Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay for Indians to 30 Days

Thailand is tightening its visa-free entry rules for tourists from September 15. Under the new framework, Indian passport holders will be eligible for a maximum stay of 30 days, down from 60 days. However, Indians will continue to enjoy visa-free entry for tourism purposes, unlike an earlier proposal that would have moved them to a paid Visa on Arrival arrangement.

The revised rules were published in Thailand's Royal Gazette on August 31 and will take effect 15 days later. The new framework replaces the 60-day visa-exempt scheme that covered 93 countries and territories since 2024. Indian travellers who enter Thailand before September 15 can remain until the expiry of their permitted period of stay.

For longer stays or frequent border crossings, Indian tourists will need to pay closer attention to the new rules. Travellers planning to enter Thailand for tourism and stay beyond the visa-exempt period should look at the appropriate Thai e-Visa option before travelling.