The New 30-Day Visa Exemption Rule
Effective September 15, 2026, the visa-free stay period for Indian tourists has been adjusted from 60 days down to 30 days. This means that for a standard holiday of up to one month, Indian passport holders can still enter Thailand without applying for a visa in advance.
This change was implemented to better regulate long-term stays and prevent misuse of tourist entries for unapproved purposes like illegal work, while ensuring genuine tourism continues to flow smoothly. For the vast majority of tourists who plan shorter vacations, this change has minimal impact on their travel plans. However, it’s a crucial update for those dreaming of a more extended Thai adventure.
Planning to Stay Longer Than 30 Days?
If your itinerary involves staying in Thailand for more than a month, you have two primary options. The first is to enter under the 30-day visa exemption and then apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office before your initial stay expires. This process costs 1,900 THB and approval is at the discretion of immigration officials. The more reliable and recommended method for a planned long stay is to secure a proper visa before you leave India. This ensures you have the correct permissions from the outset, avoiding uncertainty upon arrival or during your trip. For most long-stay tourists, this means applying for a single-entry tourist e-visa.
Understanding the Tourist E-Visa
The Thai tourist e-visa is the ideal solution for Indian citizens planning to stay between 31 and 60 days. This visa, officially known as the Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV), must be applied for and approved online prior to your departure. Once granted, it typically permits a stay of up to 60 days from your date of entry. One of the key advantages of this visa is peace of mind. Arriving with a pre-approved 60-day visa eliminates the need to visit an immigration office for an extension midway through your trip, allowing you to fully enjoy your travels. The approximate fee for a single-entry tourist e-visa is around 3,000 INR.
How to Apply for the E-Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a Thai e-visa is a straightforward online process. First, visit the official Thailand e-visa portal at thaievisa.go.th and create a personal account. You will then need to fill out the application form with your personal details and travel information. The next step is to upload scanned copies of all required documents. This typically includes your passport's bio-page, a recent passport-sized photograph, confirmed return flight tickets, proof of accommodation for your entire stay, and a bank statement to show sufficient funds. After uploading, you will pay the visa fee online using a debit or credit card. It is crucial to apply well in advance, as the standard processing time can be up to 14 working days. Once approved, you can download the e-visa and should carry a printed copy with you.
Don't Forget the Mandatory Digital Arrival Card
Regardless of whether you are entering visa-free or with an e-visa, all foreign travellers must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The traditional paper form handed out on flights has been retired. The TDAC is free and must be filled out online within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. Upon submission, you will receive a QR code that must be presented to your airline at check-in and to immigration officers upon arrival. Also, be aware that travellers may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for their stay, which is often cited as a minimum of 20,000 THB per person, preferably in cash.
