Sri Lanka has decided to begin issuing one-year visas to Maldivians, replacing the current short-term visa arrangement. The announcement was made by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who confirmed that the new policy will take effect starting this Friday.
Until now, Maldivians have been eligible for a 30-day on-arrival visa, with the option to extend up to six months online for a fee. With the latest change, Maldivians will be permitted to reside in Sri Lanka for one year without needing frequent renewals.
According to Sri Lankan media, this new policy coincides with the upcoming official visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the Maldives on Monday. The move reflects a renewed effort to facilitate closer ties between the two countries.
Minister Herath also highlighted that many Maldivians previously travelled to Sri Lanka for medical treatment, a practice that diminished due to tightened visa restrictions. "That decision has been reversed, and we have decided to give one-year visas to Maldivians," he stated.
In addition to this visa reform, Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for citizens of 40 countries, including several Asian and European nations, as part of broader efforts to strengthen its tourism sector.