China and Maldives Implement Mutual Visa Exemption

As of Friday, the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Maldives has officially taken effect. The announcement came from the Department of Consular Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, following the signing of the agreement during Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi's visit to Maldives in 2022.

Under the policy, Chinese citizens can now stay or transit in Maldives visa-free for up to 30 days for business or travel purposes. Likewise, Maldivians can travel to China without a visa for a maximum of 30 days. The new visa waiver policy is expected to promote more people-to-people exchanges and stimulate tourism between the two countries.

In response to the policy, the Chinese ambassador to Maldives, H.E Wang Lixin, took to Twitter to express her enthusiasm. "It will greatly facilitate the people-to-people exchanges between [Maldives and China]. In particular, it will encourage more Chinese tourists to come here. Looking forward to more fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector," she said.

The agreement comes as a boost to Maldives' tourism industry, as China is one of the largest sources of tourists to the country. In 2019, Chinese tourists made up around 20% of all tourists to Maldives, with the number expected to increase with the new visa waiver policy.

The mutual visa exemption is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between China and Maldives.

As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, the mutual visa exemption is expected to be a positive development for both countries, boosting tourism and facilitating business exchanges.