Visa Waiver Agreement Signed Between Maldives & China Paves Way For Easy Travels

Sunday 19th of February 2023

The Maldives and China have reached an agreement on mutual visa exemption between the governments allowing citizens of both countries to explore the destinations with less travel hassle. With this change, Chinese citizens will receive an on-arrival visa for the Maldives on a 30-day visa-free basis. The agreement was signed in January 2022 of last year however, its implementation was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Nevertheless, the agreement is now in full effect starting from 17th February 2023, meaning that short-term travel for the Maldives such as tourism, business and transit can be carried out exempt from visas. However, travellers who are entering the Maldives for work, settlement, news reporting and other such activities will still need to obtain prior approval from relevant authorities in the Maldives and complete set procedures before travelling.

After a three-year absence, Chinese international borders opened and the reinstatement of flights to the Maldives began on January 18th, 2022. With the availability of the Chinese market again, the Tourism Ministry expects a 10% boost in arrival numbers to the destination by the end of the year. As of 12th February 2023, the Chinese market resides as the 8th top-source market for the Maldives, contributing over 5800 visitors so far into the year.