Thailand to Grant Maldivians 30-Day Visa-Free Stay 

Maldivian nationals travelling to Thailand will be able to stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa from September 15, following the Thai government’s revised visa policy.

The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the new regulations were officially gazetted on August 31 and will take effect on September 15, 2026.

The ministry said the extension follows discussions between Maldivian Foreign Minister Her Excellency Iruhtisham Adam and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

Under the revised policy announced by Thailand on July 14, the visa-exempt stay granted to Maldivian nationals was increased from 15 days to 30 days.

Thailand had initially announced changes to its visa policy in May, including a decision to reduce the visa-exempt stay for tourists from 93 countries to less than 60 days.

The Maldives was previously among the countries whose nationals were permitted to enter Thailand without a visa for 15 days. In response to the proposed changes, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry engaged with Thai authorities seeking to maintain and extend the existing visa-free arrangement for Maldivian travellers.

The new 30-day visa exemption will come into effect on September 15, 2026.