Thailand to extend visa-free stay for Maldivian travellers to 30 days

The Thai Government has revised its visa policy for travellers, with the changes officially gazetted on 21 August 2026 and set to take effect from 15 September 2026.

Under the revised policy, Maldivian citizens travelling to Thailand will no longer be required to obtain a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

The latest decision follows a series of changes to Thailand’s visa policy this year. In May, the Thai Cabinet introduced changes affecting tourists from 93 countries, reducing the visa-free stay period from the previously applicable 60 days.

Following the changes, Maldivian authorities engaged with the Thai Government to seek a revision of the policy for Maldivian travellers.

On 29 June 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Iruthisham Adam held a telephone conversation with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sihasak Phuangketkeow, during which the visa arrangements for Maldivian citizens were discussed.

Following the discussions between the two ministers, Thailand revised the visa-free period for Maldivian travellers on 14 July 2026, increasing it from 15 days to 30 days.

With the latest policy now gazetted, the 30-day visa-free stay for Maldivian citizens will officially come into effect on 15 September 2026.