Maldivians travelling to Thailand will be able to stay in the country visa-free for up to 30 days from September 15, 2026, following the formal gazetting of revisions to Thailand’s visa policy.
The updated rules were published on August 31 and will come into effect in mid-September, confirming the longer visa-free period for Maldivian passport holders travelling to Thailand for tourism.
The change follows diplomatic discussions between the Maldives and Thailand after Maldivians were initially set to receive a shorter 15-day visa-free stay under changes announced by the Thai government earlier this year.
Thailand introduced a broader revision of its visa policy in May, affecting visa-free travel arrangements for citizens of 93 countries. Under the initial framework, the Maldives was placed among countries whose nationals would be permitted to remain in Thailand without a visa for only 15 days.
The proposed reduction prompted the Maldivian government to take up the issue with Thai authorities.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam held a telephone conversation with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on June 29, during which the visa arrangements affecting Maldivian travellers were discussed.
Following the diplomatic engagement, Thai authorities reviewed the arrangement on July 14, agreeing to extend the visa-free period available to Maldivians from 15 days to 30 days.
The subsequent gazetting of the revised policy on August 31 has now formally cleared the way for the new arrangement to take effect on September 15.
The change is expected to benefit a large number of Maldivian travellers, with Thailand remaining one of the most popular overseas destinations for Maldivians.
Bangkok is frequently visited for holidays, shopping and business, while Thailand is also an important destination for Maldivians seeking medical treatment. Direct air connectivity between the two countries has further supported travel between Malé and Bangkok.
The extension means Maldivian tourists planning stays of up to 30 days will not need to obtain a visa in advance once the revised rules take effect.
Travellers intending to visit Thailand before September 15 should continue to follow the entry requirements applicable on their date of travel, as the new 30-day arrangement only becomes effective from that date.
The development also reflects growing engagement between the Maldives and Thailand, with the two countries maintaining diplomatic and economic ties as well as strong people-to-people connections through tourism, healthcare and travel.
