Maldives eases visa extension process for tourists

Maldives Immigration has streamlined its procedures for extending tourist visas under the “Maldives 2.0” initiative, with the aim of enhancing digital services and delivering a more seamless experience for visitors to the Maldives.

According to Immigration, the new policy, which came into effect on Thursday, is expected to significantly reduce the time required to process visa extension applications.

Immigration noted that tourists seeking to extend their stay can now submit applications through the Imuga portal.

Under the revised system, applicants are no longer required to re-enter information already available in the Immigration database. Instead, the system will automatically populate key details, including passport information and accommodation records. This enhancement is intended to make the visa application process more efficient and user-friendly.

By entering a passport number or uploading the passport’s biodata page to the portal, the system will automatically retrieve the relevant information. Applicants are also required to submit a passport-sized photograph taken within the past 12 months. Uploading the passport biodata page will only be necessary under specific circumstances, such as when a passport has been renewed or when the current details do not correspond with existing system records.

Additionally, provisions have been introduced allowing tourists to update their accommodation details directly within the application in cases where they have moved to a different hotel or guesthouse. Immigration stated that, with these improvements, visa extension requests will be processed within 48 hours.

While the processing timeframe has been reduced, Immigration reminded visa holders of the importance of strictly adhering to the terms and conditions associated with their visas. The authority emphasized that this initiative represents a significant step in the government’s efforts to modernize public services and support the tourism sector through the adoption of advanced technology.