Maldives to grant visa extensions for stranded Ukrainian tourists

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom states Maldivian authorities are working on granting visa extensions for Ukrainian tourists stranded in Maldives due to the ongoing conflict who wish to remain in the country.

Mausoom told Sun on Sunday afternoon that there were several Ukrainian tourists currently stranded in Maldives due to the suspension of commercial flights to Ukraine. He said that the Maldivian authorities were facilitating the departure of several such tourists.

“They are departing to Ukraine and neighboring countries via different airlines. We are handling administrative arrangements for those who wish to depart from Maldives in collaboration with Immigration and Foreign Ministry,” he said.

Mausoom said that the authorities were also working to grant visa extensions under the assumption there would be some tourists who would wish to stay in Maldives for longer, under the current circumstances.

“What we are doing now is, they may perhaps need a cheaper place to stay if they are to stay longer. So we are checking the rates industry-wide to see what to offer them,” he said.

Tourism Ministry states there are currently 8,000 Russian tourists and 750 Ukrainian tourists in Maldives.

The Ukrainian airspace remains closed following the Russian invasion on February 24.