The Bank of Maldives has announced the introduction of a dedicated United States dollar purchase service for Umrah pilgrims travelling with registered Umrah groups during the upcoming Ramadan period, with the service commencing on 8 February 2026. The initiative has been designed to provide a streamlined and convenient process for pilgrims preparing for their spiritual journey, ensuring timely access to foreign currency in advance of travel.
The dedicated service will operate from the Bank’s Customer Service Centre located on Ameenee Magu on official banking days between 8 and 26 February 2026. Operating hours have been set from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with access managed through a token system issued at the venue on the day of collection. The structured arrangement is intended to facilitate orderly service delivery while accommodating the anticipated increase in demand during the Ramadan travel period.
Eligibility for the service is limited to travellers whose names appear on the official Umrah traveller lists submitted by registered Umrah groups. Pilgrims are required to present their original national identity card or passport at the time of purchase to verify their eligibility. Where a third party is purchasing on behalf of a listed traveller, the representative must also provide their original identification documentation to complete the transaction. This verification framework supports transparency and compliance while ensuring that foreign currency allocations are directed exclusively to eligible travellers.
Under the announced arrangement, the bank has established a purchase limit of up to USD 500 per person. Customers will be permitted to purchase dollars for up to five travellers within a single transaction, providing flexibility for group coordinators and family representatives. Payments will be accepted exclusively through Bank of Maldives–issued debit cards, reinforcing secure and traceable payment processes in line with the bank’s operational standards.
Pilgrims travelling independently of registered Umrah groups will continue to access dollar purchases through the bank’s existing USD Booking Portal. Collection for these bookings will remain available at the departure hall of Velana International Airport, ensuring convenience for travellers departing from the country’s main international gateway.
During the specified service period, Umrah-related dollar sales will not be available at other Bank of Maldives branches within the Greater Malé region. Customers residing outside the region may continue to access dollar purchase services at their nearest branches, maintaining nationwide availability while prioritising operational efficiency in the capital area during the peak travel window.
The introduction of this dedicated service reflects the bank’s continued efforts to enhance customer experience during significant religious seasons. By providing a structured, secure and accessible foreign currency solution, Bank of Maldives supports Maldivian pilgrims in preparing for Umrah with greater confidence and clarity as Ramadan approaches, reinforcing its role as a trusted financial partner to communities across the country and to travellers engaging in international religious journeys.
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