In a major development for international travel, Thailand has extended its visa-free stay for Indian passport holders from 30 days to 60 days, making it significantly easier for Indian tourists to explore the country.
The announcement was formally confirmed on February 18 by the Royal Thai Embassy and Thailand’s Public Relations Department. The move is expected to boost tourism, strengthen economic cooperation, and encourage longer stays by Indian travelers.
The new policy forms part of Thailand’s broader visa liberalization strategy introduced to revive tourism and support economic recovery, while also strengthening diplomatic ties with key travel markets like India.
With the extended visa-free stay, Indian visitors now have more time to explore Thailand’s beaches, islands, cultural attractions, and vibrant cities without applying for a visa in advance.
Quick Snapshot: Thailand’s New 60-Day Visa-Free Rule for Indians
| Category | Latest Details |
| Previous Rule | 30-day visa-free entry for Indian travellers |
| New Rule | 60-day visa-free stay |
| Fee at Arrival | No visa fee required |
| Eligible Purposes | Tourism, short-term business meetings, family visits, and medical travel. |
| Required Documents | Valid passport, proof of accommodation, confirmed return/onward ticket |
| Digital Requirement | Travelers may need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival |
| Passport Requirement | Minimum 6 months validity |
| Overstay Fine | THB 500 per day |
Thailand Visa Rules Change: From Visa on Arrival to 60-Day Visa-Free Entry
Under Thailand’s updated immigration framework, India has now been included in the country’s expanded Visa Exemption Scheme, which allows travelers from more than 90 countries and territories to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.
Indian passport holders can now enter Thailand visa-free for purposes such as tourism, short-term business meetings, family visits, and medical travel, without paying any visa fee on arrival.
Previously, Indian travelers often relied on the Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility, which allowed a stay of up to 15 days and required a THB 2,000 fee at immigration checkpoints. This process often involved long queues at major entry points such as Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and Phuket International Airport.
Under the new visa exemption policy, the process has become significantly simpler.
Travelers are typically required to:
- Provide proof of accommodation for the duration of their stay.
- Present a confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival (if required by immigration authorities)
With this change, Indian tourists no longer need to pay visa fees at the airport or go through the traditional visa-on-arrival process.
Important NOTE:
Travelers should note that overstaying the permitted period results in a fine of THB 500 per day.
Thailand Visa Policy Changes: Major Immigration Reforms Explained
The new 60-day visa-free stay for Indian travelers is part of a broader effort by Thailand to modernize its immigration system and attract more international visitors.
As part of ongoing visa policy reforms, the Thai government has introduced several changes designed to simplify travel procedures, support tourism growth, and strengthen economic recovery.
According to Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Thailand’s Prime Minister’s Office, the reforms aim to make entry into the country more convenient while maintaining strong border control standards.
Key visa policy reforms include:
- Expansion of visa-free entry to travelers from more than 90 countries and territories.
- Visa on Arrival availability for over 30 nationalities.
- Reduction of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7, effective August 31, 2025
- Streamlining of Non-Immigrant visa categories, reducing multiple visa types to simplify applications.
- Introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) designed for remote workers and digital nomads.
- Launch of the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa, allowing flexible education and training opportunities.
- Expansion of Thailand’s electronic visa (e-Visa) system across dozens of Thai embassies and consulates worldwide.
- Digitalization of arrival procedures through systems such as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
Together, these reforms are intended to position Thailand as a more accessible and traveler-friendly destination, particularly for visitors from key markets such as India.
Why Thailand’s 60-Day Visa-Free Stay Is Important for Indian Travelers
India has become one of Thailand’s largest tourism source markets, with millions of Indian visitors traveling to the country every year for holidays, business trips, and short getaways.
Despite the strong travel demand, the average stay of Indian tourists has traditionally been relatively short, often limited to just a few days due to visa restrictions and the need for extensions.
The new 60-day visa-free stay for Indian passport holders could significantly change these travel patterns.
For leisure travelers, the longer stay allows visitors to explore multiple destinations across Thailand without worrying about visa deadlines. From vibrant cities like Bangkok to tropical islands and cultural towns, travelers can plan a more relaxed itinerary and discover some of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Travelers now have more flexibility to plan extended holidays, island hopping trips, and cultural experiences across the country.
