of the application can be checked via IMUGA portal as well)
- Take a token number from ‘QueueBee’ application within the appointment time (or after) before visiting to collect the passport.
How to expedite passport application due to medical emergency
In the event of a medical emergency requiring urgent international travel for treatment, applicants can expedite their passport application process. To initiate a medical emergency application, a supporting medical document stating the immediate necessity for overseas treatment is mandatory. A unique token will be issued to ensure prompt attention to the critical situation.
Upon presenting the medical document, the applicant’s photograph will be taken by the immigration office. However, if the applicant is unable to personally visit the immigration office due to medical reasons (admitted), a third party can submit a passport-size photo of the applicant.
To facilitate the payment process, a secure payment link will be sent to any contact number provided by the applicant.
Required documents for the application include:
- National ID card or a copy of the ID
- Old passport (if applicable)
- Passport-size photo (in cases where the applicant cannot visit in person)
Once the passport is ready for collection, it can be retrieved by the applicant or an authorized third party, provided they possess a consent letter from the applicant. This streamlined process aims to address urgent medical needs and ensure a swift issuance of the passport, allowing individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Assisted passport applications for individuals aged 65 and above
Citizens aged 65 and above who personally visit Immigration will be issued a special token number and assisted throughout the application process on working days between 8:30am to 5pm. The applicant’s photograph will be taken by the Immigration Passport Section in case the individual does not have a passport-size photo.
Required documents for the application include:
- National ID card or a copy of the ID (mandatory)
- Old passport (if applicable)
- Passport-size photo (in cases where the applicant does not have a photo and personally visits to apply, the photo will be taken by the Immigration side)
This streamlined process aims to facilitate passport applications for senior citizens, ensuring a smooth and assisted experience.
Notes:
Any Maldivian who has an IMUGA account can apply for another Maldivian’s passport. However, updates on the passport application process will be sent to the registered mobile number used to create his/her IMUGA account.
What documents are required at the time of passport collection?
- A valid ID Card or copy ( Only if a third person is collecting on behalf of the passport owner, with a consent letter).
- Old passport (Only if it is not expired).
Renewal of a valid passportA valid passport can be renewed if the reason for renewing the passport is valid and acceptable. If the passport has a validity of more than 1 year, cancellation fee of MVR100 will be charged per year in addition to the passport fee. However, if the validity of the passport is less than 1 year, the cancellation fee will not be charged.
Remaining validity of the passport will be counted from the date of application. As such, even if a day exceeds more than a year, it would also be considered as an additional year. For instance, if the remaining validity is two years and one day, it would be considered as three years and the cancellation charge would be MVR300. If the validity is more than a year, a letter of the applicant is required with relevant documents to explain the reason for renewal.
However, cancellation fee will not be charged if the passport is full. A passport is considered full, if the passport has four or less blank visa pages.