FAQs for Maldivian Citizens
1. Do Maldivian citizens need a visa to enter Thailand?
• No, Maldivian citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA) when visiting tourism business engagements or
urgent work or ad-hoc work
2. Is there a fee for tourist visa for Maldivians?
• No
3. How long can I stay in Thailand with a tourist visa?
• A single-entry tourist visa allows a stay of up to 60 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at
the discretion of the Thai Immigration Bureau.
4. Can I work in Thailand with a tourist visa?
• No, working in Thailand with a tourist visa is illegal. You must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa (Category B) to
work in Thailand.
5. Can I extend my stay in Thailand?
• Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Thai Immigration Office. Tourist visas can typically be extended
for an additional 30 days. Other visa categories may have different extension policies.
6. What should I do if I lose my passport in Thailand?
• If you lose your passport, report it immediately to the local police and obtain a police report. You must also
contact the Maldives Embassy in Bangkok.
7. Are there any particular customs or etiquette I should know when visiting Thailand?
• Yes, Thai culture places a strong emphasis on respect and politeness. Some essential etiquette tips:
o Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
o Show respect to the Thai Royal Family.
o Avoid public displays of anger or frustration.
8. What is the emergency contact information for Maldivian citizens in Thailand?
• In emergencies, you can contact the Royal Thai Police at 191. Maldivian citizens should contact the Maldives
Embassy in Thailand on 0611766502.
9. Can I bring prescription medication into Thailand?
• You may bring personal medications, but carrying a doctor’s prescription is recommended. Some medications
may require additional approval from Thai authorities, especially those containing narcotics or psychotropic
substances.
10. Can I drive in Thailand with a Maldivian driving license?
• No, However, visitors can drive in Thailand using an International Driving Permit (IDP). For additional
information / assistance, please email the consular department at
11. Can Maldivian citizens open a bank account in Thailand?
• Yes, Maldivian citizens can open bank accounts in Thailand. However, banks may have varying requirements
depending on the type of account and the customer’s visa status.
12. What documents are required for Maldivian citizens to open a bank account in Thailand?
• The general documents required are:
o Valid passport (with a non-tourist visa, such as a work or education visa).
o Proof of address in Thailand (usually mandatory).
o Work permit or letter of employment (for those working in Thailand).
o In some cases, a Thai contact person may be needed.
Please check with your preferred bank for any additional specific requirements.
13. Do Maldivian citizens need proof of address to open a bank account in Thailand?
• Most Thai banks require proof of a local address as part of the account opening process. The proof of address
can be provided in the following forms:
o Certificate of proof of residence from the Embassy
o Rental contract or lease agreement.
o Letter of residence from a hotel, landlord, or accommodation provider.
o Utility bills (such as electricity or water) in your name.
o A certificate of residence issued by the Thai Immigration Office.
14. What is a certificate of residence, and how can I obtain it?
• A certificate of residence is an official document confirming your local address in Thailand. It can be obtained
from the Embassy of Maldives in Thailand or the Thai Immigration Office.
15. Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?
• It depends on the bank. Some banks may allow opening a basic savings account with a tourist visa, but most
banks will prefer that you have a non-tourist visa (such as a work, student, or retirement visa) to open a full featured account.
16. What are the requirements for a Maldivian citizen to marry a Thai citizen in Thailand?
• To marry a Thai citizen in Thailand, a Maldivian citizen must acquire and authenticate the necessary documents
through the Maldives Embassy in Thailand. For additional assistance, please email the consular department
at
17. Do we need to register the marriage with both the Thai and Maldivian governments?
• Yes, after the marriage is registered in Thailand, Maldivian citizens are encouraged to register the marriage
with the Maldives government to ensure legal recognition. This can be done directly through the Family Court
of the Maldives.
18. How can I contact the Maldives Embassy for marriage-related services?
• You can contact the Maldives Embassy Consular Department for assistance with marriage registration or
consular services related to marriage. Email:
19. What is document attestation?
• Document attestation is verifying a document's validity by certifying its authenticity through official channels.
This is often required for legal purposes, such as applying for a visa, registering a marriage, or validating
educational certificates abroad.
20. Which documents can the Maldives Embassy attest?
The Maldives Embassy can attest a variety of documents, including:
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Educational certificates (such as diplomas or degrees)
• Employment or work contracts
• Power of attorney
• Business or trade-related documents
• Affidavits and legal documents
• Police clearance certificates
21. Can someone else submit the documents on my behalf?
• Yes, you can authorize a representative to submit documents on your behalf. To act as your representative,
the representative must present a letter of authorization along with valid identification.
22. Can the Maldives Embassy attest documents issued in other countries?
• The Maldives Embassy can attest documents issued in other countries, but they must first be attested by the
relevant authorities in the country where the document was issued. After local attestation, the Maldives
Embassy can certify the document’s validity.
23. How can I contact the Maldives Embassy for assistance with attestation?
• For inquiries or to begin the attestation process, contact the Maldives Embassy Consular Department at
24. Can the embassy assist in case of an emergency for Maldivian citizens in Thailand?
• Yes, the Maldives Embassy can assist in emergencies, such as medical emergencies, accidents, or legal matters.
We can help facilitate communication with local authorities, guide them in obtaining medical care, and offer
advice in legal situations.
• If you need emergency assistance, please immediately contact the embassy's consular section at the provided
emergency hotline, 0611766502.
25. How can I register myself with the embassy as a Maldivian citizen living in Thailand?
• To register as a Maldivian citizen residing in Thailand, please fill out the online registration form available on
our website or visit the embassy. This registration will help the embassy assist you better in case of
emergencies, provide updates on community events, and offer consular services efficiently.
26. What are the embassy's office hours and contact information?
• The Maldives Embassy in Thailand is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed on public
holidays.
Address: [Floor, 11, A1, Bubhajit Building, 20 North Sathon Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500] Phone:
[022346489] Email: [
27. Can the embassy help in legal matters or disputes in Thailand?
• The embassy can provide general advice and refer Maldivian citizens to legal professionals in Thailand.
However, we do not intervene in legal disputes or provide legal representation. It is recommended to consult
with a local attorney for specific legal issues.
28. Who can I contact if I have a question that is not answered here?
• If your question is not addressed in the above FAQ, please contact the consular department at
[
hours for further assistance.
