Thailand Visa-Free Travel: Indians’ Stay Limit Cut From 60 to 30 Days From September 15

Planning a holiday to Thailand? Indian travellers need to take note of an important change before booking their trip. From September 15, 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders travelling to Thailand for tourism will continue to enjoy visa-free entry, but their permitted stay will be capped at 30 days.

The revised rule cuts the earlier 60-day visa-free stay while retaining visa-exempt travel for Indian tourists. The Embassy of India in Bangkok has also issued an advisory detailing the documents, financial requirements and other conditions travellers should meet when using the facility.

Here is what Indian tourists need to know before travelling to Thailand.

1. Indians Can Still Travel to Thailand Without a Visa

Indian tourists do not need to apply for a visa in advance for stays of up to 30 days under Thailand’s visa-exemption facility once the revised rules take effect on September 15.

The new 30-day limit applies to Indian ordinary passport holders travelling for tourism. Thailand has not ended visa-free entry for Indians; it has reduced the permitted stay from the earlier 60 days.

The 60-day visa-exemption arrangement for Indian tourists was introduced in 2024 and has now been revised under Thailand’s updated visa-exemption rules.

2. Passport Must Have At Least Six Months’ Validity

Travellers should ensure that their passport has at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in Thailand.

It is advisable to check the passport well before travelling. Those whose passports are nearing expiry should consider renewing them rather than relying solely on confirmed flight and hotel bookings.

3. Keep a Confirmed Return Ticket

Indian tourists travelling under the visa-exemption scheme should carry proof of a confirmed return or onward ticket.

Travellers should therefore avoid relying on a one-way flight booking without a clear onward travel plan. Keeping the return-ticket confirmation readily accessible can help during immigration checks.

4. Hotel Booking and Travel Itinerary Required

Travellers should also have confirmed accommodation and a clear travel plan or itinerary.

It is advisable to keep hotel booking confirmations and basic itinerary details accessible on a phone, along with other essential travel documents.

5. Carry THB 20,000 in Cash

One of the key requirements mentioned in the Embassy advisory is proof of sufficient funds.

Tourists using the visa-exemption facility should carry at least THB 20,000 (around ₹57,900) per passenger in cash, according to the advisory.

Travellers should arrange the required amount before reaching immigration rather than assume that a credit card or digital payment will automatically be accepted as proof of funds.

6. Thailand Digital Arrival Card Is Mandatory

Indian travellers should also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering the country.

The TDAC is mandatory for travellers entering Thailand by air, land or sea. The form can be completed within 72 hours before arrival.

After submitting the form, travellers should keep the confirmation accessible along with their passport and other travel documents.

7. Travelling Through Thailand in Transit? Check Final-Destination Rules

The Embassy advisory also has a reminder for travellers who are only transiting through Thailand.

If Thailand is not the final destination, passengers should carry all documents and visas required to enter the country they are ultimately travelling to. Visa-free transit or entry into Thailand does not remove the requirement to meet the immigration rules of the final destination.

Thailand Trip: Checklist for Indian Travellers

Before travelling after September 15, Indian tourists should make sure they have:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• A confirmed return or onward ticket
• Confirmed hotel accommodation
• A clear travel itinerary
• At least THB 20,000 in cash per passenger
• A completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card
• Any required visa or documents for a final destination beyond Thailand

The key change for Indian tourists is therefore not the end of visa-free travel, but the reduction of the permitted visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days.