Thailand has officially withdrawn its 60-day visa-free entry scheme for Indian travellers as part of a major restructuring of the country’s tourist visa framework.
The new policy was passed by the Thai cabinet which classifies Indian travelers as those who can apply for visas on arrival as against the former visa-free facility. The decision to scrap the 60-day visa-free policy for travelers from India came after the approval of the change in rules on May 19, 2026, according to the Thai Department of Consular Affairs.
Indian tourists will now have to undergo the hassle of applying for visas on arrival, following which they were exempted from having to go through the process in July 2024.
Thailand shifts focus from tourist numbers to “quality visitors”
Thailand’s revised visa framework follows concerns related to illegal employment, nominee businesses, security risks and transnational crime.
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Officials said the new system is being introduced under the principle of “one country, one Thai visa exemption privilege” to simplify and standardise entry regulations.
IG/ thailand.explores As part of the overhaul, Thailand has:
Scrapped the 60-day visa-free scheme for all eligible countries
Reduced the list of countries under the 30-day visa exemption programme
Introduced a new 15-day exemption category for select nations
Cut the Visa on Arrival list down to four countries, including India
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul had earlier indicated that the government wanted to review the relaxed visa system and place greater emphasis on attracting “quality tourists” rather than focusing solely on visitor numbers.
What changes for Indian travellers
As the Indians are now placed on the Visa on Arrival list, they will not be allowed to travel to Thailand without obtaining a visa. Instead, the travelers will be required to apply for a visa on arrival at certain designated immigration counters through submission of necessary travel documents.
Under this scheme, however, the maximum period allowed for visitation is only 15 days, which makes the new regime more ideal for vacation purposes than long stays.
Travellers currently staying within Thailand under the previous scheme or entering Thailand prior to the introduction of the modified scheme will still be allowed to enjoy the remaining period of their visit.
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Tourism industry likely to watch impact closely
The country is still one of the top places for Indians to visit abroad due to the comparatively low cost of tourism, its beaches, nightlife, and accessibility. The change in terms may be detrimental to longer term travelers such as those who work from Thailand for months at a stretch.
It seems to be part of a global trend where countries are increasingly implementing stricter rules for entry into the country in conjunction with increased tourism.
