Maldives govt MP files resolution calling for pre-approval visas for tourists

A resolution has been moved in the Parliament demanding the introduction of pre-approval visa-on-arrival and electronic authorization services for tourists arriving in the Maldives to facilitate easy entry of tourists.

The first reading of the resolution moved by Mahchangolhi South MP Ahmed Haitham was heard on Monday.

The resolution calls for pre-approved visas for all tourists coming to Maldives.

The resolution said that tourists now get on-arrival visas when they arrive in Maldives and they have to spend a lot of time getting stamped.

Noting that the issue has not been adequately resolved so far, Haitham’s resolution said that people entering the country on on-arrival visas are forced to return without visas for various reasons, causing tourists a lot of distress and financial loss.

According to statistics of the past five years, 9,940 people have been denied entry and deported without visas for various reasons after they arrived in Maldives.

"To address that, the resolution calls for the introduction and expansion of the 'Tourist Pre-Approved Visa on Arrival' or 'Electronic Travel Authorisation' service, which is not currently available for visitors to Maldives”.

Tourists are no longer required to obtain a visa in advance. They normally get a free 30-day visa on arrival if all papers are in order.