Thailand's 30-day visa-free rule for Indians: in force since 15 September 2026

Rule as of 20 October 2026 · Sources: TAT Newsroom, 1 September 2026, Royal Gazette notice of 31 August 2026

Thailand's 30-day visa-free rule for Indians is now in force. Since 15 September 2026, Indian passport holders entering Thailand for tourism get up to 30 days per entry, with no visa and no fee. The earlier 60-day stay ended on that date.

What is in force today

• Visa-free entry for tourism, up to 30 days per entry.
• No application and no fee. The decision is made at the immigration counter.
• India is one of 60 countries and territories in Thailand's 30-day group.

How the rule changed

• 19 May 2026: the cabinet first approved restructuring the visa-exemption framework, cutting the 60-day stay for 93 nationalities. Under that first draft, India would have lost visa-free entry and moved to a 15-day visa on arrival.
• 14 July 2026: the cabinet revised the plan. India kept full visa-free entry, at 30 days per stay. Thailand's tourism ministry said the change matched how Indian tourists actually travel. India is one of Thailand's largest source markets.
• 31 August 2026: the rules were published in the Royal Gazette.
• 15 September 2026: the 30-day rule took effect and the 60-day exemption ended.

What this means for your booking

• Trips of 30 days or less: nothing changes. Most Thailand holidays from India are 5 to 10 nights.
• Trips longer than 30 days: apply for a tourist e-visa at thaievisa.go.th before you fly. Extensions at a Thai immigration office are set by Thai Immigration, so we confirm the current fee and rules for your dates.
• Entering by land: TAT says the 30-day exemption can generally be used no more than twice per calendar year at land borders.

Keep your return or onward ticket and your hotel booking on your phone. Immigration can ask for both at the counter.

FAQ

Is the 60-day visa-free entry still available for Indians?

No. It ended on 15 September 2026. Indians now get up to 30 days visa-free per entry.

Do Indians need a visa on arrival for Thailand?

No. India stayed in the visa-exempt group. The May proposal to move Indians to a 15-day visa on arrival was not adopted.

I have a 45-day trip planned. What should I do?

Apply for a tourist e-visa at thaievisa.go.th before you fly, so the trip does not depend on getting an extension.

Where was the change announced?

In the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, and by the Tourism Authority of Thailand on 1 September 2026.

The full Thailand entry checklist for Indian travellers is at flynktours.com/visa/thailand. Planning a Thailand trip and want the paperwork handled? Message us your dates on WhatsApp: +91 97199 96838. We reply the same working day.