The End of the 60-Day Experiment
In a significant policy shift, the Thai cabinet has approved the revocation of the temporary 60-day visa exemption scheme that was in place for 93 countries. The new framework, which will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette,
will see most of these countries, including India, revert to a 30-day visa-free stay. According to government officials, the decision was driven by a need to streamline entry privileges under a “one country, one entitlement” principle and to address national security concerns. Authorities reported that the extended 60-day period was being misused by some for activities inconsistent with tourism, prompting a review to tighten controls.
A Compromise for Indian Travellers
For Indian tourists, this change comes after a period of considerable uncertainty. An earlier proposal had suggested scrapping visa-free entry for India altogether, which led to confusion and a reported drop in arrivals from what is one of Thailand's largest tourism markets. The government has now confirmed that Indian passport holders will be among 59 nationalities granted a 30-day visa-free stay. While this halves the maximum stay from the previous 60-day temporary allowance, it provides much-needed clarity and is an improvement over the Visa-on-Arrival system it replaces. The move is seen as a way to stabilise tourism from a key market while still achieving the government's broader immigration goals.
Impact on Long-Stay Visitors
The reduction from 60 to 30 days will most significantly affect long-stay travellers, digital nomads, and those who used the longer window for in-depth exploration of the country. The 60-day exemption provided ample time to travel from the mountains of Chiang Mai to the islands of the south without the need for visa extensions or border runs. With the new 30-day limit, these travellers will need to adjust their plans, potentially shortening their itineraries or applying for a formal tourist visa in advance if they wish to stay longer. This shift makes it more difficult to use Thailand as a flexible, long-term base for exploring Southeast Asia, a style of travel that had been growing in popularity.
Reinforcing the Short-Break Model
While the headline suggests the revision might encourage city-hopping, the reduction in stay duration actually reinforces the opposite: shorter, more focused trips. A 30-day window is perfectly suited for the typical holiday length for many tourists. For Indian travellers, the average stay in Thailand is approximately 7-8 days, fitting comfortably within the new limit. This policy shift solidifies Thailand's position as a premier destination for quick getaways and single-destination holidays. The shorter timeframe makes complex, multi-city itineraries or combining a Thailand trip with visits to neighbouring countries less practical under a single visa-exempt entry, encouraging visitors to focus their time in one or two regions.
What Travellers Need to Know Now
It is crucial for travellers to note that these changes are not yet in effect. The new 30-day rule will be enforced 15 days after it is officially published in the Royal Gazette, and the publication date has not yet been announced. Until then, the existing 60-day visa exemption remains in force. Anyone entering Thailand before the new rule is implemented will be granted a stay based on the regulations in place on their day of arrival. Regardless of the visa rule, all foreign visitors are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before their journey. It is advisable for all travellers to check the latest official announcements from the Royal Thai Embassy before finalizing their plans.
