Maldivian travelers now permitted visa-free entry to China

The mutual visa exemption agreement executed between the Chinese government and the Maldivian government in January of last year had come into force.

The agreement came into force following the discontinuation of travel restrictions enforced by China in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement’s entry into force was announced by the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also announced the agreement’s entry into force via a tweet on Friday.

As part of this agreement, Maldivians will be granted an on-arrival visa which will be valid for a period of 30 days upon their arrival in China.

Similarly, Chinese travelers arriving in Maldives will also be granted a 30-day on-arrival visa. 

However, visits that exceed 30 days will require travelers from both nations to obtain visas.

The mutual visa exemption agreement was signed on January 8, 2022, during China’s Foreign Minister, State Councilor Wang Yi’s official trip to the Maldives.

Since November 2018, arrangements have been made for Maldivian travelers to get on-arrival visas from United Arab Emirates, Russia, Thailand and Morocco.

Moreover, following discussions initiated by the government, easements have been facilitated for Maldivians acquiring visas from Saudi Arabia, India and Sri Lanka.