Thailand has revised its visa-exemption rules, reducing the maximum visa-free stay for travellers from 60 countries and territories from 60 days to 30 days. The revised measures took effect on September 15, 2026.
New Delhi: The changes follow a review approved by Thailand’s Cabinet in May and subsequently published in the Royal Gazette on August 31. The Thai government said the revisions aimed to address national security considerations, tourism and economic interests, reciprocity, and overlapping visa privileges.
India remains on Thailand’s visa-exemption list
Indian ordinary passport holders remain eligible to enter Thailand without a visa for tourism for up to 30 days under the revised scheme. The 30-day exemption also covers travellers from countries including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The revised arrangement replaces the earlier 60-day visa-exemption facility. Travellers who entered Thailand under the previous rules before September 15 can remain until the expiry date granted by immigration on their passport stamp.
Limits on land-border entries
The updated rules also restrict the use of the visa-exemption facility through land-border checkpoints. Eligible travellers will generally be permitted to use visa-exempt entry through land borders twice in a calendar year, although the Interior Minister can designate nationalities that may be allowed additional entries.
Thailand has also revised its Visa on Arrival arrangements and introduced a separate 15-day visa-exemption scheme for two countries or territories. The government said the changes apply specifically to tourism-related visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival arrangements and do not currently alter other visa categories.
Requirements for Indian tourists
Under the revised arrangement, Indian tourists should have a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed return or onward travel, accommodation details and a clear travel plan. Travellers must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival.
Indian travellers using the visa-exemption facility must also carry at least THB 20,000 in cash per passenger. The exemption is intended for tourism, and travellers entering Thailand for employment or other purposes must use the appropriate visa category.
The revised policy marks a significant change to Thailand's recent visa-free travel framework, particularly for visitors accustomed to the earlier 60-day stay. For Indian tourists, however, visa-free entry remains available, with the permitted stay now capped at 30 days.
#news #thailandvisa #visafreestay #visaupdate
