Sri Lanka to Issue One-Year Medical and Spouse Visas for Maldivians
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu (R) with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on July 28, giving a joint press statement | Photo: President’s Office
Sri Lanka will begin issuing one-year medical and spouse visas to Maldivians from August.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu made the announcement during a joint press statement with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently on his first state visit to the Maldives since taking office in September 2024. President Dissanayake arrived in Malé yesterday for a three-day visit at the invitation of President Muizzu.
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“I would like to thank the Sri Lankan government for its recent decision to issue medical and spouse visas for a period of one year to Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka,” President Muizzu said, expressing appreciation for the move during his address.
Previously, Maldivians travelling to Sri Lanka were typically granted a 30-day visa on arrival, which could be extended up to six months through an online application. The updated visa policy reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to restoring ease of access for Maldivians, particularly those seeking medical treatment or staying with family.
Sri Lanka has long been a key destination for Maldivians, especially for healthcare, education, and leisure. However, travel to the country declined sharply following the tightening of visa regulations after the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
The introduction of one-year medical and spouse visas is expected to benefit many Maldivians who regularly visit Colombo and other Sri Lankan cities for health services and family matters. The change also signals a broader effort to revive long-standing travel and service links between the two countries.
