New Delhi: Indian passport holders will continue to get visa-free entry to Thailand, ending weeks of confusion over whether the facility would be withdrawn.
The Thai cabinet has approved a maximum stay of 30 days under the revised exemption scheme, down from the current 60-day allowance.
The decision matters for Indian holidaymakers planning trips to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and other popular destinations. India is one of Thailand’s largest tourism markets, and Thai officials said uncertainty over the planned visa changes had already led to a fall in Indian arrivals.
What changes for Indian travellers
Once the revised rules take effect, Indians travelling for short visits will not need to apply for a visa before departure, but their permitted stay will be limited to 30 days.
The important points are:
- Visa-free entry will continue for Indian passport holders
- The maximum stay will fall from 60 days to 30 days
- The facility is meant for short tourism visits
- Longer stays may require a suitable Thai visa
As per Bloomberg, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said, “The cabinet therefore approved a 30-day visa-free entry to align with the travel behavior of Indian tourists, who represent a large market for Thailand.”
He added, “If problems arise from this measure in the future, the government can review it then.”
When will the 30-day rule begin?
Thailand had approved a wider revision of its visa-exemption system in May 2026. That plan proposed ending the 60-day scheme and introducing shorter stay limits after publication in the Royal Gazette. Official tourism guidance had said the new conditions would take effect 15 days after publication.
The latest cabinet decision confirms that India will remain on the visa-free list. The supplied announcement does not give a clear starting date for the new 30-day limit.
Travellers with near-term bookings should check the latest Thai immigration or embassy notice before flying. Entry officers may still ask for a valid passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
