Sri Lanka grants one-year medical visas to Maldivians

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Sri Lanka will implement a one-year visa policy, effective this month, for individuals traveling to Sri Lanka for medical treatment, as well as for the spouses of Maldivian citizens residing in the country for study or employment.

The Foreign Ministry stated that this decision aims to alleviate the visa-related challenges encountered by Maldivian citizens, given Sri Lanka's significance as a destination for their residence and frequent travel for healthcare purposes.

The ministry advises visa applicants to meticulously complete all requisite documentation. Specifically, the Foreign Ministry emphasizes the importance of submitting all documents necessary for security clearance.

"The Sri Lankan government has advised applicants to exercise vigilance, as any discrepancies identified in their security clearance records may lead to adverse consequences, including visa revocation," the ministry cautioned.

Sri Lanka's announcement regarding the issuance of one-year visas to Maldivian citizens was made on the 28th of last month, during the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the Maldives.

Previously, Maldivian citizens were granted a 30-day on-arrival visa in Sri Lanka. For extended stays, an online visa extension application was required.

The Maldives has also declared its intention to issue on-arrival visas to Sri Lankan citizens for a duration of three months, with this policy commencing on July 29.

The Maldives and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations on July 26, 1965. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.