The Maldives introduced its 2nd generation e-passport on January 25, 2016. This passport is equipped with advanced security features, making it one of the most secure biometric passports globally.

Notably, the Maldives is the first South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member to introduce such a sophisticated biometric passport.

A Maldivian Passport can be issued to any Maldivian citizen who applies for a passport. If the applicant is under the age of 18, a passport can be issued at the request of either a parent or by a legal guardian.

Types of Passports:

Electronic Passport

It is a passport issued for general use.

1. Eligibility: Applicants between 10-65 years of age are eligible to apply for a Regular Electronic Passport.

2. In-Person Collection: To collect the passport, the applicant should be able to go to any Immigration office that offers passport services.

3. Applicants Aged 10 – 18 Years: For applicants between the age 10 to 18, it is necessary to visit any of Immigration’s office that offers passport service, with one of their parents. If one or both parents are unable to attend due to being out of the island or country, a letter should be provided with the following information:

   – The name, address, and NID number (National Identification Number) of the applicant (child).

   – The name, address, and NID number of the person who will collect the passport on behalf of the parents.

   – A reason for not being able to attend.

Non-Electronic Passport

Non-electronic passports are issued for specific categories of applicants who may not be eligible for the regular Electronic Passport. These categories include:

1. Children below the age of 10 years

2. Applicants residing abroad: Individuals who are living abroad and are unable to visit the Maldives Immigration office in person to collect their passport. Their passports are either sent to the Maldivian Embassy in the residing country or it can be collected by an authorized individual appointed by the applicant.

3. Applicants who are 65 years and above

4. Permanent illness/disability or temporary medical condition: Applicants who have a permanent illness or disability or are temporarily medically unfit to walk.

Applicants below the age of 10 years: As passports of the minors are issued to either one of the parents or to a legal guardian, they are subjected to hold a non-electronic passport. If either of them are not able to attend to collect the passport, a letter from either parent is required. Similarly, if the parent or guardian of the applicant is unable to attend for collection in person due to a valid reason, such as residing abroad, the same procedure must be followed.

 

Emergency Passport

Emergency passports are issued for emergency medical cases where the applicant cannot physically visit the Immigration office due to the severe nature of their illness. This passport is valid only for a single trip. To apply for an emergency passport, (Should be submitted via IMUGA portal) the following steps must be followed:

1. Doctor’s Letter: In addition to the passport size photo and signature, a letter from a qualified medical practitioner is required. This letter should provide a detailed explanation of the applicant’s medical condition, highlighting the critical nature of the illness.

2. Timing and Contact: If the need for an emergency passport arises outside regular working hours or on public holidays, it is required to contact the passport service emergency hotline; 9555333. You can also reach the number via Viber, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

The issuance of emergency passports in medical emergencies ensures that individuals in dire health situations can obtain the necessary travel documents, allowing them to receive timely medical care or support. It’s essential to provide the doctor’s letter and, if needed, reach out to the duty officer for assistance in such critical cases.

Note: A sample letter, known as the “Iguraaru Letter,” is available for download on the website. If the letter is being sent from an island, it should be sent through the Island Council. If it is being sent from a country where the Embassy of the Maldives exists, it should be sent through the Embassy. In other situations, it is advisable to contact Maldives Immigration for more information.

Diplomatic Passport

A diplomatic passport is an exclusive travel document issued in reference to the Dhivehi Passport Regulation (2017/R-83), including it’s 1^st Amendment (2023/R-164). This passport is a symbol of diplomatic status and grants them specific privileges and immunities that are crucial for effective representation in international affairs.

Official Passport

An official passport is issued in reference to the Dhivehi Passport Regulation (2017/R-83), including it’s 1^st Amendment (2023/R-164).

Individuals who require an official passport for government-related travel must apply through the relevant government office. This means that the application process is typically managed and facilitated by the respective government department or agency.