Maldivians traveling to Thailand to be permitted 30-day visa-free stays
3 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:37Following high-level discussions between the foreign ministers of both nations, Thailand has revised its visa policy to extend the visa-free stay for Maldivian citizens from 15 to 30 days. This strategic decision aims to facilitate easier travel and provide significant convenience for Maldivians visiting Thailand for medical purposes, business, and tourism.
A passenger walks through the departure hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s primary international aviation hub in Bangkok. | getty images
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Maldivian nationals will be permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa, effective September 15. This development follows recent changes implemented by the Thai government to its national visa policy.
These changes will come into effect following their official publication in the Government Gazette on August 31, 2026.
In May this year, the Thai Cabinet introduced significant changes to the country's visa policy, deciding to extend the visa-free stay for tourists from 93 nations to 60 days. This decision came as a major relief for Maldivians, as the Maldives was previously on the list of countries granted only a 15-day visa-free entry to Thailand.
To resolve this issue, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Iruthisham Adam, held a telephone conversation with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sihasak Phuangketkeow, on June 29, 2026.
Following discussions between the two ministers, Thailand revised and published its visa policy on July 14, officially extending the visa-free stay period for Maldivian nationals from 15 days to 30 days.
Thailand is a popular destination for Maldivians, with many traveling there for tourism, trade, and medical purposes. The recent extension of the visa-free stay period to 30 days is expected to provide greater convenience for Maldivians visiting the country.
