For Indians, one of the most favourite places to plan an international trip is Thailand. The country offers everything in one place, from beaches, nightlife, to easy travel rules. However, Thailand has now announced a major update. The country has officially ended its 60-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens and several other countries. Read on to know more!
Thailand Ends 60-Day Visa-Free Entry For Indians
In a latest update, Thailand’s Cabinet revised visa rules on May 19, 2026. As per NDTV, these changes were announced by the Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As per the new system, Indian travellers who were earlier entering Thailand without a visa will no longer be able to do so. Instead, they will now have to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) while entering the country.
Earlier, India was included in Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption scheme from July 2024. Indian tourists could stay in the country for up to 60 days without a visa and could even extend their stay by another 30 days. But now, the rules have changed completely.
Also Read: What Are Thailands New Alcohol Restrictions? How Will It Affect Indian Tourists?
What Is The Stay Period Under New Visa Scheme?
Indian tourists can enter Thailand through the Visa on Arrival facility at designated immigration checkpoints. NDTV reported that however, the stay period under VOA will now remain limited to 15 days only. This means travellers planning longer stays will need to explore other visa options through Thailand’s e-Visa system or bilateral agreements.
Thailand has introduced this new structure under the principle of “one country, one visa privilege.” Along with scrapping the 60-day visa-free scheme for all eligible countries, Thailand has also reduced the number of nations under its 30-day visa exemption category from 57 to 54.
The country has also introduced a separate 15-day visa exemption category for Seychelles, Maldives and Mauritius. Meanwhile, the Visa on Arrival list has now been reduced to only four countries; India, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
When are you planning you Thailand trip? Stay tuned with the latest visa updates!
Also Read: Thailand Plans To Cut Visa-Free Stay From 60 Days To 30 Days; What It Means For Indian Travellers?
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FAQs
What is Thailand's 60-day visa-free scheme?
As per Thailand's 60-day visa-free scheme, the Indian tourists can explore country without any visa and can even extend it for few more days.
What is Thailand's Visa on Arrival scheme?
As per Thailand's Visa on Arrival scheme, Indians will have to apply for visa at entry points in Thailand, with a limited stay of up to 15 days.
Travellers from which countries will have to apply for Visa on Arrival?
The travellers from India, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia will have to apply for the Visa on Arrival.