Thailand visa policy changes

Overview

Thailand is implementing significant changes to its visa exemption policies effective September 15, 2026.

In a bilateral effort to boost tourism, Thailand will exempt Indian ordinary passport holders from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days. To facilitate this, Indian tourists must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours of arrival and are advised to carry at least THB 20,000 in cash. Reciprocally, India has introduced a free 30-day e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals, a facility intended to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.

Simultaneously, Thailand is reducing the maximum duration of visa-free stays for travelers from 60 countries—including Japan, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—from 60 days down to 30 days. The Thai government stated that the previous 60-day extension was being rescinded due to “security risks and concerns regarding illegal activities or unauthorized long-term stays.” Under these new regulations, travelers entering via land borders may only use the visa exemption twice per calendar year.

Entities

Thailand · Tourism Authority of Thailand

Timeline

1 day ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
Thailand reduces visa-free stay duration to 30 days
Thailand will reduce visa-free stay durations from 60 to 30 days for travelers from 60 countries starting September 15, 2026, citing security and misuse concerns.
1 day ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
India and Thailand implement reciprocal visa easing for tourists
India and Thailand have implemented new visa policies to boost tourism, including visa exemptions for Indian tourists in Thailand and free 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visas for Thai nationals in India.

Sources

ikz-online.de · kashmirlife.net · news9live.com · nordbayern.de · otz.de · thailandtravel.or.jp · thueringer-allgemeine.de · wr.de