Bangkok reverses an earlier policy decision as falling arrivals from India prompt a revised visa regime with a shorter stay limit
Thailand has reinstated visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, allowing travellers to stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa, reversing an earlier move that had effectively ended the facility.
The decision was approved by the Thai Cabinet after uncertainty over proposed visa changes contributed to a decline in tourist arrivals from India, one of Thailand’s largest international tourism markets. Thai authorities said the revised policy is intended to support the country’s tourism industry while maintaining tighter immigration oversight.
Under the updated rules, Indian visitors can enter Thailand without obtaining a visa in advance and remain in the country for a maximum of 30 days. The previous 60-day visa-free stay introduced in 2024 has been withdrawn, with officials saying the longer exemption had, in some cases, been misused.
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The Thai government had earlier announced plans to discontinue the broader 60-day visa exemption for travellers from dozens of countries, including India
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However, tourism officials later acknowledged that reports of the proposed change had discouraged Indian travellers, leading to a noticeable fall in arrivals
Tourism remains a key pillar of Thailand’s economy, and Indian visitors continue to rank among the country’s top international tourist groups alongside travellers from China and Malaysia. The government expects the revised policy to restore confidence among Indian holidaymakers while ensuring that visa regulations better reflect typical travel patterns.
The revised visa arrangement offers greater certainty for Indian tourists planning short holidays or business visits. Travellers intending to remain in Thailand for longer than 30 days will need to apply for an appropriate visa under the country’s existing immigration rules.
