Azerbaijan, Maldives launch visa-free travel for diplomats and officials

Diplomatic and official passport holders from Azerbaijan and the Maldives can now enjoy visa-free travel between the two nations, as a bilateral agreement easing visa requirements officially comes into force today, June 18.

The agreement, aimed at strengthening friendly ties and facilitating official exchanges, was originally signed on November 15, 2024, in Baku on the sidelines of the COP29 summit, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The deal was formalised during a meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

Following its ratification by Azerbaijan’s National Assembly on December 27, 2024, and subsequent presidential approval, the agreement now paves the way for enhanced diplomatic engagement and institutional cooperation.

According to the terms, holders of valid diplomatic, service, or official passports from either country may enter, transit through, and remain in the other’s territory without a visa for up to 90 days from the date of entry.

Officials from both sides view the move as an important step in boosting bilateral dialogue and fostering closer coordination on global and regional issues. The streamlined travel regime is expected to open new avenues for cooperation in multilateral forums and beyond.

By Tamilla Hasanova