The Current Situation: A State of Flux
Navigating Thailand's visa rules for Indians has been a moving target in 2026. For much of the year, Indian passport holders have enjoyed a generous 60-day visa-free stay. However, the Thai Cabinet has approved an overhaul of its visa framework. This
situation has created considerable confusion. As of late August 2026, the temporary 60-day visa exemption scheme is technically still in effect because the new rules have not yet been published in the Royal Gazette, which is the final step to make them official law. This means travellers arriving before the official changeover date may still receive a 60-day stamp. However, this can change with very little notice—as soon as 15 days after the new rules are published.
What's Changing? The New 30-Day Rule
The most significant change is the move to a permanent 30-day visa exemption for Indian citizens. An earlier proposal in May 2026 suggested moving India to a 15-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) system with a fee of 2,000 THB. This plan was dropped after it caused a noticeable decline in travel bookings from India. The government then revised the policy in July, upgrading India to the 30-day visa-free list instead. This new framework is designed to be permanent and aligns India with dozens of other countries under a simplified "one country, one entry category" principle. So, while the 60-day window is closing, the long-term outlook is a stable, fee-free 30-day entry.
Planning a Longer Stay
If your travel plans exceed the upcoming 30-day limit, you need to plan ahead. Once the new rule is active, a 30-day visa-exempt entry may not be extendable in the same way a tourist visa is. For those wishing to stay longer, the best option is to apply for a 60-day tourist visa before leaving India. This can typically be done online through the official Thai e-Visa portal. This 60-day tourist visa can then usually be extended for an additional 30 days at an immigration office within Thailand, for a total possible stay of 90 days. This route provides the most certainty for travellers planning an extended holiday.
The High Cost of Overstaying
Thai authorities are strict about visa overstays, and the penalties can be severe. The fine is 500 THB for each day you overstay, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB. While paying a fine for a short overstay at the airport upon departure is common, the consequences escalate sharply for longer periods or if you are caught by authorities. Overstaying by more than 90 days results in an automatic one-year ban from re-entering Thailand, even if you surrender voluntarily. If you are arrested for overstaying—even by a few days—you face detention, deportation at your own expense, and a potential ban of five to ten years. It is a risk that is simply not worth taking.
What You Must Do Before You Travel
Given the transition, checking the latest rules is non-negotiable. Before booking and again before departing, consult official sources like the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi or the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the most current information. Also, regardless of the visa rule in place, all travellers must fill out the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before their trip. Be prepared to show proof of a return flight, accommodation, and sufficient funds (around 10,000 THB per person) at immigration. Double-checking these details will ensure your Thai holiday starts and ends without any unwelcome surprises.
