The Big Picture: What Has Changed?
Thailand has overhauled its visa exemption framework, which has created some confusion for international travellers. In May 2026, the Thai Cabinet approved a plan to scrap the popular 60-day visa-free stay that was available to 93 countries. The initial
proposal caused a drop in tourist arrivals, particularly from India, one of Thailand's largest tourism markets. In response, the government announced on July 14-15, 2026, that it would revise the plan. The broad 60-day exemption is being replaced with a more tailored approach. For many countries, this means a shorter stay, while for India, it marks a significant shift in entry requirements.
New 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indians
The most important update for Indian passport holders is the introduction of a 30-day visa-free entry scheme. This reverses an earlier, confusing proposal that would have ended visa-free access for Indians. This new 30-day visa-free rule replaces the previous Visa on Arrival (VoA) system for Indian nationals. The Thai government made this change to align with the typical travel behaviour of Indian tourists, who stay for an average of about seven days per trip, and to clear up uncertainty that was hurting the tourism sector. This new policy simplifies entry, as you will no longer need to queue and pay for a VoA at the airport.
How This Directly Affects Your Budget
The new 30-day visa-free entry directly saves you money. Previously, Indian travellers often used the Visa on Arrival, which came with a fee of THB 2,000 (approximately ₹4,700). That fee is now gone. However, it's crucial to remember that immigration officials still have the right to ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. This is often stated as THB 20,000 (around ₹47,000) per person, which you should be prepared to show in cash if requested. While the visa itself is free, this financial proof requirement remains a key part of entry regulations. Additionally, all foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before their trip.
Planning a Longer Stay? Here Are Your Options
If a 30-day trip isn't long enough, you still have options, but they require more planning and will impact your budget. You can apply for a 60-day tourist e-Visa before you travel. This e-Visa allows for a 60-day stay and can be extended for another 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand for a fee of THB 1,900 (approximately ₹4,500), giving you a total of 90 days. For those looking to stay even longer, perhaps for remote work, Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This is a five-year, multiple-entry visa that allows a 180-day stay per entry, which can be extended for another 180 days. However, the DTV has stricter requirements, including proof of funds of at least THB 500,000 (around ₹11.7 lakhs) and a visa fee of around THB 10,000.
What About Other Countries?
The visa policy overhaul affects travellers from many other nations as well. The previous 60-day visa exemption that applied to 93 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe, has been cancelled. Nationals from 59 of these countries will now receive a 30-day visa-free stay, similar to India. The Thai government stated this change was made to address misuse of the longer visa-free period, such as illegal work and visa runs. These changes will officially come into effect 15 days after they are published in Thailand's Royal Gazette. Travellers who enter before that date will still get the stay duration permitted under the old rules.
