Medical visa not required for India starting March 11

The Agreement on Facilitation of Visa Arrangements between Maldives and India is scheduled to take effect next Monday allowing multiple conveniences to Maldivians who travel to India.

The Agreement of Facilitation of Visa Arrangements was signed on December 17, during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s state visit to India.

When the agreement takes effect on Monday, Maldivians who travel to India for medical reasons need no longer apply for visa from the Indian Embassy as long as the visits last no more than 90 days.

Maldivians who wish to travel to India for medical reasons for more than 90 days can apply for six months or one-year medical visa from the Indian Embassy. Medical attendant visas will be issued to two additional parties.

The agreement will also allow Maldivian students enrolled in a fulltime program at an educational institution endorsed by the government multiple entrance student visa for the duration of the course (maximum five years).

Parents and guardians of students under the age of 18 years will also receive multiple entrance visas.

Multiple entrance visas will also be awarded to children under the age of 18 years and elderly parents of Maldivians on student visas who are enrolled in higher education or research programs.

Maldivians who travel to India for business or leisure will also be allowed to travel to the country without visa as long as the visits do not exceed 90 days.