What Exactly Is Changing?
The Thai Cabinet has approved a plan to end the temporary 60-day visa-free stay that was available to tourists from 93 countries, including India. This popular scheme, introduced in 2024 to boost post-pandemic tourism, will revert to a shorter 30-day
visa-exempt stay for most of these nations. The goal, according to officials, is to streamline the system under a “one country, one entitlement” principle, eliminating overlapping visa privileges and enhancing security. The changes are not yet in effect; they will be implemented 15 days after being published in the Royal Gazette. Until then, the 60-day stay rule remains in place.
A Better Deal for Indian Travellers
While the duration is shortening, the news is largely positive for Indian passport holders. The new framework permanently moves India into the 30-day visa-exemption category. This is a significant upgrade from the pre-2024 system, where Indians often relied on a 15-day Visa on Arrival (VoA). An initial proposal in May 2026 suggested moving India back to the VoA system, which would have meant shorter stays and a fee of around 2,000 THB. However, after concerns from the tourism sector about a drop in bookings from one of its largest markets, the government revised the plan in July, granting India the more favourable 30-day visa-free status.
Why the Shorter Stays?
The Thai government has cited several reasons for rolling back the extended 60-day stays. A primary concern is national security and the misuse of tourist visas. An internal review reportedly linked the longer stays to a rise in foreigners working illegally, setting up unauthorized businesses, and engaging in other criminal activities. Officials have also noted a pattern of visitors using repeated back-to-back visa exemptions to live in the country long-term without obtaining the correct visa. By shortening the stay, authorities aim to curb these abuses and shift the focus towards attracting what they term “quality tourists” who have a genuine purpose for visiting.
Planning Your Trip Under the New Rules
For most tourists, the change simply means planning for a more compact holiday of up to 30 days. Entry remains straightforward, with visa-free access meaning no pre-application is needed for shorter trips. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you still have options. You can apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office in Thailand for a fee of 1,900 THB. Alternatively, for those planning an extended vacation from the outset, applying for a 60-day tourist e-visa before you travel is the best course of action. This visa allows for a 60-day stay and can also be extended by another 30 days, for a potential total of 90 days in the country.
Don't Forget the Digital Arrival Card
Regardless of the visa rules, one new requirement for all travellers is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This has replaced the old paper-based TM6 form and must be completed online before you arrive. The system is designed to streamline immigration and enhance screening. Visitors should also be prepared for potentially stricter checks at the border, where immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds for your stay (around 10,000 THB per person).
