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What is the story about?
Thailand is planning to reduce its visa-free stay period for travellers from 93 countries, including India, from 60 days to 30 days, in a move aimed at tightening oversight of long-term stays and preventing misuse of tourist entry privileges.
According to officials, the proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, though no timeline has been announced for when the revised rule could come into effect.
At present, the expanded 60-day visa-free scheme — introduced in July 2024 — allows citizens from 93 countries, including India, to enter Thailand for tourism and short-term business visits. Travellers can also extend their stay by an additional 30 days through local immigration offices.
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Thai authorities have said the proposed change is intended to address concerns over illegal business activity and the misuse of long-stay entry permissions. Officials believe the current 60-day period may be longer than necessary for standard tourism and could be exploited for unauthorised work or business operations.
The government has clarified that the review is not directed at any specific country, but is part of a broader effort to regulate foreign stays and strengthen immigration enforcement.
For Indian travellers, the key change — if approved — would be a reduction in visa-free stay duration from 60 days to 30 days. However, extensions may still be available under existing immigration rules. Short-term tourists are expected to face minimal disruption.
Even as the proposal moves forward, Thailand continues to promote long-term travel options through other visa programmes, including the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The five-year multiple-entry visa allows eligible foreigners, including Indians, to stay in the country for extended periods and is aimed at remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads.
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According to officials, the proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, though no timeline has been announced for when the revised rule could come into effect.
At present, the expanded 60-day visa-free scheme — introduced in July 2024 — allows citizens from 93 countries, including India, to enter Thailand for tourism and short-term business visits. Travellers can also extend their stay by an additional 30 days through local immigration offices.
ALSO READ | EU plans new rules for one-ticket train travel across Europe across rival rail companies
Thai authorities have said the proposed change is intended to address concerns over illegal business activity and the misuse of long-stay entry permissions. Officials believe the current 60-day period may be longer than necessary for standard tourism and could be exploited for unauthorised work or business operations.
The government has clarified that the review is not directed at any specific country, but is part of a broader effort to regulate foreign stays and strengthen immigration enforcement.
For Indian travellers, the key change — if approved — would be a reduction in visa-free stay duration from 60 days to 30 days. However, extensions may still be available under existing immigration rules. Short-term tourists are expected to face minimal disruption.
Even as the proposal moves forward, Thailand continues to promote long-term travel options through other visa programmes, including the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The five-year multiple-entry visa allows eligible foreigners, including Indians, to stay in the country for extended periods and is aimed at remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads.
ALSO READ | Countries you can still visit amid rising airfares and flight disruptions
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