Azerbaijan and the Maldives have officially implemented a mutual visa-free regime for short-term visits starting today.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan confirmed the completion of all necessary internal state procedures for the agreement to take effect. The "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Maldives on the mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports," which was signed in New York on September 24, 2025, officially entered into force on April 29, 2026.
Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of both the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Maldives holding valid ordinary passports are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, transit, and stays of up to 90 days within the territory of the other country. This policy aims to simplify travel logistics for tourists and business travelers alike, fostering closer ties between Baku and Male.
This diplomatic milestone is expected to significantly bolster bilateral relations and promote tourism between the two nations. The Maldives, an archipelagic state in South Asia situated in the Indian Ocean, is a premier global tourist destination known for its unique marine ecosystems. Similarly, Azerbaijan continues to expand its international connectivity and visa-free travel list as part of its strategic efforts to enhance its global standing and attract foreign investment.