1960s–1980s
Establishment of Airport Immigration Services
Airport border control services began following the opening of Hulhulé Airport (then Hulule Airport) in 1966. Immigration operations were initially basic and manually managed.
Every arrival and departure passes through the nation's borders. From the first manual counters at Hulhulé Airport to biometric e-Gates and en route clearance at sea, this is the story of how Maldives Immigration safeguards the country at its airports and seaports.
Airport
Border control in the skies — from the opening of Hulhulé Airport to modern biometric clearance.
1981
Malé International Airport
The opening of Malé International Airport in 1981 led to the expansion of formal immigration clearance services alongside the growth of international travel and tourism.
1990s–2010s
Modernization and Early Digital Transition
Officers initially travelled by ferry to Hulhulé Island for duty before modern transport links were established, as the airport steadily expanded to meet the demands of a growing tourism industry.
1994
A new terminal
The construction of a new terminal at Malé International Airport enabled dedicated immigration counters and improved passenger processing, supporting increased capacity during the 1990s resort boom.
1996
Computerized records
Around 1996, computer systems started being used for immigration record-keeping, replacing previously manual processes.
Regional Airports
Immigration services extending beyond Malé across the atolls.
2013
Hanimaadhoo International Airport
2013
Villa International Airport Maamigili
2019
Maafaru International Airport
Gan International Airport in the south also commenced airport immigration operations in 2007.
2016
Introduction of e-Gates
e-Gates were introduced at Velana International Airport, allowing Maldivian passport holders to use biometric clearance through fingerprint and facial recognition.
Counter Capacity — Before vs After Expansion
- Old terminal setup: Arrival Hall — 14 immigration counters; Departure Hall — 11 immigration counters. Limited space led to congestion during peak arrival periods.
- After re-arrangement: Arrival Hall increased to 25 counters; Departure Hall increased to 18 counters — improving passenger flow and reducing waiting times.
2020s
Digital Transformation and Pandemic Response
During the pandemic period, officers played a key role in assisting stranded travellers while immigration moved rapidly toward digital services.
- Launch of the IMUGA portal on 15 July 2020.
- Replacement of paper arrival cards with a mandatory digital Traveller Declaration for foreign arrivals to the country.
Contactless, paperless arrivals
The IMUGA platform brought traveller declarations online, removing paper forms and speeding up processing.
31 December 2025
e-Gates Expansion
10 new e-Gates were installed across the arrival and departure halls, improving speed and efficiency for Maldivian passengers.
26 July 2025
New Terminal Expansion
The new terminal of Velana International Airport opened with an Arrival Hall of 28 immigration counters and a Departure Hall of 20 immigration counters — built with expanded terminal capacity and a modern layout design.
Stamp Designs Over the Years
From the 1960s to today, airport immigration stamp designs have evolved across the decades — alongside the commemorative souvenir stamps introduced for travellers to the Maldives.
Seaport
Maritime border management — from the Malé Harbour to en route clearance across oceans.
1960s–1990s
The Early Years of Maritime Border Management
Following independence, formal maritime border clearance procedures were established at the Malé Harbour, laying the foundation for border enforcement at the country's ports of entry. During this period the Immigration Seaport Office operated from the Customs building and, following its demolition for redevelopment, officers were relocated to the Huravee Building.
1985
Malé Commercial Harbour
The development of the Malé Commercial Harbour introduced a more centralized and organized approach to seaport border management and vessel clearance operations.
1986
A permanent checkpoint
A permanent Seaport Immigration checkpoint was established following the formation of the Maldives Ports Authority, with a dedicated office to strengthen vessel clearance and dockside operations.
2000s
Advancing Maritime Security and Border Technology
With enhanced security measures and the implementation of modern systems, efforts to strengthen identity authentication and maritime crew clearance procedures were initiated in line with international security standards.
2019
A Milestone Year for Seaport Innovation
2019 marked a historic milestone for the Seaport Division with the introduction of the first mobile border control devices at seaports, enabling officers to process passengers through the PISCES system.
16 November 2019
First En Route Clearance Service
Officers began boarding vessels at their last port of embarkation en route to the Maldives, processing passengers and crew onboard cruise ships prior to arrival — significantly streamlining and expediting arrival procedures.
2020
Resilience and Digital Transformation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, seaport officers played a key role in facilitating the evacuation and safe return of stranded foreigners to their home countries.
1 September 2020
Launch of Online Seaport Services
Post-pandemic, Maldives Immigration officially inaugurated online seaport services, marking the transition from paper-based maritime processes to digital platforms.
Regional Seaports
Seaport immigration services extend beyond Malé to regional seaports, including Uligan, Kulhudhuffushi City, and Addu City.
Landmark En Route Clearance Operations
2025–2026
MSC Magnifica
The Seaport Division's en route clearance for the MSC Magnifica was conducted during its voyage from Fremantle, Perth, Australia — the longest en route clearance to date, spanning from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean.
February 2026
MS Queen Anne
En route clearance for the largest cruise liner to visit the Maldives was commemorated with a plaque exchange ceremony attended by the Controller General of Immigration, Commissioner of Police (Retd.) Ahmed Faseeh.