Maldives Immigration has introduced a new regulation to screen high-risk foreign nationals by requiring airlines and aircraft operators to submit advance details on international flights and passengers before entering or leaving the country, effective 30 October.
The regulatory framework, published in the Government Gazette, was formulated pursuant to the Maldives Immigration Act and international civil aviation treaties to which the nation is a signatory.
According to immigration, the primary objective is to enhance national security and public safety by establishing standardised procedures for processing travel data. The policy is designed to enable border authorities to screen and identify high-risk foreign nationals, including individuals linked to organised crime or terrorism, prior to their arrival in the Maldives.
The regulation applies to all international commercial and private flights, as well as aircraft owners, charterers, local handling agents, and captains.
Under the new operational rules, operators must submit comprehensive flight manifests, including departure and arrival schedules, total passenger counts, and specific individual travel data.
Required passenger details include:
- Full name, gender, and nationality
- Passport or official travel document numbers
- Seat assignment and baggage details
- Visa information, permanent residential address, and destination address in the Maldives
Immigration authorities confirmed that collected data will be shared with the Maldives Customs Service and, where necessary, designated anti-terrorism intelligence agencies.
The regulation includes data privacy provisions obligating Immigration to maintain strict confidentiality over all submitted personal information.
Failure to comply with the reporting requirements will carry a fine of MVR 2,000.
