The Old Rule: What Was the 60-Day Scheme?
To boost its vital tourism sector post-pandemic, Thailand introduced a generous visa-free scheme for dozens of countries. Initially launched in late 2023 for 30 days, this was expanded in 2024 to allow tourists from India and 92 other nations to stay
for up to 60 days without a visa. This popular policy made longer holidays, work-from-anywhere stints, and extended family visits incredibly convenient for millions of Indian travellers. The longer duration contributed to a significant surge in arrivals from India, which became a major source market for Thailand's tourism industry. This 60-day period was seen as a key factor in the rapid recovery of tourist numbers, offering flexibility that few other destinations could match.
The New Rule: A Return to 30 Days
Effective September 15, 2026, the Thai government has ended the 60-day visa exemption scheme. Indian passport holders travelling for tourism will now be permitted to stay for a maximum of 30 days under the revised visa-free rules. This change was officially announced and published in Thailand's Royal Gazette, finalizing a decision made by the Thai Cabinet earlier in the year. It is important to note that the visa-free facility itself has not been cancelled; only its duration has been halved. For most tourists planning a typical holiday of one to three weeks, this change will have little practical impact. However, those planning longer stays must now adjust their itineraries accordingly.
Why the Sudden Change?
Thai authorities have cited the need to prevent the misuse of the visa system as the primary reason for this policy shift. Reports indicated that the extended 60-day stay was being exploited by some foreign nationals for activities beyond tourism, such as working illegally or engaging in criminal activities. The Thai government stated that the revision is intended to support national security while still welcoming genuine tourists. By standardizing the visa-free period to 30 days for a list of 60 eligible countries, Thailand aims to create a more consistent and manageable immigration framework. Officials have framed it as a move toward attracting quality tourism rather than just maximizing visitor numbers.
What Travellers Need to Know Now
If you are flying to Thailand on or after September 15, 2026, you will be granted a 30-day stay upon arrival. Travellers who entered Thailand on or before September 14, 2026, under the old scheme will still retain the full 60-day stay they were granted at immigration. While a visa is not required for this 30-day period, all other entry requirements remain in effect. Indian visitors should be prepared to show a passport with at least six months of validity, a confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay—typically 20,000 Thai Baht per person. It is also recommended to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before your flight.
Planning to Stay Longer Than 30 Days?
For Indian travellers wishing to enjoy Thailand for more than 30 days, the visa-free option is no longer sufficient. You will need to apply for an appropriate visa before you travel. The Royal Thai Embassy advises travellers planning longer stays to use the official e-Visa portal to apply for a tourist visa, which typically allows for an initial 60-day stay. While it is sometimes possible to apply for a 30-day extension on a visa-exempt entry from within Thailand, this is at the discretion of local immigration authorities and is not guaranteed. Therefore, for any trip planned to exceed one month, securing the correct visa in advance is the safest and most reliable course of action to avoid any immigration issues.
