The Maldives and Seychelles have signed a visa waiver agreement that allows citizens of both countries to travel without obtaining a prior visa, marking a significant development in the long-standing relationship between the two Indian Ocean island nations. The agreement was finalised during the ongoing official visit to the Maldives by Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Barry Faure, and is set to take effect from 15 May, opening a new chapter of closer engagement between the two countries.
Speaking on the agreement, Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Iruthisham Adam said it was a pleasure to begin implementing the visa-free travel arrangement from 15 May. Under the terms of the agreement, nationals of the Maldives and Seychelles will be permitted to travel and stay in each other’s countries for up to 30 days without a visa. The arrangement is expected to ease travel procedures for citizens, facilitate greater exchanges, and support stronger institutional and commercial engagement between the two countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the implementation of the agreement during Minister Barry Faure’s first official visit to the Maldives as an important step in further strengthening bilateral relations. The ministry noted that the agreement reflects the close friendship and cooperation shared by the Maldives and Seychelles as Small Island Developing States, highlighting the shared interests and common perspectives that continue to guide their partnership on regional and international matters.
Foreign Minister Dr Iruthisham Adam also expressed hope that the agreement would strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations, revitalise tourism and related investment opportunities, and encourage citizens of both countries to experience each other’s natural beauty and marine environments. For two globally recognised island destinations, the visa-free arrangement is expected to support smoother travel for leisure visitors, business travellers, tourism stakeholders and investors, while also enhancing opportunities for collaboration across tourism, hospitality, environmental sustainability and the blue economy.
The agreement is particularly meaningful for the tourism sector, as both the Maldives and Seychelles are internationally celebrated for their pristine coastlines, rich marine biodiversity and high-value visitor experiences. Easier travel access is likely to encourage greater interest in multi-destination tourism, cross-market partnerships and wider business engagement between travel operators, hospitality brands and investors seeking opportunities in premium island destinations. The measure also reinforces the image of both countries as welcoming, connected and forward-looking tourism markets that value openness, cooperation and sustainable development.
The Maldives and Seychelles officially established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1980, and this year marks the 46th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Over the years, both nations have maintained warm and cooperative relations shaped by their shared identity as island states and their common interests in tourism, climate resilience, marine conservation and sustainable economic progress. The new visa waiver agreement adds further momentum to that relationship and reflects a mutual commitment to building stronger links that benefit citizens, businesses and the wider region.
With visa-free travel now set to begin, the agreement is expected to create greater convenience for travellers while also contributing to broader diplomatic and economic engagement. As the Maldives and Seychelles continue to strengthen their partnership, the new arrangement stands as a positive expression of trust, friendship and shared ambition between two nations whose natural appeal and strategic outlook continue to attract global attention.
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