Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay for Indian travellers from 60 days to 30 days, effective September 15, 2026. Indian passport holders can still visit Thailand without applying for a visa in advance, but their initial permitted stay will be shorter. Thailand introduced the 60-day visa-exemption scheme in 2024 and is now replacing it with a 30-day stay for eligible tourists.

What Is Changing for Indian Travellers?

Indian citizens who arrive in Thailand from September 15, 2026, can stay visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. Travellers who enter Thailand before September 15 under the existing 60-day scheme will keep the period of stay granted when they entered. Their permitted stay will not automatically be reduced after the new rule begins. In simple terms:

• Arrival on or before September 14, 2026: Existing 60-day visa-free rules apply
• Arrival from September 15, 2026: Up to 30 days of visa-free stay apply

Why Is Thailand Reducing the Visa-Free Stay?

Thailand continues to depend heavily on tourism, and Indian travellers remain an important part of its tourism market. However, Thai authorities said some foreign nationals misused the long visa-free stay period.

The government aims to prevent people from using tourist entry to work illegally, run unregistered businesses or take part in criminal activities. The rule change focuses on controlling misuse while continuing to welcome genuine holidaymakers and short-term visitors. For most tourists, a 30-day Thailand trip is still enough time to explore popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.

Can Indian Travellers Extend Their Thailand Stay?

Travellers who want to stay longer may request a one-time extension of up to 30 additional days. Thai immigration authorities decide whether to approve the request. If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, check the available Thai tourist visa options before booking your trip. Do not rely on an extension until immigration officially approves it.

Thailand Land-Border Entry Rules

Thailand has also introduced limits for visa-exempt travellers entering through land-border checkpoints. Most passengers can use visa-free entry through land borders only twice in a calendar year. This limit does not apply in the same way to passengers arriving by air. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have exceptions to the land-border entry rule. If you are planning to enter Thailand from a neighbouring country by road, you should check the latest entry requirements before travelling.

Who Is Affected by Thailand’s New Visa Rules?

The new rules affect 60 countries and territories, including:

• India
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• United Arab Emirates
• Japan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• France
• Germany
• Italy

What Indian Tourists Should Check Before Travelling to Thailand

Before flying to Thailand, Indian travellers should:

• Check whether the arrival date falls before or after September 15, 2026
• Ensure their passport meets Thailand’s validity requirements
• Confirm airline and immigration requirements before departure
• Keep proof of return or onward travel and hotel bookings ready
• Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, if required for their trip
• Check baggage rules, transit requirements and travel insurance options
• Avoid overstaying the period granted by Thai immigration

Thailand visa-free travel for Indians will continue, but the initial permitted stay will be reduced to 30 days from September 15, 2026. The new rule will mainly affect travellers planning long vacations, extended family visits or back-to-back visa-free stays.

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