Dominica and Rwanda have signed a new visa-free travel agreement that facilitates easier movement between the two countries, potentially boosting tourism and cultural exchanges. Signed during the UN General Assembly, the agreement enables citizens of both nations to travel without visas, which aligns with their shared Commonwealth goals. This arrangement comes amid booming tourism numbers in both nations, with Dominica registering an 18% increase in international visitors in 2023 and Rwanda welcoming 1.4 million tourists in the same year.
A new visa-free travel agreement between Rwanda and Dominica has been ratified, significantly simplifying travel procedures for citizens of both nations. This development, signed by Dr. Vince Henderson, Foreign Affairs Minister of Dominica, and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was announced during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The agreement will enable Rwandans to visit Dominica without a visa and vice versa, reinforcing the diplomatic relationship established in September 2022. As members of the Commonwealth, both countries seek to enhance cultural, business, and touristic exchanges through this agreement. It serves as a boon for tourism; in 2023, Dominica recorded a significant surge in international visitors, contributing 193.1 million East Caribbean dollars, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Rwanda attracted approximately 1.4 million tourists in 2023, a remarkable increase from 521,000 in 2021. Therefore, this bilateral agreement is poised to facilitate greater tourist inflow and foster economic cooperation between the two nations. With Rwandans now eligible for visa-free travel to 32 countries and Dominicans to 113 nations, the agreement is a pivotal milestone that positions both countries for future growth.
The establishment of this visa-free travel agreement is part of a larger trend to enhance international relations and cooperation among Commonwealth nations. Since initiating diplomatic ties in September 2022, Rwanda and Dominica have focused on building stronger economic and cultural bonds. The agreement underscores the growing importance of tourism as both nations recover from the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to leverage their unique attractors to draw international visitors and stimulate local economies.
The recent visa-free agreement between Rwanda and Dominica represents a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations and boosting tourism between the two countries. This initiative not only simplifies international travel for citizens of both nations but also reflects a broader commitment to fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. With robust tourism figures already on the rise, this agreement is expected to further strengthen partnerships and opportunities in the future.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
