Kyrgyz Republic Opens Its Doors: Maldivians Now Visa-Free for Enhanced Ties

Sunday 27th of August 2023

A new era of seamless travel and strengthened international ties has dawned as Maldivians now enjoy visa-free entry to the Kyrgyz Republic. The announcement comes following the implementation of a visa waiver agreement signed between the two nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled the welcome development, revealing that effective from 20 August 2023, Maldivian nationals traveling to the Kyrgyz Republic will be exempt from visa requirements. The agreement, inked on 23 September 2022, ensures that Maldivians holding valid diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports can enter and stay in the Kyrgyz Republic for a maximum period of 30 days from the day of entry.

However, for Maldivians wishing to extend their stay, work, pursue education, or engage in business activities in Kyrgyzstan, obtaining the appropriate visa prior to travel remains essential.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid expressed the profound impact of this visa waiver agreement. He noted that beyond fostering people-to-people bonds between the two friendly nations, it would also catalyze tourism and enhance commercial ties, amplifying the positive relations between the two countries.

This development follows recent visa relaxations for Maldivians, including visa-on-arrival privileges for travel to the Arab Republic of Egypt and a visa waiver granted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the leadership of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Minister Abdulla Shahid's proactive approach to diplomatic engagements has propelled the Maldives to secure ease in traveling across borders and cultivate robust international relationships.

As nations continue to seek avenues for enhanced collaboration, the visa-free regime between the Maldives and the Kyrgyz Republic emerges as a pivotal milestone, embodying the spirit of openness, cooperation, and shared progress.