IMUGA for families: what travellers should know

Overview

IMUGA for Families: What Travellers Should Know The Maldives Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) is a mandatory requirement for all visitors entering the Maldives, including families. While the process is straightforward, families have additional considerations to ensure a smooth experience. Here’s what parents and guardians should know about completing the IMUGA for their entire group.

IMUGA Requirements for Families

Every traveller, including infants and children, must have a separate Maldives Traveller Declaration (IMUGA). The declaration is submitted electronically via the official IMUGA portal within 96 hours before departure.

Key Points for Families

• Each family member needs a separate declaration – Parents cannot include children on their own IMUGA form.
• Infants and minors must be declared – Even newborns require their own submission.
• Group submissions are possible – Families can submit multiple declarations together for convenience.
• Same travel details apply – All family members must declare identical flight and accommodation information.

How to Complete IMUGA as a Family

Submitting the Maldives Traveller Declaration for a family follows the same basic process as individual applications, with a few practical considerations.

Gathering Required Information

Before starting the IMUGA process for your family, collect the following for each member:

Having all documents ready before starting will make the process faster, especially when completing multiple declarations.

• Passport details (number, expiry date)
• Flight information (arrival and departure)
• Maldives accommodation details
• Travel itinerary within the Maldives
• Health information (vaccination status if applicable)

Submitting Multiple Declarations

While each family member needs their own IMUGA submission, you can complete them sequentially in one session. The official portal allows you to save information between applications, reducing repetitive data entry for family members with similar details.

Common Family-Specific Questions

Families often have unique concerns when preparing travel documents. Here are answers to some frequent questions.

FAQ: IMUGA for Families

Do children need their own IMUGA submission? Yes, every traveller regardless of age must have an individual Maldives Traveller Declaration. This includes infants and children of all ages.

Can I submit IMUGA for my whole family at once? While each family member needs a separate declaration, you can complete and submit them consecutively during the same session on the portal.

What if my children don't have email addresses? You can use your own email address for all family members' IMUGA submissions. Each declaration will still be processed separately.

Using Our Independent IMUGA Service

Maldivestarrivalcard.com offers an independent, paid service to help families complete their Maldives Traveller Declarations. Our service includes:

Our service costs $19 per traveller and is not affiliated with any government. We provide convenience and support, but all applications are ultimately processed through the official immigration system.

• Step-by-step guidance through the declaration process
• Error checking before submission
• Document storage for your records
• 24/7 customer support

Important Reminders for Families

When preparing your family's IMUGA submissions, keep these crucial points in mind:

Timing Your Submission

The IMUGA can only be submitted within 96 hours before your flight to the Maldives. For families, it's advisable to complete all submissions at the same time to ensure consistency and avoid last-minute issues.

Accuracy of Information

Double-check that all information matches exactly across family members' declarations, particularly:

Discrepancies between family members' declarations could cause delays during immigration processing.

• Flight numbers and dates
• Accommodation details
• Passport information

Document Retention

Save or print the QR code confirmation for each family member. While electronic copies are acceptable, having physical backups can be helpful when traveling with children.

Special Considerations for Families

Families with particular circumstances should be aware of these additional points:

Single Parent Travel

Single parents traveling with children should be prepared to show additional documentation if required by immigration authorities. While not part of the IMUGA process itself, having consent letters or custody documents readily available is advisable.

Large Family Groups

For families with many members, consider:

• Starting the process early within the 96-hour window
• Assigning one adult to coordinate all submissions
• Creating a checklist to track completed applications

Families with Special Needs

The IMUGA form doesn't currently have specific fields for noting special requirements. Families needing assistance should contact their airline and accommodation providers separately to arrange support.

After Submission: What Families Should Expect

Understanding the post-submission process helps families prepare for arrival in the Maldives.

Receiving Approvals

Each family member will receive individual approval notifications. Approvals typically come quickly, but families should allow time for all members to receive confirmation before departure.

At the Airport

Have all QR codes readily available - either digitally or as printed copies. While family members may be processed together at immigration, each person's declaration will be verified individually.

If Issues Arise

In the rare case that one family member's declaration has an issue while others are approved, contact the official IMUGA support through the portal. Our independent service can also assist with troubleshooting, though we cannot guarantee approval or influence government processing.

Why Choose Our Independent IMUGA Service

While families can complete the Maldives Traveller Declaration directly through the official portal, our service offers several benefits:

Remember that we are an independent, paid service ($19 per traveller) and not affiliated with the Maldivian government. Our role is to make the declaration process easier for families, but all applications are processed through the official immigration system.

• Simplified form completion in clear, simple language
• Error detection to prevent common mistakes
• Family-friendly interface that saves time on multiple submissions
• Multi-language support
• Secure storage of all family documents in one place

Final Checklist for Families

Before submitting your family's IMUGA declarations, verify:

By following these guidelines and allowing sufficient time, families can ensure a smooth IMUGA experience and focus on enjoying their Maldivian vacation.

• Each family member has their own separate declaration
• All passport details are entered correctly
• Flight information matches exactly across all submissions
• Accommodation details are consistent
• Submissions are made within the 96-hour window before travel
• You've saved or printed all approval QR codes