The Big Change: A New 30-Day Visa Exemption
The most significant update for Indian travellers is a shift in visa category. In July 2026, the Thai Cabinet approved moving India from the Visa on Arrival (VoA) list to the 30-day visa-exemption list. This change is part of a broader policy to streamline
entry procedures under a "one country, one entitlement" principle. Once the new rule is officially published and takes effect, Indian passport holders will no longer need to apply for a VoA upon landing. Instead, they will be granted a stamp allowing a 30-day stay for tourism purposes directly at immigration. This move is intended to simplify entry, boost tourism, and strengthen bilateral relations.
What This Replaces: The End of Two Schemes
This new 30-day exemption replaces two previous systems that many travellers were familiar with. Firstly, it marks the end of the popular 60-day visa exemption scheme that was available to citizens of 93 countries, which will be discontinued. Secondly, for Indians specifically, it means the Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility will be removed to avoid having overlapping visa privileges. The government's goal is to create a more uniform and secure system, addressing concerns about foreigners misusing long tourist stays for unauthorised work or overstaying their welcome.
What Did Not Change: Core Entry Requirements
While the visa category is changing, many fundamental entry requirements remain in place. Travellers will still need to ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from their date of entry. Immigration officials retain the right to ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay, which has long been a standard requirement, typically around 20,000 THB for an individual. You will also need to show a confirmed onward or return ticket showing you plan to leave Thailand within your permitted stay. These checks are part of standard procedure to ensure visitors are genuine tourists.
A Permanent Fixture: The Digital Arrival Card
One rule that has become a permanent part of the process is the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This online form replaced the paper-based TM.6 arrival/departure card and must be completed by all foreign visitors within 72 hours before arriving in the country. It is a crucial step for pre-arrival registration and helps facilitate a smoother process at immigration. This requirement is not new but continues to be strictly enforced for all arrivals by air, land, and sea.
Longer Stays Still Need a Proper Visa
The principle that long-term stays require a dedicated visa has not changed; in fact, it has been reinforced. The new rules are specifically designed to discourage the misuse of short-term tourist entries for extended living or working. Those wishing to stay longer than the permitted 30 days must either apply for a 60-day tourist visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before travelling, or seek an extension at a local immigration office in Thailand. For digital nomads or remote workers, Thailand has also introduced specific long-term options like the 'Destination Thailand Visa' (DTV), signalling a clear distinction between tourism and longer-term residency.
