Belarus and Maldives negotiate mutual visa-free travel

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has approved a draft agreement to initiate negotiations for mutual visa-free travel between Belarus and the Maldives. Under the proposed terms, citizens of both nations would be permitted to enter, leave, and transit through each other’s territories without a visa. Each individual visit would be limited to 30 days, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within a single calendar year.

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to negotiate and finalize the terms with the Maldivian government. While the agreement is not yet operational, the move follows increased diplomatic engagement, including a high-level meeting in Minsk on February 3 between Maldivian officials and Belarusian First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Lukashevich.

The proposed arrangement aims to bolster cooperation in tourism, trade, and education. Belarus is already a significant destination for Maldivian medical students, and the exemption is expected to facilitate easier travel for students and enhance people-to-people exchanges.