Thailand has announced a major relief for Indian travellers by bringing back visa-free entry for up to 30 days. The decision is aimed at boosting tourism after the country witnessed a significant decline in visitors from India following the withdrawal of its previous visa exemption programme.
With the updated policy, Indian passport holders can once again enter Thailand without obtaining a visa before arrival. However, unlike the earlier scheme that allowed a 60-day stay, the new visa-free period has been limited to 30 days, making it ideal for short vacations, family trips, and leisure travel.
Thailand’s New Visa Rules for Indians
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a revised visa policy that allows citizens of 59 countries to enter the country without a visa for a maximum stay of 30 days, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.
India is among the countries benefiting from the updated policy, alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives. The move also ensures that citizens of all 27 European Union member states receive the same visa-free entry benefits.
For Indian travellers, the new arrangement eliminates the need for a visa on arrival, making travel planning quicker and more convenient.
Why Thailand Ended the Previous Visa-Free Scheme
Earlier this year, in May 2026, Thailand discontinued its 60-day visa-free entry programme for travellers from 93 countries, including India.
Thai authorities said the longer visa exemption had been misused by some visitors in ways that violated local laws and raised security concerns. As a result, Indian tourists were once again required to obtain a visa on arrival before entering the country.
The policy change had a noticeable impact on tourism. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, arrivals from India fell by nearly 20%, prompting the government to reconsider its approach.
Why the New Visa-Free Stay Is Limited to 30 Days
Instead of restoring the previous 60-day exemption, Thailand has opted for a 30-day visa-free stay.
The decision is based on travel data showing that Indian tourists typically spend around 7.2 days in Thailand during a single trip. Since most visitors stay for only about a week, officials concluded that a 30-day limit would comfortably meet the needs of the majority of travellers while reducing the risk of misuse.
When Will the New Visa-Free Rules Start?
The revised visa policy will become effective 15 days after it is officially published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette.
Travellers who enter Thailand before the new regulations take effect will continue to be governed by the entry conditions that were applicable at the time of their arrival.
What This Means for Indian Tourists
The return of visa-free travel is expected to make Thailand an even more attractive destination for Indian holidaymakers. With no visa application or visa-on-arrival process required, travellers can enjoy a smoother entry experience for stays of up to 30 days.
The move is also expected to support Thailand’s tourism industry by encouraging more Indian visitors to choose the country for vacations, shopping, beach holidays, and cultural experiences.