Maldivian passport holders will be permitted to remain in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa from September 15, following a revision to the country’s entry rules after discussions between the two governments.
The change was formally gazetted by Thai authorities on August 31, confirming that the updated visa arrangement will take effect from September 15, 2026.
The decision reverses an earlier plan that would have limited visa-free stays for Maldivians to just 15 days.
Thailand announced significant revisions to its visa policy in May, restructuring visa-free arrangements covering nationals of 93 countries. Under the initial changes, Maldivian travellers were placed in a category eligible for a maximum visa-free stay of 15 days.
The Maldivian government subsequently raised the issue with Thailand, seeking a more favourable arrangement for travellers between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam discussed the matter with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a telephone conversation on June 29.
Following the discussions, Thai authorities reviewed the arrangement on July 14 and agreed to increase the visa-free period available to Maldivians from 15 days to 30 days.
The publication of the revised policy in Thailand’s official gazette last week completes the process required for the change to come into force.
Thailand remains a major destination for Maldivians
The longer visa-free period is expected to make travel more convenient for Maldivians, particularly given Thailand’s popularity as a destination for holidays, shopping, healthcare and business.
Bangkok is among the most frequently visited regional cities by Maldivians, while Thailand’s private hospitals also attract Maldivian patients seeking specialist treatment and medical services.
Regular air links between Malé and Bangkok have helped maintain strong passenger movement between the two countries.
Under the new arrangement, Maldivian tourists travelling on or after September 15 will be able to remain in Thailand for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa beforehand.
Those travelling before the effective date will still need to comply with the entry conditions in place at the time of their arrival.
The revised arrangement also comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between Malé and Bangkok, with the two countries maintaining ties across tourism, trade, healthcare and other areas of cooperation.
For Maldivian travellers, the final policy represents a significant improvement over the 15-day period originally proposed earlier this year, providing greater flexibility for longer holidays, medical visits and other short-term travel to Thailand.