- Thailand’s cabinet approved 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens to align with travel behaviors.
- The new policy replaces the temporary 60-day exemption and the standard 15-day Visa on Arrival.
- Visitors must still complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
Thailand's cabinet approved a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian travellers on July 14, and the revised rules are set to begin 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. The clock is now running.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul linked the cut to travel habits, not a retreat from the market.
"The cabinet approved a 30-day visa-free entry to align with the travel behaviour of Indian tourists, who represent a large market for Thailand. If problems arise from this measure in the future, the government can review it then."
The same rule now reaches beyond India. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives were folded into the 30-day category as part of the broader rewrite. One limit, six markets.
Deputy Government Spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengchan framed the move as a response to abuse and security concerns, while also recasting India’s entry status.
"Cabinet ministers agreed it [the 60-day period] was being abused in ways that violated the law and jeopardised national security. India's eligibility will also shift from Visa on Arrival to 30-day visa exemption, reflecting its importance in terms of its economy, trade, and investment."
The new stay limit replaces the temporary 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024 and the standard 15-day Visa on Arrival. Indian visitors stayed 7.17 days on average. That number mattered.
Tourism flows stayed strong even as policy shifted. India sent 2.1 million arrivals to Thailand in 2024, then 2.49 million in 2025, a 17% year-on-year rise. The Tourism Authority of Thailand wants 2.55 million Indian visitors in 2026, after those travellers generated about 87.7 billion baht in revenue last year.
| Market | Stay limit |
|---|---|
| India | 30 days |
| Bulgaria | 30 days |
| Croatia | 30 days |
| Cyprus | 30 days |
| Malta | 30 days |
| Maldives | 30 days |
Months of policy churn left the market guessing
The July 14 decision followed a rough stretch of policy changes. In May 2026, the cabinet under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had proposed revoking blanket 60-day visa-free stays for 93 countries over concerns about gray business activities and overstayers. That move stirred confusion in the Indian market. Bookings dipped.
The latest change leaves a different paper trail for arrivals. Travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival, and they still need proof of a return flight, confirmed accommodation and at least 10,000 THB per person. The old 2,000 THB Visa on Arrival fee falls away once the exemption is fully implemented. Fewer airport queues should follow.
For longer stays, the Destination Thailand Visa still offers 180-day stays for remote workers and "high-value" travellers. That route remains separate.
