The New Rule Explained
Effective September 15, 2026, Indian passport holders can enter Thailand for tourism without a visa but will only be permitted to stay for a maximum of 30 days. This change is part of a broader overhaul of Thailand's visa framework, which affects tourists
from over 60 countries. The new rule was confirmed after being published in Thailand's Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026, officially ending a more generous scheme that was in place previously.
A Rollback from a 60-Day Stay
This new 30-day limit marks a significant reduction from the 60-day visa-exempt stay that was available to Indians and citizens of 92 other nations since a 2024 policy update. That temporary extension was designed to boost post-pandemic tourism by encouraging longer stays and greater spending. The latest decision to halve the stay period effectively reverses that policy, returning to a duration similar to the one first introduced in November 2023, while formally upgrading India from a 'Visa on Arrival' status to the 'Visa Exemption' list.
Why Thailand Made This Change
Thai authorities have cited several reasons for tightening the rules, with national security being a primary concern. Officials noted an increase in foreign nationals misusing the long-stay tourist visas for activities like illegal work, running unregistered businesses, or engaging in criminal activities. The government aims to balance welcoming genuine tourists with preventing the exploitation of its visa system. By standardizing the visa-free period to 30 days for a large group of countries, Thailand also hopes to simplify its immigration rules and encourage more use of its e-Visa system for longer stays.
What This Means for Your Travel Plans
For most Indian tourists planning a typical holiday of one to two weeks, this change will have little impact. However, for those planning longer vacations, such as digital nomads or those visiting family, it requires more planning. If you entered Thailand before September 15, 2026, you are still entitled to the full 60-day stay granted upon your arrival. For trips after this date, if you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you have two main options. You can either apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office in Thailand for a fee of around 1,900 THB, subject to approval. Alternatively, you can apply for a proper tourist visa through the Thai e-Visa system before you travel, which is the recommended route for planned long stays.
Know Before You Go
Even with visa-free entry, Indian travellers must meet certain requirements. The Embassy of India in Thailand has advised all visitors to carry a passport with at least six months of validity, proof of a confirmed return flight, and details of your accommodation. It is also recommended to carry sufficient funds for your trip, with the advisory suggesting at least 20,000 Thai Baht in cash. Furthermore, all travellers are required to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arriving in the country.
