Immigration Amends Regulations to Allow Temporary Waiver of Travel Document Fees 

Maldives Immigration has amended its passport regulations to allow the Controller General of Immigration to waive fees for temporary travel documents for a specified period and under circumstances determined by the department.

The amendment to the Maldivian Passport Regulations was published in the government gazette yesterday, bringing the change into effect. The amendment authorises the Controller General of Immigration to waive the prescribed fee for temporary travel documents under specific circumstances and for a period determined by the office. However, the regulation does not specify the circumstances under which the waiver may be granted.

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The regulatory change comes after Maldives Immigration introduced temporary measures to address a shortage of passport booklets supplied by a German company. The supplier has reported difficulties replenishing stocks due to problems with its printing machinery and informed Immigration that it can only provide booklets until next month.

Immigration said the temporary measures were introduced to ensure passport services continue without disrupting Maldivians’ international travel.

Under the revised arrangements, Maldivians renewing passports within the Maldives will have their existing passport booklets extended until 30 June 2027 without an additional fee, instead of receiving a new booklet.

For first-time passport applicants travelling to commonly visited destinations, including India and Sri Lanka, Immigration will issue an emergency passport valid for one year.