Maldives shifts to digital visa system; e-visas to replace physical stamps
The change is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to digitise services, including all visa-related processes.
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The Maldives Immigration announced on Wednesday that e-visas will be considered valid visas for foreigners from next Sunday.
The change is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to digitise services, including all visa-related processes. Immigration said it will begin issuing e-visas to foreigners residing in the Maldives from 23 November, following a full shift to digital visa issuance.
As part of the new system, Immigration has detailed changes affecting foreigners with work permits:
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From Tuesday, foreigners with work permits will receive e-visas without submitting passports at Immigration counters
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Work permit holders with expired physical work visas issued before 23 November will be converted to e-visas
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Expired physical visas in passports will no longer be considered valid for work permit holders
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E-visas will be recognised as the valid visa for all foreign workers from November
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Individuals with e-visas will be permitted to enter and leave the Maldives from 23 November, even if their passport contains an expired visa
Immigration stated that foreigners with new work permits will be allowed entry if they possess an expired entry pass issued by the Home Ministry. After arrival, the person registered in the Expat Online system must apply for a work visa within 15 days.
The announcement also includes changes for foreigners holding visas other than work visas:
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From Sunday, e-visas will be issued for all visa categories except work visas
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Visas issued before that date will not be automatically converted to e-visas
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Existing visas will remain valid until their expiry date
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Holders must apply for an e-visa 30 days before the expiry of their current visa
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These physical visas will not be converted into e-visas, but holders may continue to enter and exit the Maldives during the validity period
Immigration added that the Visa Division will be able to issue passports that were previously withheld for administrative reasons.
