Thailand cuts visa-free stay period for more than 90 countries including India

Thailand is revising its visa-free entry policy for travellers from over 90 countries, including India, with stays beyond 30 days likely requiring a visa under the updated system.

In Short

• Thailand reduces visa-free stay period for Indians
• New rules come after security and immigration concerns
• Longer stays may soon require visa approval

Thailand is tightening its visa-free travel policy for visitors from more than 90 countries, including India, in a move that could affect travellers planning longer stays in the country. Indian passport holders, along with tourists from countries such as the UK, the US, China and Australia, currently enjoy visa-free access for up to 60 days under a scheme introduced in July 2024.

But Thailand has now approved plans to reduce that period, with travellers likely needing a visa for stays beyond 30 days. Thai authorities say the move is aimed at improving security checks and reducing confusion around the country’s visa system.

THAILAND TO REVISE VISA-FREE RULES

Thailand introduced the 60-day visa-free entry scheme last year to support tourism recovery after the Covid pandemic. The relaxed rules helped attract international tourists back to one of Asia’s biggest travel destinations.

However, the Thai government has now decided to roll back parts of the policy. According to Thailand’s foreign ministry, the revised system will allow authorities to manage visa exemptions more clearly on a country-by-country basis.

While travellers from many countries will still be able to enter Thailand without a visa, stays longer than 30 days may now require additional approval depending on bilateral agreements.

The updated rules will come into effect 15 days after they are officially published in the Royal Gazette.

SECURITY CONCERNS BEHIND THE MOVE

Thai officials say the earlier visa-free policy created confusion because multiple visa exemptions applied to the same countries.

Authorities have also pointed to recent cases involving foreign nationals accused of crimes including drug smuggling, illegal work and sex trafficking.

In April, Thai police reportedly raided an unlicensed international school in Bangkok and arrested 10 foreigners allegedly working without permits.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS

Thailand remains one of the most popular overseas destinations for Indian tourists because of its affordable travel options, beaches, shopping and nightlife.

The revised Thailand visa rules for Indians are expected to mainly affect travellers planning long holidays, remote work stays or extended visits.

Travellers heading to Thailand may soon need to prepare additional visa documents if they intend to stay beyond the permitted visa-free period.

Tourism continues to play a major role in Thailand’s economy. The country recorded nearly 40 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic caused a sharp decline in arrivals.

Visitor numbers have steadily recovered over the past two years, with nearly 12 million tourists already visiting Thailand so far this year.

- Ends