Thailand To Reduce Visa-Free Stay To 30 Days For Tourists From 93 Countries – What Indian Travellers Should Know

Thailand is preparing to reduce its visa-free stay duration for tourists from 60 days to 30 days for travellers from 93 countries, including India. The move comes amid growing concerns about illegal business activities, visa misuse, and foreigners using tourist entries for unauthorized work.

Thailand’s New Visa-Free Stay Proposal Explained

Thailand currently allows visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries for stays of up to 60 days. This policy was introduced in July 2024 to boost tourism and revive the economy after the pandemic.

However, Thai authorities are now planning to cut the permitted stay to 30 days.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will submit the proposal to the Cabinet for approval. An official implementation date has not yet been announced.

Why Is Thailand Reducing Visa-Free Stay Duration?

According to Thai authorities, the longer 60-day visa-free period has allegedly been misused by some foreigners for:

• Illegal work
• Unauthorized business operations
• Frequent visa runs
• Criminal activities under tourist cover

Thai officials stated that most genuine tourists stay only around 7–21 days on average, making a 30-day visa-free period sufficient for regular tourism.

Authorities are also reviewing other visa categories to ensure travellers comply with the actual purpose of their visit.

Will Indian Passport Holders Be Affected?

Yes. India is among the countries currently benefiting from Thailand’s visa-free entry program, so Indian travellers are expected to be impacted once the new rule is officially implemented.

For short vacations, the change may not create major issues. However, it could affect:

• Long-stay tourists
• Digital nomads
• Backpackers
• Frequent Thailand visitors
• Remote workers staying for 1–2 months

Travellers planning extended stays may need to:

• Apply for tourist visa extensions
• Consider long-term visa categories
• Avoid relying on repeated visa-free entries

Thailand May Increase Immigration Checks

Reports also indicate tighter scrutiny at Thai immigration checkpoints, especially for:

• Repeat entries
• Frequent border runs
• Suspicious travel patterns
• Long consecutive stays

Travellers may increasingly be asked to show:

• Return flight tickets
• Hotel bookings
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Passport validity of at least 6 months
• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) confirmation

Thailand Tourism Numbers Also Under Pressure

Thailand remains heavily dependent on tourism revenue. However, official figures show the country received approximately 12.4 million foreign tourists between January and May 2026, reflecting a slight decline compared to last year.

The government appears to be shifting focus from “quantity tourism” to “quality tourism” with stricter visa controls and better traveller screening.

Important Tips For Indian Travellers Visiting Thailand

Before travelling to Thailand, Indian passport holders should:

• Check latest visa rules before booking
• Avoid overstaying even by one day
• Keep printed hotel and return flight bookings
• Carry proof of funds
• Avoid excessive back-to-back visa-free entries
• Use the correct visa type for long stays or work purposes