Updated: 30 September 2026. This Thailand entry policy update matters for every India–Thailand traveller: Indian passport holders still enter visa-free, but the permitted stay is now 30 days per entry (down from 60), effective 15 September 2026.
Thailand Entry Policy Change: 60 Days Became 30 Days
Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption — which Indian travellers had used since July 2024 — ended on 15 September 2026. The revised 30-day visa exemption for Indian ordinary passport holders for tourism took effect from that date, published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026.
Thai authorities stated the revisions aim to support national security and tourism objectives, reduce overlapping immigration benefits, and prevent misuse of the exemption for unauthorized work. India is among 60 countries and territories eligible for the new 30-day visa-free entry for tourism.
Thailand Entry Policy: Before vs After — Key Comparison
| Rule | Before 15 Sep 2026 | Now (from 15 Sep 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free stay for Indians | 60 days per entry | 30 days per entry |
| Separate Visa on Arrival facility | Existed alongside exemption | Removed (would overlap with exemption) |
| TDAC (Digital Arrival Card) | Mandatory | Still mandatory |
| 30-day extension | Available | Available, approval at immigration officer’s discretion |
| Extension fee | THB 1,900 | THB 1,900 (as per current reports) |
| Sufficient funds requirement | Yes | Yes — around THB 20,000 per person |
If you entered Thailand before 15 September 2026, you retain the stay period stamped on arrival — the new rule does not shorten it retroactively.
The TDAC Rule: Still Mandatory, Still Free
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) remains mandatory for every foreign visitor. It replaced the old paper TM6 card in May 2025 — complete it free at tdac.immigration.go.th, get your QR code, and present it at immigration.
Warning: third-party websites charge a fee for TDAC “processing” — the official form costs nothing, so never pay anyone for it. Skipping the TDAC is one of the most common causes of airport delays. For more Thailand planning help, browse our travel blog.
Entry Requirements for Indian Travellers Right Now
Even with no visa needed for stays up to 30 days, carry these for the immigration counter:
- Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
- Confirmed return or onward ticket — showing departure from Thailand within 30 days.
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings for your stay.
- Sufficient funds — as per current reports, around THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family (or equivalent in another currency).
- TDAC QR code — the confirmation from your completed digital arrival card.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, apply for a proper tourist e-visa before departure through Thailand’s official e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th) — the exemption no longer covers longer holidays.
Extension and the India–Thailand Reciprocal Move
Travellers eligible for the 30-day exemption can apply for a one-time extension of up to 30 additional days at a Thai immigration office — but approval is at the immigration officer’s discretion, not automatic. For trips longer than 30 days, get a tourist e-visa before travelling instead of relying on an extension.
In a reciprocal gesture, India has also eased travel for Thai nationals: the Government of India will grant Thai travellers a free 30-day double-entry e-tourist visa, announced in September 2026 and valid till 31 December 2027 or until further orders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Indians need a visa for Thailand now?
A: No — Indians still enter visa-free for tourism, but stays are limited to 30 days per entry since 15 September 2026. Longer stays need a tourist e-visa in advance.
Q: Is the TDAC still required?
A: Yes — mandatory for all foreign visitors. Complete it free at tdac.immigration.go.th before departure.
Q: Can I extend my 30-day stay?
A: You can apply for a one-time extension of up to 30 days at a Thai immigration office, but approval is discretionary. For longer trips, get an e-visa first.
Q: What happens if I overstay?
A: Fines of THB 500 per day (capped at THB 20,000 as per current reports); longer overstays risk detention, deportation and re-entry bans. Always respect your permitted stay.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Sunlight Holidays ek travel consultancy hai — hum sarkar, embassy ya immigration department nahi hain. Visa approval, fees, processing time aur final faisla sambandhit embassy/sarkari authority ka hota hai. Kripya antim nirnay se pehle official embassy/government website se latest jaankari verify zaroor karein.