In a continued effort to enhance international connectivity and foster global mobility, the Republic of Maldives has entered into a bilateral visa waiver agreement with the Commonwealth of Dominica, allowing citizens of both nations to travel visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations in New York.
Representing the Maldives was Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while Dominica was represented by its Permanent Representative, Philbert Aaron. The new visa exemption agreement reflects the commitment of both countries to expand mutual cooperation, promote people-to-people ties, and support the increasing role of small island developing states in global affairs.
The Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the visa waiver is part of the government’s broader foreign policy strategy to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance access to global destinations for Maldivian citizens. This initiative also aligns with the Maldives’ vision of fostering greater international collaboration across various sectors including tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
With this latest development, Maldivian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 90 countries and territories. This includes prominent regional partners such as India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore, as well as a number of other Caribbean states and small island nations. The expanding list of accessible countries stems from a combination of bilateral agreements, visa-on-arrival policies, and e-visa arrangements, enabling Maldivians to travel more freely and engage globally with greater ease.
While current travel volume between the Maldives and Dominica remains relatively limited, the agreement is anticipated to pave the way for enhanced bilateral engagement. Officials expect it to encourage exchanges in tourism, academic collaboration, and cultural interaction. As both countries actively participate in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the agreement reinforces their shared interests in global development issues, climate advocacy, and international diplomacy.
The Maldives continues to pursue similar visa facilitation agreements as part of its ongoing efforts to diversify its foreign relations, promote international tourism, and support the movement of people for leisure, education, and business. By building stronger links with countries across regions, the Maldives is also boosting its appeal as a globally connected island destination, while simultaneously creating opportunities for Maldivians to explore and engage with the wider world.
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