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Maldives Immigration

Our Passport History

The evolution of Maldivian travel documents reflects the nation's path from limited trade travel to global mobility. Beginning with the Maldivian Pass in the 1950s, passports have undergone significant transformations following independence in 1965. From the early 'A' series to the introduction of the first electronic passport in 2007, each milestone marks the Maldives' commitment to secure and recognized international travel.

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Collection of Maldivian passports through the decades

Evolution of Maldivian Passports

A journey through time showcasing the development of Maldivian travel documents from 1957 to 2007.

1957 Maldivian Pass - First formal travel document
1957
Date first issued1950s
Validity5 Years, Mauritius and Ceylon
SeriesMaldivian Pass
Issued byThe Ministry of External Affairs, Maldive Island

The first formal travel document issued by the Maldives, establishing the foundation for international travel documentation.

1960 British Passport for Maldivian citizens
1960
Date first issued1960s
Validity5 Years, Valid for all parts of Commonwealth and all foreign countries
SeriesBritish Passport
Issued byHigh Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Colombo
NationalityBritish protected person of the Maldive Islands

During the British protectorate period, Maldivians traveled on British passports with special designation.

1964 Maldivian passport - Transition to independence
1964
Date first issued20 April 1964, First issued to H. Hassan Didi
Validity5 Years, Valid for use in the British Commonwealth of countries, India
SeriesMaldivian passport
Issued byThe Ministry of External Affairs, Maldives Island

The transition period passport, marking the move towards independence while maintaining Commonwealth ties.

1965 Post-independence Maldivian passport
1965
Date first issued12th December 1965, First issued to Hussain Manik
Validity5 Years
SeriesFirst passport of Series issued after Maldivian Independence
Issued byPassport office, Maldives
CostRf 4

The first passport series issued after Maldivian independence, marking a new era of sovereign travel documentation.

1975 Maldivian passport - Series A
1975
Date first issued1975
Validity5 years
SeriesA, 32 pages
Issued byPassport Office, Maldives

Enhanced passport design with improved security features and standardized format.

1980 Maldivian passport - Enhanced format
1980
Date first issued1980
Validity5 years
SeriesA, 36 pages
Issued byDept. of Immigration and Emigration

Updated passport format with increased pages and improved administrative structure.

1990 Maldivian passport - Modern design
1990
Date first issued1990
Validity5 years
SeriesA, 40 pages
Issued byDept. of Immigration and Emigration

Modern passport design with enhanced security features and increased page count for frequent travelers.

2003 Maldivian passport - Pre-electronic era
2003
Date first issued2003
Validity5 years
SeriesA, 32 pages
Issued byDept. of Immigration and Emigration
CostRf 450

Pre-electronic passport with advanced security features meeting international standards.

2007 Electronic Maldivian passport - Modern biometric technology
2007
Date first issued26th July 2007
Validity5 years
SeriesElectronic
Issued byDept. of Immigration and Emigration
CostRf 450 (till 01st Nov 2014), Currently Rf 1000

Introduction of the first electronic passport, incorporating biometric technology and meeting ICAO standards.

2016 2nd generation e-passport - Modern biometric technology
2016
Date first issuedJanuary 25, 2016
Validity5 years
Series2nd generation e-passport
Issued byMaldives Immigration
CostMVR1000

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Looking Ahead

Innovation continues. The future of Maldivian travel documents will embrace cutting-edge security features and digital innovations to serve our citizens globally.