Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has announced Russian and Ukrainian tourists in the Maldives can apply to extend their visas if required.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Mausoom said arrangements will be made by the authorities if any tourist requires to extend their stay in the Maldives.
Russia and Ukraine are major markets in the tourism industry of the Maldives. Russia is the top source market to the Maldives this year and Ukraine is ranked eighth on the list, according to statistics.
The statistics show that a high number of tourists from Russia and Ukraine are currently in the Maldives. The Maldives provides on-arrival visas to both Russian and Ukrainian citizens.
Speaking on the programme, Minister Mausoom said all tourist facilities have been advised to notify the ministry of the existing number of tourists from Russia and Ukraine along with their travel details. The minister mentioned visas will be extended to 90 days if any tourist requires to extend their stay in the Maldives
Furthermore, Minister Mausoom said Russia and Ukraine contribute 20% of the tourist arrivals and that it will affect the tourism industry of the Maldives if the conflict continues to escalate. Likewise, the minister said he has been notified of some booking cancellations from Russia and Ukraine. He noted the war between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns over the possibility of a reduction in the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives.