Indian passport holders planning trips to Thailand will soon face a shorter visa-free stay. Effective September 15, 2026, the maximum period for visa-exempt entry for tourism will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This new regulation also applies to nationals from 59 other countries, including major travel markets like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, all 27 EU member states, and China.
New Rules Take Effect September 15, 2026
The change was officially notified via the Royal Gazette on August 31 and marks a return to the pre-pandemic 30-day norm for most leisure travelers. The 60-day exemption, originally introduced in 2024 to boost tourist arrivals, is now being rolled back. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the foreign ministry have confirmed the September 15 implementation date, 15 days after the Interior Ministry’s announcement.
Impact on Travelers and Land Border Entries
Under the revised framework, ordinary passport holders from the designated 60 countries will be eligible for a visa-exempt stay of up to 30 days per visit. Travelers intending to stay longer than this period must apply for an appropriate visa or utilize another permitted immigration route before finalizing their travel plans.
In addition to the reduced visa-free period, Thailand is also tightening regulations for entries via land borders. Reports indicate that visitors using land crossings will generally be limited to two visa-exempt entries per calendar year. This measure is aimed at curbing potential misuse and addressing criminal activities linked to some long-stay foreign nationals. However, air and sea arrivals will continue to be governed solely by the 30-day exemption for the listed countries.
Why the Rollback?
Thai authorities have stated that this policy adjustment is part of a broader strategy to improve immigration oversight and address criminal concerns associated with certain long-stay foreign visitors. While tourism remains a vital pillar of the Thai economy, the government is prioritizing more calibrated immigration controls. Travel agents and airlines are expected to issue updated advisories ahead of the September 15 start date, urging tourists with existing long-stay plans to verify their eligibility and secure necessary visas.