Thailand has introduced a revised visa-free entry framework that restores a 30-day visa-free stay for eligible international travellers, including Indian passport holders, replacing the temporary 60-day visa exemption introduced in 2024. The updated policy, approved by the Thai Cabinet, is designed to simplify entry arrangements while aligning visa privileges with the country’s latest immigration framework. Once the revised measures take effect following publication in the Royal Gazette, eligible visitors will continue enjoying visa-free travel, although the maximum stay will return to 30 days instead of 60.
Thailand Replaces the Temporary 60-Day Visa-Free Framework
The revised visa policy replaces the temporary 60-day visa exemption that had applied to travellers from 93 countries and territories since July 2024. Under the new framework, visa privileges will vary depending on nationality, with travellers entering under a 30-day visa exemption, a 15-day visa exemption or Visa on Arrival, depending on the applicable category. The measures are intended to streamline entry rules while reducing overlapping visa arrangements. They will become effective 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.
For travellers planning future holidays, the key takeaway is straightforward: visa-free travel continues for eligible nationalities, but the permitted length of stay will generally return to 30 days.
Indian Travellers Continue to Enjoy Visa-Free Entry
One of the most significant changes affects Indian passport holders. Under the updated framework, India moves into the 30-day visa exemption category, replacing the previous Visa-on-Arrival arrangement that had briefly been expected under earlier proposals. This means eligible Indian tourists will continue entering Thailand without obtaining a visa before departure or completing Visa-on-Arrival formalities, provided they meet the entry requirements.
For many Indian holidaymakers, the revised policy simplifies travel planning while maintaining easier access to one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.
Tourism Continues Across Thailand
Thailand remains open to international visitors under the revised entry framework. Popular destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi and Koh Samui continue welcoming tourists throughout the year.
Bangkok remains the country’s primary gateway, combining cultural landmarks, shopping districts, temples and dining experiences. Phuket continues attracting visitors seeking beaches, luxury resorts and island excursions, while Chiang Mai offers cultural attractions, mountain scenery and wellness experiences.
Southern destinations such as Krabi and Koh Samui remain popular for beach holidays, diving, island-hopping and marine tourism.
What Changes for Holiday Planning?
Although the revised visa-free period is shorter than the temporary 60-day allowance, most leisure travellers visiting Thailand for holidays lasting one to three weeks are unlikely to need significant itinerary changes.
Travellers planning extended holidays longer than 30 days should review available visa options or extension procedures before departure to ensure compliance with Thai immigration regulations.
Tour operators, airlines and travel agencies are also updating booking guidance to reflect the revised entry framework as implementation approaches.
New Framework Simplifies Entry Categories
Thailand’s revised visa policy also introduces clearer distinctions between visa exemption, Visa on Arrival and other immigration categories based on nationality.
Officials have indicated that the updated framework aims to improve consistency across different visa schemes while ensuring travellers use the most appropriate entry category for tourism, business or other approved purposes.
Visitors already admitted under the previous rules will be permitted to remain until the expiry of their authorised stay, after which future entries will follow the revised framework once it becomes effective.
Practical Information for Travellers
Travellers planning holidays in Thailand should check whether the revised visa measures have officially entered into force before travelling, as implementation depends on publication in the Royal Gazette. They should also verify passport validity, return travel requirements and any digital arrival procedures that may apply before departure.
Booking flights and accommodation in advance remains advisable during peak travel seasons, particularly for popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
Key Travel Facts
- Thailand has approved replacing the temporary 60-day visa exemption with revised entry rules.
- Eligible travellers, including Indian passport holders, will receive a 30-day visa-free stay under the updated framework.
- The revised measures will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.
- Visitors already in Thailand under existing rules may remain until their authorised stay expires.
- Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya and Koh Samui remain among Thailand’s leading tourism destinations.
- Travellers should confirm the latest entry requirements before departure.
Conclusion
Thailand’s revised visa-free framework marks an important update for international tourism by restoring a 30-day visa-free stay for eligible travellers, including Indian passport holders. While the temporary 60-day exemption will end once the new rules take effect, visa-free entry continues for many visitors under a simplified system designed to streamline travel procedures. As Thailand continues welcoming international tourists to destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, checking the latest entry regulations before departure will help ensure smooth and well-planned holidays.
