Maldives to require advance passenger data for international flights

Maldives Immigration will implement new regulations requiring aircraft operators to submit advance passenger data for all international flights. Effective October 30, 2026, the rules mandate that aircraft owners, charterers, agents, and captains provide detailed information before a flight arrives in or departs from the country.

Required data includes flight schedules, passenger numbers, names, nationalities, gender, and passport or equivalent document numbers. Additionally, operators must provide seat numbers, baggage details, visa information, permanent addresses, and destination addresses.

The framework is designed to strengthen security screening by allowing authorities to identify individuals suspected of involvement in serious or organized crime, terrorist organizations, or related groups before they reach the border. This measure also supports the Maldives’ obligations under international aviation agreements and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Information may be shared with the Maldives Customs Service and relevant anti-terrorism intelligence agencies when necessary. While the regulations require that all provided information be kept confidential, violations of these requirements will incur a fine of MVR 2,000.