Issuance of electronic passports suspended due to shortage of passport booklets
Due to delays in receiving passport booklets, Maldives Immigration has decided to issue non-electronic passports for MVR 600 as an alternative to the standard electronic passport. This document, which meets international standards and remains valid for five years, can later be upgraded to an e-passport without a cancellation fee for those who wish to switch once stock becomes available.
Immigration officers are seen providing services. | PSM
The issuance of Maldivian "Ordinary Electronic Passports" has been temporarily suspended due to delays in receiving the stock of booklets required for printing.
Maldives Immigration has announced that due to delays in receiving the stock of "passport booklets" used for printing Maldivian ordinary electronic passports, non-electronic passports will be issued to all applicants seeking ordinary passports starting from May 9, 2026. This measure has been taken to manage the current stock of ordinary electronic passports.
Non-electronic passports are machine-readable documents issued for a five-year period in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Maldives Immigration stated that while the fee for an ordinary electronic passport is MVR 1,000, the ordinary non-electronic passport is available for a fee of MVR 600.
Furthermore, Immigration stated that, departing from previous protocols, arrangements have been made to allow holders of ordinary non-electronic passports to upgrade to ordinary electronic passports before their expiry without being charged a cancellation fee.
Maldives Immigration has apologized for any inconvenience this change may cause to individuals seeking passport services.
