Thai government allows Maldivian citizens to stay without a visa for a period of 30 days
Following a revision of Thailand's visa policy, Maldivian citizens will now be permitted to stay in the country without a visa for a maximum of 30 days, a reduction from the previous 60-day allowance. This decision to shorten the stay period was reportedly driven by an increase in illegal activities, and the new regulation is set to take effect 15 days after its official publication in the government gazette.
A passenger walks through the departure hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand's primary international aviation hub in Bangkok. | getty images
The Thai government has decided that Maldivian passport holders will be permitted to stay in the country without a visa for a period of 30 days.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai Cabinet has officially approved revisions to the country's visa policy. Under these new changes, travelers from 59 countries will be permitted to enter Thailand without a visa for a duration of up to 30 days.
Thailand's decision follows a previous policy implemented on July 15, 2024, which granted Maldivian citizens visa-free entry into the country for a period of 60 days.
To bolster its tourism industry, Thailand introduced a 60-day visa exemption in 2024 for citizens of 93 countries and territories. However, the Thai cabinet subsequently decided to rescind this open-door policy due to a rise in illegal activities and growing national security concerns.
Under the changes implemented on July 14, Maldivians traveling to Thailand are no longer required to apply for a "visa on arrival" upon entry. However, while travelers were previously permitted to stay for up to 60 days without a visa, the new regulations limit the visa-free stay to a maximum of 30 days.
These changes will take effect 15 days after the Ministry of Interior’s announcement is published in Thailand's "Royal Gazette." Until the new regulations are implemented, individuals entering Thailand will be permitted to stay for the duration originally granted upon their entry.
