Thailand Ends 60-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indians
Posted on 27 May 2026Last Updated: 3 September 2026
Big change for Indian travellers — but not the one you expected. After months of back-and-forth, Thailand has officially confirmed that Indians will get a 30-day visa-free entry starting 15 September 2026. The earlier plan to charge Indians a Visa on Arrival (VoA) fee has been dropped entirely.
If you were planning a trip to Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya, here is everything you need to know about the current Thailand visa for Indians — what actually changed, what it costs (spoiler: nothing), and how to navigate the new rules without any surprises at the airport.
In this guide:
- What changed and when it takes effect
- Before vs After comparison
- Documents you need to carry
- TDAC — the free online form everyone must fill
- What to do if you already booked tickets
- Extension and land-border rules
- FAQ — quick answers to common questions
What Changed and When Does It Take Effect?
On 19 May 2026, Thailand's Cabinet approved a major overhaul of its visa rules. India was initially placed in the Visa on Arrival (VoA) category — which would have meant paying 2,000 THB for a 15-day stay.
But on 14 July 2026, the Cabinet reversed course. India was upgraded to the 30-day visa exemption list, and the VoA plan for India was dropped.
The final regulations were published in Thailand's Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 (Volume 143, Special Issue 207 Ngor). The new rules take effect 15 days after publication — on 15 September 2026.
Timeline
| Date | What Happened |
|---|---|
| July 2024 | Thailand introduced 60-day visa-free entry for India and 92 other countries |
| 19 May 2026 | Cabinet approved scrapping the 60-day scheme; India placed in VoA category (15 days, THB 2,000) |
| 14 July 2026 | Cabinet reversed course — India upgraded to 30-day visa exemption; VoA plan dropped |
| 31 August 2026 | Four Ministry of Interior regulations published in the Royal Gazette |
| 15 September 2026 | New rules take effect — 60-day exemption ends, 30-day exemption begins |
Before vs After: What Changed for Indian Travellers
| Aspect | Old Rules (until 14 Sept 2026) | New Rules (from 15 Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry type | 60-day visa exemption | 30-day visa exemption |
| Fee | Free | Free (no VoA fee) |
| Max stay | Up to 60 days | Up to 30 days |
| Extension | 30 days (THB 1,900) | 30 days (THB 1,900) — one-time |
| Land-border entries | Capped at 2 per year | Capped at 2 per year (unchanged) |
| TDAC | Mandatory | Mandatory (unchanged) |
| Process | Walk to immigration | Walk to immigration — no VoA counter |
The good news
- India stays visa-free. The plan to make Indians pay 2,000 THB for a Visa on Arrival has been dropped.
- No visa fee. Entry under the 30-day exemption is completely free.
- Simple process. You walk to immigration with your passport and TDAC — no VoA counter, no extra paperwork.
The change to note
- Stay is halved from 60 to 30 days. If you were planning a longer stay, you will need to plan for an extension or a tourist visa.
Documents You Need to Carry
Whether you are entering under the 30-day exemption or extending your stay, these are the documents you should carry:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months from arrival |
| TDAC confirmation | QR code or printout of your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (free — more on this below) |
| Return or onward ticket | Proof of onward/return travel within the permitted stay, where required |
| Proof of adequate funds | Recommended — THB 20,000 per person (around ₹50,000) |
| Hotel booking | Recommended — confirmed accommodation for your stay |
Do you need a passport photo? No. The 30-day visa exemption does not require a photo. (Photos were part of the earlier VoA plan, which has been dropped.)
TDAC — The Free Online Form Everyone Must Fill
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all foreign visitors, regardless of visa status. You can submit the TDAC within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Thailand, including the date of arrival.
How to complete the TDAC
- Go to the official portal: tdac.immigration.go.th
- Fill in your personal details, flight information, and accommodation address
- Use passport MRZ scanning to retrieve your passport data
- Submit and save the QR code
- Show the QR code at immigration on arrival
Important: The TDAC is completely free. Any website asking for payment is a scam. Do not use third-party TDAC websites that charge a fee.
