The End of the 60-Day Special Offer
For the past couple of years, Indian passport holders have enjoyed a generous 60-day visa-free stay in Thailand. This policy, which began in 2024, was a temporary measure designed to boost tourism and make longer stays easier for visitors from 93 countries,
including India. It was a welcome perk for those looking to explore the country extensively. However, this special scheme was always intended to be temporary and is now coming to an end. Anyone who enters Thailand on or before September 14, 2026, will still be granted the full 60-day stay. But for arrivals after that date, a new rule applies.
Introducing the New 30-Day Rule
Effective September 15, 2026, the visa-free stay for tourists from India and over 60 other nations will be set at 30 days. It is important to note that visa-free travel itself is not being cancelled for Indians; rather, the duration is being standardized. This change was officially published in Thailand's Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026. So, while the window for a visa-free holiday is shorter, the good news is that India remains on the visa-exemption list, avoiding the need for a visa on arrival or pre-approval for short trips.
Why Is Thailand Making This Change?
The decision to shorten the visa-free period is part of a broader move by Thai authorities to tighten immigration controls. Officials have expressed concerns that the extended 60-day stay was being misused by some foreign nationals for activities outside of tourism, such as working illegally or engaging in other unpermitted activities. By reducing the stay to 30 days, the government aims to strike a balance: continuing to welcome genuine tourists while better managing who enters the country and for how long. This move affects dozens of countries, not just India, as part of a nationwide policy adjustment.
How This Affects Your Travel Plans
For the majority of Indian tourists, this change will have little to no impact. Official tourism data shows that the average Indian visitor spends about a week in Thailand, making the 30-day limit more than sufficient for most holidays. However, the change will be felt by long-term travellers, backpackers, and digital nomads who previously took full advantage of the two-month allowance. If you fall into this category, you will need to adjust your plans accordingly. It is also worth noting that Thailand is limiting visa-exempt entries via land borders to two per calendar year to prevent visa runs.
Need to Stay Longer Than 30 Days?
If your itinerary requires more than a month in the Land of Smiles, you still have options. It is possible to apply for a 30-day extension while in Thailand, but approval is not automatic and is granted at the discretion of immigration officers. You should not rely on an extension being granted. The most reliable option for a planned long stay is to apply for an appropriate tourist visa through the official Thai e-Visa portal before you travel. The Royal Thai Embassy explicitly advises this route for anyone intending to stay for more than 30 days. This ensures you have the correct permissions in place and can enjoy your extended stay without worry.
