Thailand Scraps 60-Day Visa-Free Stay for Indians, Moves to Visa on Arrival

In a significant policy shift, Thailand has officially ended its 60-day visa-free entry programme for Indian passport holders. The change, approved by the Thai Cabinet on May 19, 2026, is part of a broader restructuring of the country's immigration framework.

Indian travellers will now need to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) instead of entering visa-free, with a permitted stay of up to 15 days.

Also read: Thailand to Slash Visa-Free Entry From 60 to 30 Days, Singaporeans, Malaysians, & More Affected

What Has Changed?

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Under the previous system introduced in July 2024, Indian tourists could enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days, with an option to extend by another 30 days. This made Thailand an increasingly flexible destination for longer holidays.

The new framework operates on a guiding principle called "one country, one Thai visa exemption privilege", which aims to establish clearer and more consistent standards for foreign visitors.

Key changes for Indian travellers include:

Why Did Thailand Make This Change?

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Thai authorities cited multiple reasons for rolling back the 60-day visa-free scheme. According to government statements, concerns had emerged regarding security, illegal employment, misuse of tourist visas for business operations, and transnational crime.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul indicated that the government is now looking beyond visitor numbers and placing greater emphasis on attracting "quality tourists" while balancing both economic benefits and security considerations.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek noted that while tourism contributes significantly to the economy, the previous system had allowed some individuals to misuse the extended stay provisions.

When Will the New Rules Take Effect?

The updated regulations will come into force 15 days after they are published in the Royal Gazette, Thailand's official legal journal. Travellers already in Thailand under the previous system may complete their current visits under the conditions valid at entry.

Options for Indian Travellers

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Indian passport holders now have two primary pathways to visit Thailand :

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA)

• Stay up to 15 days

• Fee: 2,000 THB (cash payment at the airport)

• Available at designated immigration checkpoints

• Suitable for short leisure trips

2. e-Visa (Pre-arrival)

• Apply online 3-5 days before travel

• Processing fee: Approximately 2,500 THB (approx. S$94 / ₹5,800)

• Recommended for those who prefer to skip airport queues

• Available via the official Thai e-Visa portal

Not Targeted at India Specifically

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the revised policy is not targeted at any particular country but rather at individuals exploiting the visa system. The 60-day visa-free scheme has been scrapped for all 93 countries and territories previously covered, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Schengen area nations, Israel, and several South American countries.

The Visa on Arrival list has been significantly scaled down from 31 countries to just four, with India now included alongside a small number of other nations.

Previously, it was also announced that the Land of Smiles would roll back the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries. Those include Singapore and Malaysia, reverting the stay period to just 30 days.