The Maldives to Allow Russians Visa Free Entry – Boosting Bilateral Relations

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In a move that is set to enhance relations between the Maldives and Russia, the two countries signed an agreement on the mutual exemption of visa requirements. What this means is that while Russians will be exempt from visa requirements when travelling to the Maldives, such visa free travel will also apply to Maldivians heading to Russia. The agreement which came into effect in July was signed in June by Abdulla Shahid the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister.

Minister Abdulla Shahid speaking to the media said he hoped that this agreement would strengthen ties between the two nations including economic and trade relations. Such agreements will no doubt also play a part in increasing tourist arrivals to the Maldives from Russia; this Indian Ocean nation continues to be a popular tourist destination with Maldives 5 star resorts on private islands including the likes of Amaya Kuda Rah Maldivesbeing amongst the key draws.