German Schengen Visa to be issued in Maldives starting March

Foreign Ministry on Monday revealed plans to establish a German Visa Application Centre in the Maldives in March 2020.

In a joint press conference by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of Germany to the Republic of Maldives, Jörn Rohde, Minister Shahid revealed the establishment of a VFS Centre in Male’, which would allow Maldivians to apply for Schengen Visa and travel to Germany starting from March 2020.

While the VFS Centre would initially cater to those travelling to Germany as the main destination, Minister Shahid invited more European countries to partner with VFS Global in providing visa facilitation services to Maldivians. The establishment of the VFS Centre in the Maldives would bring an end to the time-consuming and costly process for Maldivians applying for Schengen visa through embassies based in Colombo or New Delhi, said the Foreign Ministry.

Speaking at the press conference, Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Ambassador for his personal efforts and the Government of Germany on extending its reach to the Maldives, and stated that it is reflective of the growing ties of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Germany. Ambassador Rohde also expressed confidence that this initiative will strengthen the increased tourism and trade between both the countries.

The Maldives will also be hosting a temporary biometric clinic from 3-5 February next year, to provide visa facilitation services to those travelling to Berlin in March to attend the annual ITB fair. This will be the second time Maldives and Germany collaborate in issuing Schengen Visas for Maldivians travelling to Germany, said the Foreign Ministry.