What to Do If You Already Booked Your Trip
If you have already booked flights and hotels for Thailand, here is how the transition affects you:
- Travelling before 15 September 2026? The old 60-day visa-free rules are still fully active. Nothing has changed yet. Enter visa-free for up to 60 days.
- Travelling on or after 15 September 2026? You get 30-day visa-free entry — still free, still no visa fee. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, apply for a one-time 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office (THB 1,900).
- Already inside Thailand right now? Nothing changes for you. You can stay until your current entry stamp expires.
Do not cancel your booking. The process is still straightforward — no visa fee, no VoA counter. Just make sure you have your TDAC completed and your documents ready.
Extension and Land-Border Rules
30-day extension
You may apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office, subject to approval. The fee is THB 1,900 (around ₹4,750). If approved, this gives you a total stay of up to 60 days.
How to apply:
- Visit a Thai immigration office
- Bring your passport, TDAC confirmation, and THB 1,900 in cash
- Fill out the extension form (available at the office)
- Submit and wait for processing
Land-border entries
Under the 30-day exemption, entry through a land-border checkpoint is generally limited to 2 times per calendar year. This does not apply to nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Bilateral agreements remain separate
Countries with bilateral visa-exemption agreements with Thailand are not affected by this change:
| Agreement | Countries |
|---|---|
| 90-day exemption | Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Peru |
| 30-day exemption | China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste, Vietnam |
| 14-day exemption | Cambodia, Myanmar |
If you hold dual nationality (e.g., Indian + another country's passport), you may be eligible for different terms under a bilateral agreement.
FAQs
When does the 60-day visa exemption end?
The 60-day visa exemption ends on 15 September 2026. It remains usable through 14 September 2026.
How long can Indians stay in Thailand without a visa from 15 September?
Up to 30 days per entry. You can apply for a one-time 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office (THB 1,900) for a total of up to 60 days.
Do Indians need to pay the THB 2,000 Visa on Arrival fee?
No. The planned VoA fee for Indian travellers was cancelled when India was added to the 30-day visa exemption list. Entry is free of charge.
Is the TDAC still required?
Yes. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card remains mandatory for all foreign visitors. Complete it free at the official government portal within 72 hours before departure.
Can I enter Thailand by land under the new rules?
Yes, but land-border entries under the 30-day exemption are capped at 2 per calendar year.
What if I booked my trip expecting the 60-day rule?
If you enter Thailand before 15 September 2026, you are covered under the current 60-day rules and can stay for the full 60-day period.
Will the airline check my documents before boarding in India?
Airlines may check your entry documentation at check-in. It is advisable to have your TDAC confirmation and return ticket ready, as requirements can vary by airline.
Why did Thailand change the visa rules?
Thailand's government has stated that the changes are aimed at balancing tourism with stricter immigration controls. The focus has shifted from attracting high numbers of tourists to managing entry more systematically.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Check your travel dates. If you are travelling before 15 September 2026, you are still under the 60-day rules. After that, it is 30 days.
- Complete your TDAC 72 hours before flying. This applies to everyone, regardless of visa status.
- Gather your documents. Passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, hotel booking, proof of funds.
- If staying longer than 30 days, plan for a 30-day extension (THB 1,900, subject to approval) or apply for a tourist visa before travel.
- No need to carry Thai Baht for visa fees. The VoA fee no longer applies to Indian passport holders.
Thailand remains one of the most accessible and affordable international destinations for Indian travellers. The process has just changed — from 60 days to 30 days — but it is still visa-free, still fee-free, and still straightforward.
Sources & References
- Royal Gazette (Thailand) — Ministry of Interior regulations, Volume 143, Special Issue 207 Ngor (31 August 2026). Retrieved 2 September 2026.
- Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi — Visa information. Retrieved 2 September 2026. newdelhi.thaiembassy.org
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the situation as of 2 September 2026. Visa policies are subject to change. Travellers should verify current requirements with official sources (TAT Newsroom, Royal Thai Embassy) before making travel arrangements.