What Has Changed for Indian Travellers?
Effective September 15, 2026, the temporary 60-day visa-free stay for tourists from India has been discontinued. Instead, Thailand has included India in its revised 30-day visa exemption scheme. This means Indian passport holders travelling for tourism
can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This change moves India from the previous Visa on Arrival system to a more streamlined visa-exempt status, but for a shorter duration than the temporary rule it replaces. The Thai government made this change to standardise its immigration rules and support national security and economic goals.
Understanding the 30-Day Visa Exemption
The new 30-day visa exemption is designed for tourism purposes only. While you no longer need to apply for a Visa on Arrival, immigration officers will still expect you to have certain documents ready. This includes a passport valid for at least six months, proof of your onward or return journey, and details of your accommodation. Additionally, travellers should be prepared to show they have sufficient funds for their trip if asked — typically 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family. It's also important to remember that all travellers must fill out the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arriving.
Planning a Stay Longer Than 30 Days
If your travel plans involve staying in Thailand for more than 30 days, you must apply for a visa before you leave India. The Royal Thai Embassy explicitly advises this for longer stays. The most common option is the Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV), which typically grants a 60-day stay upon arrival. This visa can be applied for through the official Thai e-Visa portal. Once in Thailand, it may be possible to extend this tourist visa for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office, for a fee of 1,900 baht, allowing for a total stay of around 90 days.
Key Documents and Rules to Remember
To ensure a smooth entry into Thailand under the new rules, make sure you have your documents in order. Your checklist should include a valid Indian passport, a confirmed return flight ticket, proof of accommodation for your stay, and sufficient funds. Remember that the 30-day visa exemption is specifically for tourism. If you plan to work or engage in other activities, you must apply for the appropriate visa category beforehand. For those entering via a land border, be aware that entries under the visa exemption scheme are generally limited to two per calendar year.
Reciprocity and the Bigger Picture
This policy adjustment is part of a broader revision of Thailand's entry rules affecting over 90 countries. The aim is to create a clearer, more streamlined system. As part of strengthening bilateral ties, the Indian government has also made a reciprocal gesture. It has announced that Thai nationals can receive a 30-day, double-entry e-Tourist visa for India free of charge, an arrangement set to last until the end of 2027. This move is intended to make travel between the two nations easier in both directions.
