The Maldives has begun issuing 90-day visas on arrival to Sri Lankan nationals, a reciprocal arrangement that signals closer diplomatic engagement and aims to streamline travel across the Indian Ocean corridor. These developments represent a notable advance in Maldives-Sri Lanka relations.
According to Maldives Immigration, the policy took effect on 30 July and was established following high-level consultations between President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during the latter’s recent state visit to Malé. Maldives Immigration confirmed that the visa initiative was a direct product of those discussions.
Sri Lanka had previously extended a parallel provision to Maldivian citizens in January, granting 90-day visas on arrival. Immigration authorities described the mutual framework as reflective of the “close bilateral relations” maintained between the two governments.
In conjunction with the standard visa-on-arrival entitlement, new measures have been introduced to facilitate longer-term stays. Maldivian expatriates employed or pursuing academic programmes in Sri Lanka may now obtain one-year visas for their spouses. Sri Lankan authorities have further indicated their intention to begin issuing one-year visas to Maldivian nationals beginning next month.
