The Old Rule vs. The New Rule
After a period of uncertainty, the Thai government has confirmed its new visa policy for Indian citizens. Previously, Indian passport holders enjoyed a generous visa exemption that allowed for a stay of up to 60 days, a temporary measure introduced in 2024
to boost tourism. Under the newly revised rules, the visa-free entry scheme for Indians is retained, but the maximum permitted stay has been halved to 30 days. This brings India in line with a new standardised policy affecting dozens of other countries.
Why the Sudden Change?
The policy shift is aimed at striking a balance between encouraging tourism and strengthening immigration controls. According to Thai authorities, there were concerns that the longer 60-day visa-free period was being misused by some foreign nationals for illegal work or overstaying. The decision to revert to a 30-day stay is intended to curb these issues. The move also followed a period of confusion in May 2026, when a proposal to scrap the visa-free scheme altogether led to a noticeable drop in bookings from India, a key tourism market for Thailand. Realising the economic impact, the government opted to keep the visa exemption but with a shorter duration.
How This Affects Your Travel Plans
For the majority of Indian tourists, this change will have minimal impact. Most holidays to Thailand, whether for a beach getaway in Phuket or a shopping trip in Bangkok, typically last between five and ten days. A 30-day visa-free window is more than sufficient for these trips. The travellers who need to pay close attention are those planning longer stays, such as digital nomads, backpackers on extended tours, or anyone hoping for a slow-travel experience of over a month.
Need to Stay Longer Than 30 Days?
If your itinerary requires more than a month in the 'Land of Smiles', you will now need to plan ahead. The new policy means you must apply for an appropriate tourist visa before you travel. This typically involves applying for a 60-day tourist visa through a Royal Thai Embassy or consulate in India. This process requires submitting an application and relevant documents in advance, so last-minute extended trips are no longer possible under the visa-free arrangement. Checking with Thai immigration authorities for potential extensions once in the country is also an option, but securing a longer-stay visa beforehand is the most reliable method.
Key Takeaways for Indian Travellers
The main takeaway is straightforward: visa-free travel is still on, but it's shorter. Your trip of up to 30 days requires no pre-arranged visa. However, this policy rollercoaster serves as a reminder that immigration rules can change quickly. The Thai government has stated it may review the measure in the future if any issues arise. Therefore, it is always best practice to check the latest visa requirements on the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy or the Thai immigration bureau before booking flights and accommodation to ensure a smooth journey.
