Thailand slashes visa-free stay for Indian tourists to 30 days starting September 15

Thailand has overhauled its visa-exemption scheme, cutting the visa-free stay for Indian passport holders from 60 to 30 days as of 15 September 2026, according to the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi. The new 30-day tourism exemption now covers India alongside nations like Australia, Canada, France and the United States, while Mauritius and Seychelles receive a 15-day exemption. Travelers already in the country under the old rules may remain until their granted period ends, but anyone arriving after the change must adhere to the 30-day limit.

Those needing longer visits must apply for an appropriate visa, including Thailand’s e-Visa system, and urgent work activities are still permitted for up to 15 days with a Department of Employment notification. Business trips that do not constitute employment, such as attending conferences, may be undertaken without a work permit, but actual employment requires a Non-Immigrant B visa. Additionally, visa-exempt land entries will generally be capped at two per year for most nationalities.