Thailand has reversed its earlier plan to end visa-free entry for Indian tourists, approving a new policy that permits Indians to enter visa-free for up to 30 days starting after July 2026, according to Tabla. Previously, Indian nationals could stay in Thailand without a visa for 60 days. The change follows a Cabinet decision made in May 2026, which initially proposed reducing the number of visa-free eligible countries from 93 to 54.
Tourism Impact and Official Response
Indian tourists rank as the third-largest visitor group to Thailand in 2026, after Chinese and Malaysian travelers. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul stated that the Cabinet approved the 30-day
visa-free entry to align with Indian tourists’ travel behavior. He added the government may reconsider the policy if issues develop. The revised visa-free list now includes 60 countries and territories, such as India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives, up from the 54 countries in the original proposal.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said: “The Cabinet therefore approved a 30-day visa-free entry to align with the travel behaviour of Indian tourists, who represent a large market for Thailand.” This adjustment aims to prevent misuse of visa-free entry by foreigners involved in illegal activities while supporting the local economy. Prime Minister
Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration is focused on protecting local businesses from unfair competition through these regulatory changes.
Thailand’s tourism sector contributed nearly US$50 billion to the economy in 2025, with 33 million foreign visitors recorded that year. More than 16 million international tourists had arrived by July 4, 2026. The government also indicated that the policy adjustment supports efforts to secure Schengen visa exemptions for Thai passport holders.
