The mutual visa exemption agreement between Maldives and China signed last year, on January 2022, has officially entered into force, the Maldives authorities have announced.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, the move means that citizens of the country will now be able to travel to China for tourism purposes without having to obtain a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
“Pleased that the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption between Maldives and China has officially entered into force. Maldivians will be able to travel to China without a visa on a 30-day visa-free basis. The agreement was signed during a visit of State Councillor Wang Yi in January 2022,” Shahid wrote on his official Twitter account.
Since this is a mutual agreement on visa exemption between Maldives and China, citizens of the latter will also no longer have to undergo visa rules when planning to travel to Maldives, VisaGuide.World reports.
In line with the new agreement, all citizens of China will be able to enter the Maldives for tourism purposes without a visa as long as they plan on staying for less than 30 days.
As for citizens of Maldives and China who wish to stay in each other’s territory for more than 30 days, the authorities have stressed that they will need to apply for a visa.
Citizens of Maldives applying for a China Tourist Visa must make sure to submit several documents, including a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and an invitation letter, which must be issued by an authorized individual or tourism unit in China.
Additionally, all persons applying for a China tourist visa must also submit details of the planned visit, itinerary, proof of sufficient financial means, proof of having secured accommodation in China, and information on the inviting party, among others.
>> What Documents Are Required When Applying for a China Visa?
Similarly, Chinese travelers planning to stay in Maldives for more than 30 days must also obtain a visa. Citizens of China can get a Maldives visa on arrival. However, in order to be able to do so, they must present to the Immigration officers a machine-readable passport.
They must also provide proof of pre-paid accommodation in the Maldives, proof of sufficient financial means to support their stay, a return-flight ticket, and a visa for the next destination if required.
The maximum period a person is allowed to stay in the Maldives for tourism purposes is 90 days, and those who hold a 30-day visa can receive a max 6-day extension.
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