Thailand to Give Indian Passport Holders 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Under Revised Rules

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a revision that will allow Indian passport holders to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days, avoiding a previously proposed return to a 15-day visa-on-arrival system.

The change will take effect 15 days after the relevant revisions are published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette. Authorities had not announced the publication date as of press time. Until the new rules come into force, current entry practices largely remain in place, with many travelers still receiving 60-day stays during the transition. Visitors who arrive before implementation will be allowed to complete the stay granted to them.

The revised framework follows earlier plans to withdraw the temporary 60-day visa exemption that covered Indian citizens and nationals of 92 other countries. Under the latest decision, Indian travelers will move directly from the temporary 60-day exemption to a 30-day visa-free category for tourism and short business trips, rather than being placed in a paid visa-on-arrival system limited to 15 days.

The source said Indian visitors stay in Thailand for an average of 7.2 days, making the new allowance sufficient for most trips while avoiding visa-on-arrival fees and additional paperwork. The measure is expected to support travel to destinations including Phuket, as well as holidays, family visits and business travel elsewhere in Thailand.

India is among six nationalities receiving enhanced treatment under the revised rules. The other countries listed are Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives. The changes will also standardize treatment for European Union member states and reduce the overall number of countries eligible for visa-free entry.

Thai authorities said the revisions are intended to promote tourism while strengthening administrative and security controls. The decision followed concerns about possible misuse of the broader 60-day exemption and came after opposition from Indian and tourism associations. The source said Indian arrivals had declined by nearly 20 percent following fears of an interim tightening of entry rules.

The Cabinet also announced a 15-day visa-free option for a small number of countries and adjustments to visa-on-arrival access for others. The changes will be accompanied by broader screening efforts through Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card system.

Indian travelers are advised to monitor announcements from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thai embassies for the Royal Gazette publication date. Until the revised rules take effect, travelers should also check requirements with their airlines and prepare standard supporting documents, including proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, as immigration discretion continues to apply.