For business travelers, the policy also reduces administrative hurdles. Thailand—particularly Bangkok—remains an important regional hub for trade, conferences, and corporate meetings, especially for Indian companies expanding into Southeast Asia.
The extended visa-free period therefore supports not only tourism but also business travel and long-stay visits.
How Thailand’s 60-Day Visa-Free Stay Boosts Tourism, Weddings, and Wellness Travel
Thailand has long been one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travelers, known for its beaches, vibrant cities, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality.
The new 60-day visa-free stay for Indian visitors is expected to further strengthen tourism by encouraging longer holidays and more diverse travel experiences.
Travelers planning extended holidays can also choose the best time to visit Thailand depending on the experiences they want, whether it’s island hopping, cultural festivals, or relaxing beach vacations.
Several travel segments are likely to benefit from the extended stay policy.
Destination Weddings
Thailand has become a leading destination wedding location for Indian couples, particularly in places like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui.
The longer visa-free stay allows families and guests to arrive earlier, host multi-day celebrations, and extend their vacations without worrying about visa limitations.
Honeymoon Travel
Thailand is also a top honeymoon destination for Indian couples.
With a 60-day visa-free window, newlyweds can explore multiple destinations—such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and island resorts—without rushing their travel plans.
Wellness Tourism
Thailand is widely known for its luxury spa resorts, wellness retreats, detox programs, and holistic healing therapies.
The extended stay gives travelers more time to participate in longer wellness programs focused on relaxation, recovery, and health.
Medical Tourism
Thailand is one of Asia’s major hubs for medical tourism, attracting international patients for treatments, surgeries, and health check-ups.
The longer visa-free stay makes it easier for patients to complete procedures and remain in the country for post-treatment recovery and follow-up care.
Tourism experts expect the policy change to increase per-visitor spending, as longer stays typically lead to higher hotel bookings, dining, shopping, and tourism activities.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): What Travelers Need to Know
Thailand is gradually modernizing its immigration process through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), an online system designed to simplify entry procedures for international travelers.
The digital arrival card replaces the traditional TM.6 paper immigration form, allowing travelers to submit their information online before arriving in Thailand.
Visitors may be required to complete the TDAC online prior to arrival, providing key travel details such as passport information, accommodation details, and travel itinerary.
Travelers who do not complete the form in advance may be asked to fill it out upon arrival at the airport, which can increase waiting time at immigration counters.
The digital system is part of Thailand’s broader effort to modernize border management, improve efficiency at airports, and reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What the 60-Day Visa-Free Policy Means for India–Thailand Travel
Beyond its immediate impact on tourism, the new 60-day visa-free stay for Indian travelers also reflects the strengthening diplomatic and economic relationship between India and Thailand.
As Southeast Asian destinations compete to attract India’s rapidly growing outbound travel market, Thailand’s decision to extend visa-free entry gives it a clear advantage in the regional tourism landscape.
The policy makes travel easier for Indian tourists, business visitors, and families planning extended stays in the country.
With simplified entry requirements and longer visa-free stays, Thailand is positioning itself as an even more attractive destination for Indian travelers seeking holidays, destination weddings, wellness retreats, and business opportunities.
As the new visa policy takes effect, Indian travelers can now plan longer holidays and explore multiple destinations through curated Thailand tour packages designed for beach trips, island hopping, and cultural experiences.
FAQs: Thailand’s 60-Day Visa-Free Stay for Indians
Indian passport holders currently do not need a visa for short visits to Thailand. Under the new policy, Indian travelers can stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism, short business visits, family trips, or medical travel.
Indian travelers can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa under the visa exemption scheme. The stay duration begins from the date of entry stamped by immigration authorities.
In some cases, visitors may apply for a stay extension at Thai immigration offices, subject to approval by authorities. Travelers should check with the nearest immigration office for the latest extension rules.
Travelers entering Thailand visa-free may be asked to provide:
• A valid passport with sufficient validity
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand
• A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
• Completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) if required
Immigration officers may request additional documents depending on the purpose of travel.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online form that allows travelers to submit their arrival information before entering Thailand. It replaces the traditional paper arrival form and helps speed up immigration processing at airports.
Overstaying the permitted period can result in a fine of THB 500 per day. In severe cases, longer overstays may lead to additional penalties or travel restrictions.
