Planning a Thailand trip from India? There is a change to the country’s visa-free entry rules that could affect how long you can stay.

From September 15, 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders travelling to Thailand for tourism will be able to enter without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. The new limit reduces the visa-free stay from the earlier 60 days, but Indian tourists will continue to be eligible for visa-free entry for short trips.

The change applies specifically to Indian ordinary passport holders travelling for tourism under Thailand’s visa-exemption facility.

For travellers planning holidays to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi or other destinations in Thailand, the key point is simple: a visa is not required for a tourist stay of up to 30 days, but travellers will need to meet Thailand’s entry requirements.

Thailand visa-free entry for Indians: What changes from September 15?

The earlier visa-free arrangement allowed eligible Indian tourists to stay for up to 60 days. From September 15, that period will come down to 30 days under Thailand’s revised visa-exemption rules.

This means Indian travellers planning a holiday of a few days or a couple of weeks can continue to travel without applying for a tourist visa in advance, provided they meet the conditions of the visa-exemption facility.

For anyone planning a longer Thailand holiday, however, the new 30-day limit is the key change to keep in mind.

Who can enter Thailand without a visa?

The visa-free facility covered by the new rule is for Indian ordinary passport holders travelling to Thailand for tourism.

Travellers should therefore check that they fall under the category covered by the visa-exemption arrangement before travelling.

What documents should Indian tourists carry?

Being visa-free does not mean travelling without supporting documents.

Indian tourists should have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Thailand. Travellers should also carry proof of their confirmed return or onward ticket.

Accommodation details are another important requirement. Travellers should have confirmed hotel bookings, along with their travel plans and itinerary, readily available during the journey.

Keeping these documents accessible can make it easier to provide the required information during the entry process.

Indian tourists need to show sufficient funds

There is also a financial requirement for travellers entering Thailand under the visa-exemption facility.

According to the Embassy of India in Bangkok advisory, tourists should carry at least THB 20,000 (around Rs 57,899) per passenger in cash.

For Indian travellers, this is an important detail to prepare for before leaving for Thailand. Having the required amount in cash is specifically mentioned in the advisory, so travellers should not assume that a credit card or digital payment will automatically serve as proof of funds.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory

Indian tourists also need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering the country.

The requirement applies to travellers arriving in Thailand by air, land or sea. The TDAC can be submitted within 72 hours before arrival.

Once submitted, travellers should keep the confirmation available along with their passport and other travel documents.

Travelling through Thailand to another country?

Indian travellers using Thailand only as a transit point should also check the entry requirements of their final destination.

If Thailand is not the final stop on the journey, travellers need to carry the relevant documents and any visa required to enter the country they are ultimately travelling to.