What Exactly Is Changing?
Effective September 15, 2026, Indian passport holders can enter Thailand for tourism without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This marks a return to the standard visa exemption policy. It replaces a temporary, more generous scheme introduced in 2024
that allowed for a 60-day visa-free stay. This temporary measure, designed to boost post-pandemic tourism, has officially expired. So, while the headline suggests a new restriction, it's more accurately a return to the long-standing norm after a temporary promotion. For most tourists planning a typical one- or two-week holiday, this change will have little practical impact on their travel plans.
The 30-Day Visa Exemption Explained
The good news for holidaymakers is that visa-free travel to Thailand continues for Indians. Instead of applying for a visa beforehand, you can simply fly to Thailand for a tourist visit of up to 30 days. However, you must meet certain requirements upon arrival. Immigration authorities will expect you to have a passport with at least six months of validity, a confirmed return flight ticket showing departure within 30 days, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay—typically quoted as 20,000 Thai Baht per person. Travellers are also required to complete the digital Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arriving.
What About the Visa on Arrival (VoA)?
The new rules have significantly streamlined Thailand's entry categories. Previously, Indian citizens were eligible for both visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VoA). Under the new framework effective September 15, 2026, India has been placed firmly in the more favourable 30-day visa exemption category. The VoA scheme, which allows for a 15-day stay and requires a fee of 2,000 Baht, now applies to only a handful of nationalities, such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia. This simplifies the process for Indians, making the 30-day visa-free entry the primary and most convenient option for short tourist trips.
Planning to Stay Longer Than 30 Days?
If your Thai adventure requires more than a month, you have a couple of options. First, once in Thailand, you can apply for a one-time extension of your 30-day stay for an additional 30 days. This application is made at a local Thai immigration office and is subject to their approval and a fee. This effectively allows for a potential stay of up to 60 days. Alternatively, for those who know from the outset that they need more time, the best approach is to apply for a 60-day tourist e-visa before leaving India. This can be done through Thailand's official e-visa portal and ensures you have the necessary permission for a longer duration upon arrival.
Why Was the Policy Changed?
The reversion from a 60-day to a 30-day stay is part of a broader overhaul of Thailand's visa system. Thai authorities cited reasons including national security and preventing the misuse of long-stay tourist visas for activities like illegal work. Officials noted that the average stay for most tourists is around nine days, making the extended 60-day period unnecessary for genuine holidaymakers. The government's goal is to streamline the entry process and focus on attracting what they term "quality tourists" while still keeping the doors wide open for the vast majority of visitors. After some initial discussions about moving India to a different visa category, the Thai government ultimately decided to retain the convenient visa-free status, albeit with the shorter 30-day limit.
