Thailand Ends 60-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indians

Big change for Indian travellers: Thailand has approved new visa rule changes that may end the current 60-day visa-free entry for Indians once the new rules officially start. If you were planning a trip to Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya, here is everything you need to know about the updated Thailand visa for Indians — what has changed, what it will cost, and how to navigate the new rules without any last-minute surprises at the airport.

Indians now need a Visa on Arrival (VoA) costing 2,000 THB (approx ₹4,800–₹5,800) for a maximum stay of 15 days. The old 60-day free entry is gone. But there is a transition window — the new rules are not yet in force, so read on to see if your trip is affected.

What Changed and When Does It Take Effect?

On May 19, 2026, Thailand's government approved a major overhaul of its visa rules. The biggest change for Indian passport holders: India is no longer on the visa-free entry list.

Instead, India has been placed in the Visa on Arrival (VoA) category — one of only four countries in this group (alongside Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia). This means you can still travel to Thailand without getting a visa before your flight, but you will need to complete visa formalities at the airport after landing and pay a fee.

When exactly do the new rules start?

The rules take effect 15 days after publication in Thailand's Royal Gazette (the official government journal). As of May 27, 2026, the publication has not happened yet. This means:

• ✅ Travelling now or in the next few days? You may still enter visa-free under the old rules
• ✅ Already in Thailand? You are not affected — you can stay until your permitted period ends
• ⚠️ Travel planned weeks out? Keep an eye on the Gazette publication date — once published, you have a 15-day window before the new rules kick in

Before vs After: What Changed for Indian Travellers

What It Will Cost

The VoA fee is 2,000 THB. At current exchange rates, that works out to roughly ₹4,800–₹5,800 depending on the day you travel.

Important: You must pay in Thai Baht cash at the airport. Cards, other currencies, or digital payments are not accepted. Exchange your currency at your departure airport in India or at a kiosk in the arrival hall before you reach the immigration counter.

Documents You Need to Carry

Whether you apply at the airport or online, these are the exact documents required. Missing even one can mean denial of entry:

How to Apply: Airport vs Online (eVOA)

Option 1: Visa on Arrival at the Airport

This is the standard route available at all international airports in Thailand:

1. After landing, follow signs to the "Visa on Arrival" counter — this is separate from the regular immigration queue
2. Collect and fill out the TM.88 application form (available at the counter, carry your own pen to save time)
3. Submit your passport, completed form, photo, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and proof of funds
4. Pay 2,000 THB cash (Thai Baht only — no card, no other currency)
5. Wait for processing — typically 15–30 minutes depending on how many flights landed at the same time
6. Collect your passport with the 15-day entry stamp and proceed to immigration

Best for: Spontaneous trips, travellers arriving at non-peak hours, short getaways.

Option 2: eVOA — Apply Online Before You Fly (Recommended)

The Electronic Visa on Arrival lets you complete most of the process online through the official VFS Global portal. The biggest advantage: you get to use a dedicated fast-track lane at immigration, bypassing the regular VoA queue.

Best for: Families, peak-hour arrivals, anyone who wants to breeze through immigration.

What If I Already Booked My Trip?

If you have already booked flights and hotels for Thailand, here is how the transition affects you:

• Travelling before the Royal Gazette publishes the new rules? You enter under the old visa-free rules. No changes.
• Travelling between publication date and the 15-day effective date? You still enter visa-free. The rules only change 15 days after the Gazette publishes them.
• Travelling after the 15-day window? You need to get a Visa on Arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance.
• Already inside Thailand right now? Nothing changes for you. You can stay until your current entry stamp expires.

If your trip is affected by the new rules, do not cancel your booking — the VoA process is straightforward. Just make sure you have the 2,000 THB fee in cash and all required documents ready.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

1.Can Indians still enter Thailand without a visa?

Not once the new rules take effect. Until the Royal Gazette publishes the new measures, the old visa-free rules still apply. After that, visa-free entry for Indians ends.

2. Is the TDAC really free?

Yes. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is completely free at tdac.immigration.go.th. Any website asking for payment is a scam.

3. Will the airline check my documents before boarding in India?

Yes. Airlines are required to verify that you have the correct entry documentation for Thailand before they let you board. If you are using VoA, the airline may ask to see your return ticket and proof of funds at check-in.

4. Why did this change happen?

Thailand's government stated that the 60-day visa-free window was being misused by foreign nationals for unauthorized work and illegal activities. The focus has shifted from attracting high numbers of tourists to prioritizing "quality tourists" who comply with visa rules.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Check your travel dates. If you are travelling in the next 1–2 weeks, you are likely still under the old rules. Check the Gazette publication date before assuming.
2. Prepare your documents. Even if you travel visa-free now, carry a return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds — immigration officers can ask for these at any time.
3. Set aside Thai Baht cash. If your trip falls under the new rules, have 2,000 THB in cash ready. Do not rely on airport ATMs or card payments.
4. Complete your TDAC 72 hours before flying. This applies to everyone, even if you are still under visa-free rules.
5. Consider eVOA if you want to skip queues. The fast-track lane at immigration is worth the extra ₹1,000–₹2,000 if you are arriving during peak hours.

Thailand remains one of the most accessible and affordable international destinations for Indian travellers — the process has just changed. With the right preparation (documents, cash, TDAC in order), the VoA process is straightforward and takes about 15–30 minutes at the airport.