Thailand Visa-Free Stay for Indians Reduced from 60 to 30 Days from 15 September

Thailand Visa-Free Rule for Indians: What Is Changing?

Indian travellers planning a trip to Thailand should take note of an important change to the country's visa-free entry framework.

From 15 September 2026, the visa-free stay available to eligible Indian ordinary passport holders is set to reduce from 60 days to 30 days.

India continues to remain covered by Thailand's visa-exemption framework. In other words, this change does not mean that Indian tourists will automatically need to obtain a visa before every short trip to Thailand.

The key change is the length of stay permitted under visa-free entry.

Thailand Visa-Free Stay: Before vs After

Travellers should always ensure that their intended activities are permitted under their immigration status. Visa-free tourist entry should not be treated as authorization to work or undertake activities requiring another immigration category.

Effective Date: 15 September 2026

The revised rule is expected to apply to travellers arriving in Thailand on or after 15 September 2026.

This makes the arrival date particularly important.

Travellers with bookings around the implementation date should verify the immigration rule applicable to their exact arrival date before departure.

For trips planned after the change takes effect, travel agents should no longer prepare itineraries on the assumption that a standard visa-free entry automatically provides a 60-day initial stay.

Do Indians Still Get Visa-Free Entry to Thailand?

Yes — under the announced framework, India remains within Thailand's visa-exemption scheme.

The change concerns the permitted visa-free stay period, not the removal of India from visa exemption.

For a normal holiday of up to 30 days, an eligible Indian traveller may therefore continue to travel under the applicable visa-exemption rules, subject to Thailand's immigration and entry requirements.

However, travellers planning to stay for more than 30 days need to review the appropriate immigration option before travelling.

What If You Want to Stay in Thailand for More Than 30 Days?

This is where the new rule becomes particularly important.

If your Thailand itinerary is for 31–60 days or longer, you should not assume that your complete trip will be covered by the initial visa-free stay.

Depending on the purpose and duration of travel, options may include obtaining an appropriate Thai visa before travel or using a lawful extension mechanism where eligible.

The correct option depends on the traveller's circumstances and the immigration rules applicable at the time of travel.

For longer stays, WeVisa recommends checking the visa strategy before booking a long-duration itinerary rather than relying on an extension after arrival.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Is Still Required

The visa-free facility and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) are two different things.

Thailand's Immigration Bureau states that non-Thai nationals entering Thailand are required to submit their arrival information through TDAC before entering the country. TDAC has replaced the traditional paper arrival card and is not itself a visa. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Travellers can submit the TDAC within 3 days before their arrival, including the arrival date. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Information generally required for TDAC

Travellers should keep the following information ready:

• Passport details

• Flight/arrival information

• Arrival date

• Address/accommodation in Thailand

• Purpose of travel

• Relevant health declaration information

• Email details for receiving the TDAC

Thailand Immigration also confirms that TDAC applies to entry by air, land or sea. Travellers merely transiting without passing through Thai immigration do not need a TDAC, while travellers who leave the airport and pass immigration do. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Children, including infants, also require TDAC submissions. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Official Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Is Thailand Visa on Arrival Required for Indians?

Travellers should not confuse visa exemption with Visa on Arrival (VoA).

If an Indian passport holder qualifies for Thailand's visa-exemption scheme, they enter under that applicable exemption rather than treating Visa on Arrival as the default route.

The exact immigration category applicable on the date of travel should always be checked against Thailand's official rules, particularly when policies have recently changed.

What Indian Travellers Should Do Now

For travellers planning Thailand trips from 15 September 2026 onward, the most important change is itinerary planning.

Trips up to 30 days: Check that you meet the current visa-exemption and entry requirements and complete TDAC before arrival.

Trips longer than 30 days: Review an appropriate visa or lawful extension route before travel.

Existing bookings: Check your exact arrival date and intended duration of stay.

TDAC: Complete it within the permitted submission window before arriving in Thailand.

Passport and travel documents: Carry documentation appropriate to your trip and ensure all information supplied to immigration is accurate.

What Travel Agents Need to Change

Travel agencies handling Thailand bookings for Indian clients should update their customer communication, itinerary checks and internal visa guidance.

From the effective date, agents should not advise a client travelling for 31–60 days that the initial visa-free entry itself covers the entire trip.

Before finalising the booking, check:

Arrival date → Passport nationality → Purpose of travel → Total stay duration → Applicable entry/visa route → TDAC completion.

This becomes particularly important for long holidays, family visits, extended stays and travellers combining Thailand with neighbouring destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thailand visa-free for Indians in 2026?

Under the announced revised framework, Indian passport holders remain eligible for visa-exempt tourist entry, but the permitted initial stay is set to change.

How many days can Indians stay visa-free in Thailand after 15 September 2026?

The announced revised stay period is 30 days, replacing the previous 60-day initial visa-free period.

Do Indians need a Thailand visa for a 7-day or 15-day holiday?

If the traveller qualifies under the applicable visa-exemption rules and the trip falls within the permitted stay, a separate tourist visa would generally not be required solely because of the length of such a short holiday.

Is TDAC a Thailand visa?

No. Thailand Immigration explicitly states that TDAC is not a visa. It is the digital arrival information system used for travellers entering Thailand. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

When should I complete TDAC?

Thailand Immigration states that travellers can submit it within three days before arrival, including the date of arrival. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Can a travel agent complete TDAC for a client?

Yes. Thailand Immigration's official FAQ states that travel agencies can submit TDAC on behalf of clients when authorised and provided with the necessary information. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Do I need a new TDAC every time I enter Thailand?

Yes. TDAC is for a specific entry and a new submission is required for subsequent entries. Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Planning a Thailand Trip?

Visa and entry rules can change, particularly around implementation dates. Travellers should verify the applicable requirements before departure.

WeVisa – Your Global Visa Partner provides visa assistance and travel-document support for Thailand and 110+ countries.

For travel agents and travellers requiring assistance with Thailand visa documentation, longer-stay options or entry requirements, contact WeVisa.

Phone: +91 9821540050, +91 9821520050
Email: wevisa.del@gmail.com | b2b@wevisa.in
Website: wevisa.in