Thailand reduces Indian visa-free stay to 30 days to boost convenience and Indian tourism spending

Thailand has shortened its visa-free stay for Indian travellers from 60 to 30 days, aiming to streamline arrivals and encourage more Indian spending, with new digital arrival requirements introduced for a smoother entry process.

Thailand has tightened its entry rules for Indian holidaymakers, but the practical result is still straightforward: Indian passport holders can now enter visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days, a move the Thai authorities say is aimed at matching real travel patterns while keeping arrivals easier than applying for a full visa. The Cabinet approved the revision in July 2026, and the new arrangement replaces the longer 60-day exemption that had been in place since 2024. Thai officials say India remains one of the most important source markets for the kingdom, with average stays of just over seven days, making a 30-day allowance more than enough for most leisure trips. (thailand.go.th)

For travellers, the main takeaway is convenience with a little more planning at the airport. According to Thailand’s immigration authorities, all non-Thai nationals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival, and the form can be submitted up to 72 hours beforehand. That means Indian visitors should no longer think only about the visa-free stamp itself, but also about finishing the online arrival card in advance so they are not caught out on departure day or at immigration. (tdac.immigration.go.th)

The policy change also sits within a wider push by Thailand to win more Indian spending, not just more Indian arrivals. Official tourism figures show the country has been building steadily on the Indian market since introducing the 30-day exemption in late 2023, then extending it in 2024. The Thai government said the scheme was designed to make travel easier during the high season, and later paperwork shows India was included in a broader visa rethink announced in 2026. (thailand.prd.go.th)

For visitors, the practical effect is that Thailand still remains one of the easiest long-haul destinations for Indians in South-East Asia, especially for beach breaks, weddings, family holidays and combined city-and-island itineraries. The shorter exemption should not affect most ordinary trips, but anyone planning a much longer stay will need to check whether a tourist visa is the better option. Thailand’s message is clear: it wants Indian travellers to keep coming, just with simpler rules and tighter entry screening. (thailand.go.th)