Maldives Immigration is set to revolutionise its visa and permit processing with the official launch of its new e-visa application system, with applications becoming available from 23 November.
The move marks a significant step towards modernizing immigration services, promising to streamline procedures that previously required lengthy in-person visits.
The comprehensive digital platform, which includes a new mobile application and advanced facial recognition technology, was officially launched at a ceremony on 10 November.
Immigration stated that the interval between the system's launch and the application opening on 23 November is intended to allow applicants ample time to prepare for the new process. During this period, detailed tutorials and guides on how to navigate the e-visa application will be published across various immigration platforms.
In anticipation of the transition, Maldives Immigration has set a deadline of 20 November for the submission of physical passports through the present process before the transition comes into effect. Immigration has urged applicants to collect their processed passports as soon as possible, noting that passports not processed and issued by 23 November will be handled under the new digital framework.
The introduction of the e-visa service aims to eliminate the previous hassle associated with obtaining permits and visas for foreigners. Historically, these processes were time-consuming and often necessitated multiple trips to immigration offices. With the new e-visa system, all visa processing will transition online, promising a far more efficient, convenient, and user-friendly experience for all applicants.