The revised arrangement reduces the maximum visa-free stay for Indian passport holders from 60 days, affecting holidaymakers and other short-term visitors
Thailand’s revised visa rules take effect
Thailand has reduced the visa-free stay for Indian tourists from 60 days to 30 days, with the new limit coming into force on September 15, 2026. Indian passport holders remain eligible for visa-free entry for tourism, but those planning longer visits must make alternative visa arrangements.
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The change follows a notification issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Interior and published in the Royal Gazette on August 31
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It replaces the 60-day visa-exemption arrangement introduced in 2024
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The revised framework covers 60 countries and territories, including India
The Embassy of India in Bangkok has advised Indian travellers to check the updated entry requirements before departure. Tourists should carry a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, confirmed return tickets, hotel bookings and a clear travel itinerary.
Travellers using the visa-exemption facility must also have at least 20,000 Thai baht, approximately Rs 58,000, per passenger in cash. They are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival.
The embassy has further clarified that individuals travelling to Thailand with job offers should not use the tourist visa-exemption facility. Those planning to remain beyond the permitted 30 days should obtain an appropriate visa or follow another authorised immigration route.
The revised arrangements also introduce a limit of two visa-exempt entries per calendar year for most travellers entering through land-border checkpoints. This restriction does not apply to nationals of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Singapore.
Thailand remains an important destination for Indian tourists. The country recorded 2.48 million Indian arrivals in 2025, according to figures cited in the original report. The new rules mean visitors planning extended holidays or repeated land-border trips will need to review their travel arrangements carefully.
