Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days for Indians
Thailand still lets Indian tourists enter without getting a visa first.
However, visitors can now stay for only 30 days instead of 60.
The shorter limit also applies to people from 59 other countries.
People planning longer trips will need an extension or an e-visa.
Thai authorities are concerned that some visitors used long visa-free stays for unauthorised work or living in the country for long periods.
They also want to reduce overstays and improve border monitoring.
The 60-day rule was introduced in 2024 to help tourism recover after the pandemic.
As tourism has improved, Thailand is changing the policy to balance easy travel with stronger immigration controls.
Thailand has reduced visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for Indian travellers and citizens of 59 other countries.
The revised rule was published in the Royal Gazette and retains visa-free entry for short tourist visits.
Travellers seeking longer stays must apply for an extension or obtain an e-visa.
Reports and policy discussions indicate concerns about repeated entries, unauthorised work, overstays and semi-permanent residence.
The 60-day exemption introduced in 2024 supported post-pandemic tourism, but Thailand is now prioritising tighter monitoring and immigration control.
- Who
- Indian travellers and citizens of 59 other countries, along with Thai immigration authorities.
- What
- Thailand has cut the visa-free stay limit from 60 days to 30 days while retaining visa-free entry.
- When
- The change follows the 60-day policy introduced in 2024; the revised rule was published in the Royal Gazette.
- Where
- Thailand.
- Why
- Authorities are reassessing the visa-exemption system amid concerns about repeated entries, unauthorised work, overstays, long-term stays and the need for stronger monitoring.
- New visa-free limit
- 30 days
- Previous limit
- 60 days
- Countries affected
- India and 59 other countries and territories
- Longer stays
- Require an extension or an e-visa
- Policy source
- The revised rule was published in the Royal Gazette
- Original 60-day policy
- Introduced in 2024 to support post-pandemic tourism recovery
- Main policy focus
- Tighter immigration oversight, border management and enforcement