Thailand and Tonga Sign Visa Exemption Deal for Diplomatic Passport Holders

Thailand and Tonga have signed an agreement scrapping visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, in a move aimed at boosting official travel and bilateral cooperation. The deal was signed in Bangkok on 29 October 2026, but it will not apply to travellers until both governments complete their domestic approval steps.

Key facts

• Signed 29 October 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok
• Covers holders of valid diplomatic and official passports from both countries
• Visa-free stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period
• Applies to entry, departure and transit through the other country's territory
• Enters into force 30 days after the last written notification through diplomatic channels

What is changing?

Under the agreement, holders of valid diplomatic and official passports issued by either Thailand or Tonga will not need a visa to enter, depart from or transit through the territory of the other country. Permitted stays are capped at 90 days within a 180-day period counted from the date of entry.

Who is affected?

The exemption applies only to travellers holding diplomatic or official passports from Thailand or Tonga. The agreement as described covers both countries' passport holders reciprocally. Ordinary passport holders are not covered by the measures announced in the statement.

When do the new rules start?

No fixed start date has been announced. The agreement takes effect 30 days after the date of receipt of the last written notification through diplomatic channels confirming that both parties have finished the internal procedures required for it to enter into force. The statement does not say how long those procedures are expected to take.

Why is this happening?

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement marks an important step in strengthening relations between the two countries, facilitating official visits and promoting closer bilateral cooperation.

What this means for travellers

Diplomatic and official passport holders from Thailand or Tonga planning official travel to the other country should watch for confirmation that the agreement has entered into force before relying on the exemption. Until then, existing entry rules continue to apply. Ordinary travellers are unaffected by this agreement.

The agreement was signed by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, Minister for His Majesty's Diplomatic Services. Ahead of the signing, the two sides held a bilateral meeting covering development cooperation, tourism, humanitarian assistance and regional issues.