Thailand’s new visa policy takes effect on Sept 15th, up to 30-day visa exemption for Maldivians

Foreign Ministry has reminded Maldivians that they will be eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay in Thailand from September 15^th, following amendments to Thailand’s visa policy.

Previously, Maldivian nationals were permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.

Under the revised regulations approved by the Thai government last May, nationals of most countries are eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay. Initially, the Maldives was placed among the countries subject to an even shorter permitted stay.

In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Minister said that following Thailand’s decision to reduce the visa-free stay for Maldivians to 15 days, Foreign Minister Irthisham Adam held a telephone conversation with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, on June 29. Following the high-level discussions, Thailand revised its visa policy on July 14, extending the permitted stay for Maldivian nationals from 15 days to 30 days.

The Ministry further stated that the amendments were officially gazetted last Monday and will take effect from August 15. Accordingly, Maldivian tourists travelling to Thailand from that date will be eligible for visa-free entry for up to 30 days.

Since July 2024, Thailand had allowed citizens of 93 countries, including the Maldives, to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 60 days. The measure was introduced under the administration of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to support the tourism sector, while also providing greater flexibility for long-term holidaymakers and remote workers.

However, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the policy was revised in response to a rise in cases involving illegal overstays and unauthorized business activities. Authorities specifically noted that online scam networks had been taking advantage of the 60-day visa-free provision.

The Ministry also cited the need to address national security risks and align the country’s policies with efforts to attract higher-quality tourism as key reasons for the revision.

With the implementation of the new regulations, the 60-day visa-free arrangement has been fully discontinued. Entry requirements are also expected to become more stringent, with immigration authorities placing greater emphasis on verifying hotel reservations, return air tickets, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of a visitor’s stay.

The changes are expected to have a significant impact on Maldivians travelling to Thailand, particularly those visiting the country for medical treatment, business purposes, or short-term holidays.