Thailand Restores 30-Day Visa-Free Entry For Indian Citizens: What Travellers Need To Know

​In May 2026, the Thai cabinet declared that the 60-day visa-free entry for Indian travellers would be discontinued. While the cabinet was considering a visa-on-arrival system, the significant drop in Indian tourist arrivals led them to decide otherwise. The new rule allows 30 days of visa-free entry for Indian citizens. This change comes from a need to balance tourism and misuse of the visa.

​Why The Change?

​The Thai cabinet approved a proposal earlier this year to reduce the number of visa-exempt countries from 93 to 54. India, among many countries, was on this list. The exemption comes from the fact that India is one of the largest tourism source markets, only after China and Malaysia. Therefore, losing Indian tourists is costly for the Thai government.

​The reduction in the number of visa-free days is due to large-scale misuse of the regime, in which foreign nationals were working without authorisation or in violation of entry conditions. Visitors from Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives are also eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry under the revised framework.

​No Visa, But A Digital Arrival Card

​The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which has been in use since last year, will now be given greater priority. This is not a visa, but a way to gather more information on the inflow of people into the country. This is an electronic card containing basic travel information, passport details, flight information, accommodation in Thailand, and the purpose of the visit. Available on the official immigration portal, this is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration to be filled out online. Along with a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended return date, the TDAC is set to help the government better monitor the inflow of foreign nationals.

​Tourism In Thailand: What Should You Know?

The tourism sector generated nearly USD 50 billion from 33 million foreign visitors last year. Thailand is targeting 2.55 million Indian tourists, driven by increased air connectivity and a focus on lifestyle and wellness travel. Beyond established destinations like Bangkok and Phuket, the tourism authority is also promoting lesser-known destinations to encourage repeat visits and deeper engagement.

​Ten airlines operate between India and Thailand, and capacity between the two countries has increased by 15 per cent over the last year. Thai Airways plans to increase the number of flights and open new routes like Bangkok to Amritsar, Jaipur, and Kochi.

​What About Other Southeast Asian Countries?

​Indonesia, with a visa on arrival, is looking at reassessing certain entry facilitation measures after several cases involving foreign nationals suspected of links to online fraud networks, illegal gambling, and international scams. The All Indonesia System is in place, which combines immigration, customs, and health information into a single digital declaration. Travellers receive a QR code quote that must be presented upon arrival.

Malaysia, with a 30-day visa-free stay, also offers a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, while Cambodia, with a visa-on-arrival, has introduced an e-Arrival Card that brings together all essential information. Vietnam, also with a visa on arrival, similarly requires the card at major international hubs, including Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport and Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport.

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