USD purchase deadline extended for Ramadan Umrah travellers

In an effort to make it easier for Umrah pilgrims travelling during Ramadan to obtain US dollars, Bank of Maldives (BML) has extended the deadline for purchasing the currency until next Tuesday.

The bank announced that the exchange service will be offered on the ground floor of the BML Customer Service Centre on Ameenee Magu, operating through a queue system. The service will be available on bank working days between 9:30am and 12:30pm.

BML specified that US dollars will be sold only to individuals whose names appear on the official lists submitted by Umrah groups. Each pilgrim may purchase up to USD 500, and payments must be made using a BML debit card.

Pilgrims must present their original national ID card or passport when buying dollars. If someone is collecting the currency on their behalf, that person must also provide their original identification.

The bank also noted that, during this period, dollar exchange services for Umrah pilgrims will not be available at the BML Islamic Malé Branch, Main Branch, Hulhumalé Branch, and Villimalé Branch.

Meanwhile, other travelers heading for Umrah can continue to reserve US dollars through the USD Booking Portal and collect them at the departure hall of Velana International Airport.