Thailand cuts visa-free stay for Indians from 60 days to 30: All you need to know

Thailand announced on Tuesday that it will reduce the maximum visa-free stay for visitors from more than 60 countries and territories, including India, to 30 days starting September 15. The move follows a broader effort by Thai authorities to tighten immigration controls and curb misuse of the visa exemption system. Under the new rules, Indian passport holders will be allowed to enter Thailand without a visa but will be restricted to a 30-day stay, down from the current 60-day limit that has been in effect since 2024. The decision comes amid increased enforcement actions against foreigners suspected of engaging in illegal activities. In recent months, Thai police have detained individuals accused of participating in drug-related offenses, sex trafficking, and operating unlicensed businesses such as hotels and schools. These incidents prompted officials to reassess how the visa-free policy is being utilized and whether it is being exploited for illicit purposes. For Indian travelers, the primary impact of the change will be the shortened duration of their permitted stay. While they will still be exempt from obtaining a visa, the 30-day limit means that visitors planning extended trips or those relying on the previous 60-day window for work or study may need to adjust their plans. The 60-day rule will remain valid until September 14, allowing travelers who arrive before the new date to benefit from the longer stay. Those arriving after September 15 will be subject to the 30-day restriction. The adjustment applies to a wide range of countries, including major destinations such as the United States, China, and all 27 member states of the European Union. Additionally, citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles will see their visa-free stay capped at 15 days under the revised policy. The changes also introduce new restrictions for certain nationalities, with Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia shifting to Thailand’s Visa on Arrival system. Travelers entering via land borders will be limited to two visa-exempt entries per year, though there will be no such cap for those arriving by air or sea. Tourists wishing to stay beyond the 30-day limit will need to apply for an appropriate Thai visa or request an extension upon arrival, which will be decided at the discretion of immigration officers. While the shorter stay may pose challenges for some, it is unlikely to significantly disrupt the majority of Indian travelers, as many visit Thailand for brief vacations lasting a few weeks. The change may, however, affect long-term residents, digital nomads, and backpackers who previously relied on the extended visa-free period. Thailand’s tourism sector has seen a modest decline in international arrivals, with 20.9 million foreign tourists recorded in the first half of 2026, about 3% less than the same period in 2025. Despite this, the government continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining strict immigration standards to protect both public safety and the integrity of its tourism industry. Officials have stated that the revised visa policies are part of a larger strategy to ensure that the benefits of Thailand’s open-border approach are not undermined by criminal activity or unauthorized business operations.