In The NewsTravel & TourismSeptember 1, 2026
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days from September 15
Thailand will reduce visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for eligible travellers beginning September 15, 2026. The revised system grants 30-day exemptions to citizens of 59 countries and territories, including India, while separate bilateral arrangements remain valid. Travellers entering earlier retain the period stamped upon arrival by immigration.
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The change affects tourists and frequent visitors who previously relied on the 60-day visa exemption. Thailand says the revised policy will strengthen immigration screening, curb misuse, prevent illegal employment and simplify overlapping entry privileges.
Indian travellers will remain eligible for 30-day visa-free entry, replacing their overlapping Visa-on-Arrival entitlement.
Travellers arriving from September 15 should check the rules applying to their passport before departure. Anyone planning to stay longer than 30 days may need an immigration extension or an appropriate tourist or long-stay visa.
July 2024:
Thailand introduces 60-day visa-free entry for 93 nationalities
May 19, 2026:
Cabinet approves revised visa-exemption framework
September 1:
Measures published in the Royal Gazette
September 15, 2026:
New 30-day visa-exemption rules take effect
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1. thailand.prd.go.thView Original
