Changes in visa rules in Thailand: Impact on Indian travelers

New information about Thailand travel

If you are thinking of going to Thailand this holidays, this information may be important for you. The Thai government has made an important change to its entry rules that you need to know about. According to the new rules, the 60 days visa-free entry facility given to tourists from 93 countries including India has now been abolished.

Purpose of new rules

The move by the Thai government is part of a broader plan to simplify visa categories and tighten immigration controls. In this article, we will provide you important information related to visa.

approval of rules

new rules

The proposal was approved by the Cabinet of Thailand on 19 May 2016. These new rules will come into force 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette.

Impact on Indian travelers

bearing indian travelers

This new change will have the biggest impact on Indian tourists visiting Thailand. India was included in Thailand’s 60-day visa-free scheme in July 2024, under which Indians could stay for up to two months without a visa. But now after the implementation of the new rules this will not be possible.


Category of Visa on Arrival

India has now been placed in the visa on arrival category, which means Indian passport holders will not get visa-free entry into Thailand.

Required Documents

Indian tourists will have to present the required documents at the immigration checkpoints and obtain a visa upon arrival there. Under this category, you can stay in Thailand for only 15 days. It is suitable for short vacations, but if you are planning a long vacation, you will have to prepare in advance.

pre-existing conditions

What will happen to the people already in Thailand?

If you’re already in Thailand or arriving before the new rules come into effect, you don’t need to worry. You will be allowed to stay for the period of your approved stay.

Visa-free entry countries

These countries will get visa-free entry

Following these changes, Thailand’s 30-day visa-free entry will be available to 54 countries, including Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Malaysia, US, France, Saudi Arabia, UK, Canada, Germany, UAE and South Africa.


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