Maldives: Visa free agreement to be restored for Indian travelers from Oct. 15

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) No visa would be required for Maldivians traveling to India from October 15 as the two countries have decided to restore the 2018 bilateral ‘visa free agreement’, the High Commission of India in Maldives said in a tweet.

“No visa required from Oct 15 for Maldivians travelling to India for Medical, Business and Tourism purposes,” the tweet said.
It also said that Maldives would be the first beneficiary of Visa free travel since Covid restrictions were imposed by India in March 2020.

This move restores the bilateral visa-free agreement of December 2018. Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid welcomed the decision.

“Delighted that India has agreed to resume the 2018 Dec Visa Exemption Agreement between Maldives and India, which was temporarily suspended due to Covid-19 border closure. From 15 Oct 2021, Maldivian Nationals will be exempt of visa requirements for tourists, medical & business purposes,” Shahid said in a tweet.

“Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EAM Dr S Jaishankar
for the favourable consideration of the request,” he said.

The 2018 visa exemption agreement allows Maldivian nationals to visit India for tourism, business, education, and medical purposes. Under the agreement, Indian employees get work permits within 15 days.