Maldives Passport Guide — Who Can Apply
Maldivian passports are issued by Maldives Immigration. This guide covers what its passport page actually states: who a passport can be issued to, the rule for children under 18, and the biometric ePassport introduced in 2016. It also sets out plainly what the official page does not publish, rather than guessing at it. Verified against immigration.gov.mv/passport, October 2026.
Who can get a Maldivian passport
Maldives Immigration states the eligibility rule in one line:
“A Maldivian Passport can be issued to any Maldivian citizen who applies for a passport.”
So the starting point is Maldivian citizenship. If you are applying on behalf of a child, the next section is the one that matters.
Children and applicants under 18
The official page adds a specific rule for minors:
“If the applicant is under the age of 18, a passport can be issued at the request of either a parent or by a legal guardian.”
In other words, for an applicant under 18 the request may come from either a parent or a legal guardian. For the photograph side of a child’s application, see the Maldives passport photo page, which sets out the relaxed face-size rules for children aged 9 and under.
The biometric ePassport
Maldives Immigration describes the current passport and when it arrived:
“On 25 January 2016, the Republic of Maldives launched its second-generation electronic passport.”
Its features, as listed on the same page:
- A polycarbonate data page with a laser-engraved photograph and data
- 30+ visible and invisible security features
- Full compliance with international security standards
- Biometric authentication capability
The page also notes the milestone: “The Maldives became the first SAARC member state to introduce such advanced biometric passport technology.” Because the data page carries a laser-engraved photograph, the photograph you submit is what is reproduced on the passport — so it is worth getting right before you apply.
What the official page does not publish
Three things a reader often wants are not stated on Maldives Immigration’s passport page, and this guide does not invent them:
- Fees — no passport fee figures are given on the page checked
- Renewal procedure — no separate renewal instructions appear there
- Number of photographs to submit — no photo-count is stated
For all three, check the current position on immigration.gov.mv (its passport and application pages) or with the Immigration office directly. Treat any fee, renewal step or photo count you see elsewhere as unconfirmed.
60-second Maldives checklist
- ☐ You must be a Maldivian citizen to be issued a passport
- ☐ Under 18? A parent or legal guardian may make the request
- ☐ The passport is the second-generation biometric ePassport (launched 25 January 2016)
- ☐ Fees, renewal and photo count are not on the official page — confirm with Immigration
- ☐ Prepare the photo to the official photo standard before applying
Frequently asked questions
Who can be issued a Maldivian passport?
Maldives Immigration states that a Maldivian Passport can be issued to any Maldivian citizen who applies for a passport.
Who applies for a child under 18?
For an applicant under the age of 18, a passport can be issued at the request of either a parent or by a legal guardian.
What kind of passport does the Maldives issue?
A second-generation electronic (biometric) passport, launched on 25 January 2016, with a polycarbonate data page, laser-engraved photograph, 30+ security features and biometric authentication capability.
Was the Maldives the first to introduce this technology in South Asia?
Yes — the official page states the Maldives became the first SAARC member state to introduce such advanced biometric passport technology.
How much does a Maldivian passport cost?
The passport page checked does not publish a fee, so no figure can be quoted here. Confirm the current fee with Maldives Immigration.
How do I renew a Maldivian passport?
The passport page checked does not set out a renewal procedure. Check immigration.gov.mv or ask the Immigration office for the current renewal steps.
How many photos do I need to submit?
The official page checked does not state a photo count. Prepare the photo to the official photo standard and confirm the number required when you apply.
Source note: the eligibility rule, the rule for applicants under 18, the ePassport launch date and its feature list, and the SAARC milestone are all from Maldives Immigration, immigration.gov.mv/passport (checked October 2026; the page carries an “updated: 07/10/2026” stamp). No fee, renewal step or photo count is published there.
Related: the Maldives passport photo requirements, the Maldives passport documents checklist, and the Maldives traveller declaration. For the photo itself, check a finished file with the passport photo checker or browse the full size chart.