The Maldives and Seychelles have signed a visa waiver agreement allowing citizens of both countries to travel without obtaining a prior visa.
The agreement was finalised during the ongoing official visit to the Maldives by Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Barry Faure.
Speaking on the agreement, Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Iruthisham Adam stated that it was a pleasure to begin implementing the visa-free travel arrangement from 15 May.
Under the agreement, citizens of both countries will be permitted to travel and stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the commencement of the agreement during Minister Barry Faure’s first official visit to the Maldives as an important step towards further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The ministry also stated that the agreement reflects the close friendship and cooperation shared by the Maldives and Seychelles as Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Foreign Minister Iruthisham expressed hope that the agreement would strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations, revitalise tourism and related investment opportunities, and encourage citizens of both countries to experience each other’s natural beauty and marine environments.
The Maldives and Seychelles officially established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1980. This year marks the 46th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two island nations.