The Key Change: A Shorter Stay
The most significant change in Thailand's latest travel policy for Indians is the reduction of the visa-exempt stay period. Previously, Indian tourists could enjoy a 60-day visa-free stay. This has now been shortened to 30 days. This decision was made
by the Thai cabinet on July 14, 2026, aiming to align the visa rules with the typical travel behaviour of Indian tourists, who often visit for shorter periods. While the visa-free status remains, the length of that free stay has been halved, which is a critical detail for anyone planning an extended vacation or a longer work-from-anywhere trip. For most holidaymakers planning a week or two of island hopping and city exploring, this change will likely have minimal impact. However, for those who had grown accustomed to the longer 60-day window for more immersive travel, it’s a significant adjustment.
Why the Back-and-Forth?
This adjustment comes after a period of uncertainty. In May 2026, the Thai government had initially approved a proposal to scrap the visa-free scheme for India and 92 other countries, intending to move India back to a paid Visa on Arrival system. This announcement caused considerable confusion and led to a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals from India, which is Thailand's third-largest tourism market after China and Malaysia. Recognizing the negative impact on its vital tourism industry, which generated nearly $50 billion in 2025, the government reversed its decision to end the scheme entirely. Instead, they opted for this compromise: keeping the visa-free entry but reducing the stay duration to 30 days. The Tourism Minister, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, stated that this new 30-day period better aligns with the travel patterns of most Indian visitors.
What Was the Old Policy?
To understand the change, it's helpful to look at the recent history of Thailand's visa policy for Indians. For a long time, Indians required a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which involved a fee and paperwork at the airport for a 15-day stay. In a bid to boost post-pandemic tourism, Thailand introduced a visa exemption scheme, eventually allowing a 60-day visa-free stay for Indian passport holders. This popular measure made Thailand an even more attractive and accessible destination. The latest policy marks a retreat from that 60-day generosity but stops short of fully reverting to the older, more restrictive paid VoA system. It's a middle path designed to balance tourism promotion with immigration management.
What If You Want to Stay Longer?
If your travel plans extend beyond the new 30-day visa-free limit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. For a stay of up to 60 days, you can apply for a tourist e-visa through the official Thai e-visa portal before you travel. This process involves submitting documents and paying a fee, which for a single-entry tourist visa is approximately 3,000 INR, according to fee structures announced earlier in 2026. Applying for a pre-arranged visa is the recommended route for anyone planning a longer stay, as it provides certainty and avoids any potential issues with overstaying the 30-day visa-exempt period. Attempting to stay beyond the permitted 30 days without the proper visa can lead to fines and other penalties.
Don't Forget the Other Requirements
While the visa-free entry is convenient, travellers must still be prepared for immigration checks. The Indian Embassy in Bangkok has previously issued advisories reminding travellers to carry all necessary documentation. This includes a passport with at least six months of validity, confirmed return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation. Furthermore, immigration officials may ask travellers to show proof of sufficient funds for their stay, typically around 20,000 Thai Baht per person, which can be carried in cash or shown via other financial means. All travellers are also required to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arriving in the country.
