What Exactly is the New Rule?
Effective September 15, 2026, Thailand has revised its visa policy for Indian tourists. Indian passport holders can now enter Thailand for tourism purposes without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This change moves India from its previous visa-on-arrival
status into a formal visa-exemption scheme. The primary goal of this policy shift is to continue welcoming genuine tourists while better regulating longer stays and preventing misuse of the visa system, according to Thai authorities.
How Is This Different From Before?
This new 30-day visa-exempt stay replaces a temporary 60-day visa exemption scheme that was in place since 2024. That previous, more generous scheme has now ended. Travellers who entered Thailand on or before September 14, 2026, were still granted the 60-day stay and will not have their duration cut short. However, all arrivals from September 15 onwards fall under the new 30-day rule. While the duration has been shortened from the temporary scheme, the new rule formalises visa-free entry, meaning travellers no longer need to go through the Visa on Arrival process.
Key Documents and Requirements
While a visa is not required for stays up to 30 days, Indian travellers must have several key documents ready for immigration. First, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Thailand. You will also need proof of a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure within the 30-day period. Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, is also required. Additionally, travellers must now complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arriving. This digital card replaces the old paper-based forms.
Proof of Funds: A Critical Requirement
A crucial point for Indian travellers is the requirement to show proof of sufficient funds for their trip. Thai authorities have specified that tourists entering under the visa-exemption rule must carry at least 20,000 Thai Baht (approximately ₹58,000) per person in cash. For a family, the requirement is 40,000 Baht. Immigration officers may ask to see these funds upon arrival, and it's important that each individual traveller in a group carries the required amount. This rule is strictly for tourism; anyone planning to work in Thailand should not use this facility and must apply for the appropriate visa.
Planning a Longer Stay?
For the majority of Indian tourists, whose trips typically last around one to two weeks, this 30-day visa-free stay is more than sufficient. However, if you are planning an extended vacation of more than 30 days, you will need to take extra steps. Travellers can apply for a one-time extension of an additional 30 days at a local Thai immigration office, though approval is at the discretion of the authorities. Alternatively, for a guaranteed longer stay, it is recommended to apply for a 60-day single-entry tourist e-Visa before you travel. This can be done through the official Thai e-Visa portal.
