The Thai cabinet approved on 14 July 2026 a reduction in the visa-free stay duration for Indian passport holders from 60 days to 30 days, while maintaining visa-free entry for Indian nationals. This policy change takes effect from July 2026.
Official Statements on Policy Change
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the 30-day visa exemption matches the travel patterns of Indian tourists, who represent a significant market for Thailand. He added the measure supports the tourism industry and may be reviewed if future issues arise. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan stated that the policy extends similarly to Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives. The total
number of countries granted 30-day visa-free entry has increased to 60, including all 27 European Union member states. Ploytalay also indicated the update could aid Thailand’s efforts to obtain Schengen visa exemptions for Thai passport holders.
Policy Context and Tourism Data
Previously, Indian visitors could stay visa-free in Thailand for up to 60 days. The approved cabinet decision follows an earlier plan from May 2026 to reduce visa-exempt countries from 93 to 54, but that reduction had not been implemented. Thailand earned nearly $50 billion from 33 million foreign visitors in the previous year. As of 4 July 2026, more than 16 million international tourists
had visited Thailand. India ranks as the third-largest source of tourists in Thailand this year after China and Malaysia.
Background and Government Response
The government noted that uncertainty about the proposed withdrawal of visa-free entry caused a drop in arrivals from India. The initial proposal and stay duration change led to confusion among Indian travelers. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration aims to tighten supervision of foreigners misusing visa-free entry for unauthorized work or activities. Local businesses, especially in tourist areas, expressed concerns over illegal work under current visa-free regimes. The revised policy seeks to address these issues through stricter oversight.
