Maldivian media: Visa-free regime with Azerbaijan opens new horizons for Maldivian tourism

Travel between the Maldives and Azerbaijan will become significantly easier following a new agreement allowing citizens of both countries to enter and stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

According to Report, Maldivian tourism publication Maaldif highlighted that the visa-free regime applies to holders of ordinary passports, creating new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and strengthening bilateral ties.

"For Maldivians, this opens doors to explore Azerbaijan"s historic cities, rich culture, and rapidly developing tourism sector without additional formalities. Similarly, Azerbaijani travelers will now find it much easier to enjoy the world-renowned resorts, pristine beaches, and acclaimed hospitality industry of the Maldives," the publication wrote.

Local experts cited in the article also view the simplified procedures as an important step for the country"s tourism sector: the Maldives is expected to benefit by welcoming more Azerbaijani visitors seeking premium island experiences. Tourists from Azerbaijan are anticipated to complement existing markets from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, adding diversity to the Maldivian tourism portfolio.

The agreement also serves broader diplomatic purposes, strengthening bilateral cooperation, trade, and people-to-people ties, the publication notes.

"Travel to the Maldives has become significantly easier for tourists from Azerbaijan and Central Asia thanks to a new interline partnership between national carriers Maldivian and AZAL, allowing travelers arriving at Velana International Airport on AZAL flights to seamlessly continue to 17 island destinations via Maldivian"s extensive domestic network," Maaldif concluded.

The visa-free agreement was signed on September 25 following talks between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khalil on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York.