Thailand Scales Back Visa-Free Entry from 60 to 30 Days, Maldives Among 93 Countries Affected 

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved changes to the country’s visa exemption policy that will reduce the visa-free stay for Maldivian tourists from 60 days to 30 days, according to Thai media. 

The reports said the revised measures, proposed by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are intended to ensure travel facilitation reflects current circumstances, prevent misuse of visa privileges and uphold the principle of “one country, one entitlement”.

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Under the revised policy, Thailand will withdraw the existing 60-day visa exemption granted to nationals of 93 countries and territories.

Instead, citizens of 59 countries and territories, including the Maldives, will be eligible for visa-free entry for tourism purposes for stays of up to 30 days.

Thai media reported that India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Malta have also been added to the 30-day visa exemption list, bringing all 27 European Union member states under the same arrangement.

According to the reports, the Thai government expects the changes to strengthen international relations, support negotiations for Schengen visa exemptions for Thai nationals and facilitate bilateral economic agreements.

Mauritius and Seychelles will be granted visa-free entry for tourism for stays of up to 15 days.

The Cabinet also approved changes to Thailand’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) scheme. Nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia will be eligible for VoA at designated entry points, while India’s VoA facility will be withdrawn to remove overlapping visa privileges.

Following the revisions, Thailand’s visa measures will apply to a total of 65 countries and territories.

Thai media reported that the changes will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.

Travellers who entered Thailand before the new rules come into force will be permitted to remain in the country for the duration of their stay authorised under the previous regulations.

The reports also said Thailand will enhance background screening and monitoring of foreign nationals entering and leaving the country through its Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system.

According to Thai authorities, the review is intended to prevent abuse of Thailand’s visa policies for illegal activities and is not aimed at discouraging tourism.