Maldivian citizens are gearing up for a convenient breakthrough as they soon gain the ability to submit electronic visa (e-visa) applications for travel to the Schengen Area. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid, expressed his gratitude on the X platform for the European Council’s pivotal decision to adopt new visa regulations. This development will pave the way for the establishment of an online visa application platform, enabling Maldivians to apply for Schengen visas without the need to physically visit another country.
Minister Shahid extended his appreciation to the European Council for providing Maldivians with the opportunity to embrace e-visa applications once the process is officially launched. The move signifies a step toward streamlining the visa application procedure and enhancing accessibility for Maldivian travelers.
In a recent update, the Foreign Ministry announced the expansion of services at the VFS Global Schengen Visa application center in the Maldives. This expansion follows successful negotiations with foreign ministries in the Schengen Area. As a result, individuals can now apply for Schengen visas to several European countries, including Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Luxembourg, and Slovenia through the VFS center. Moreover, the center is set to facilitate Schengen visa applications for France, Spain, and Portugal, providing an extended array of options for Maldivian travelers planning trips to Europe.