The End of the 60-Day Era
Thailand is streamlining its visa policies by ending the temporary 60-day visa exemption scheme that was available to travellers from 93 countries. The Thai government announced the move to create a more uniform and secure immigration system, operating
under a principle of "one country, one entitlement." For most of the affected nationalities, including those from the US and Europe, this means reverting to a standard 30-day visa-exempt stay. The government cited a need to balance tourism growth with national security and prevent the misuse of long-term tourist visas for activities like unauthorised work. It's important to note that the change is not yet in effect as of August 2026; it will be implemented 15 days after being published in the Royal Gazette.
A Surprising Upgrade for Indian Travellers
While the maximum stay is shortening, the big news for Indian passport holders is a significant upgrade in access. For months, there was confusion after an initial proposal suggested moving India back to a restrictive 15-day Visa on Arrival (VoA) that came with a fee. However, after feedback from the travel industry, the Thai cabinet reversed this decision in July 2026. Under the new, finalised policy, India will be moved from the VoA list to the 30-day visa exemption list. This means that once the rule takes effect, Indian tourists will no longer need to queue or pay for a Visa on Arrival. Instead, they will receive a 30-day entry stamp for free, just like travellers from many other nations. This move simplifies entry and acknowledges India as one of Thailand's most important tourism markets.
Planning for a Longer Thai Escape
For those dreaming of a stay longer than one month, Thailand has introduced a new option tailored for the modern traveller: the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). Often called a "digital nomad visa," the DTV is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and individuals pursuing long-term cultural activities like Muay Thai or cooking classes. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years and allows a stay of up to 180 days per entry. Furthermore, you can apply for a one-time extension of another 180 days from within Thailand, allowing for a continuous stay of nearly a full year before you need to exit the country. The main requirement is proving financial stability with a minimum bank balance of 500,000 THB (approximately ₹11.5 lakhs).
Your Pre-Travel Checklist
Regardless of your visa type, all foreign travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before their flight. This mandatory digital form replaces the old paper-based one and is a crucial step for smooth entry. Additionally, the government is rolling out a new mobile application called THIM (Thailand Immigration Management), which integrates the TDAC and is set to become mandatory for all arrivals starting in August 2026. For short trips, a 30-day visa-exempt stay can typically be extended once for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office for a fee, giving you a total of 60 days if needed. For anything longer, applying for a 60-day Tourist Visa before you leave India or looking into the new DTV are your best options.
