Thailand Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens
Thailand entry rules for Indian citizens: 30-day visa-free stay from 15 September 2026, the e-Visa for longer trips and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
Indian passport holders can visit Thailand for tourism without a visa for up to 30 days per entry from 15 September 2026. The Thai Cabinet approved the 30-day scheme on 14 July 2026 and the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi announced it. It replaces the 60-day exemption that Indian tourists had used since 2024. Travellers who entered Thailand before 15 September are reported to keep the stay they were originally granted.
How the rules changed
- Late 2023: Thailand introduced a temporary visa exemption for Indian tourists.
- July 2024: the exemption was extended to 60 days.
- May 2026: the Cabinet approved a plan to move India to visa on arrival, which caused confusion among travellers.
- 14 July 2026: the Cabinet dropped that plan and approved a 30-day visa exemption for Indians.
- 31 August 2026: the rules were reported as published in the Royal Gazette.
- 15 September 2026: the 30-day exemption took effect.
This timeline draws on the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, a report from the government broadcaster All India Radio and press coverage. Some travel websites still show 60 days, so treat older pages with caution.
For fees, the e-Visa, extensions and the long-stay visa, see our full Thailand visa requirements guide.
Visa-exempt entry
The exemption is for tourism. Immigration officers decide at the border. They can ask for proof of onward travel, proof of funds and your accommodation details, and they can refuse entry even when the exemption applies. Many travellers are advised to carry a passport valid for at least six months.
If you need to stay longer
If you plan to stay beyond 30 days, or your purpose is not tourism (work, study, medical treatment or a long stay), apply for a suitable visa in advance. Do not rely on an extension: any extension of a visa-exempt stay is decided by Thai immigration and is not automatic. Indian citizens can apply for the Thai e-Visa online through the official Thai e-Visa website. Traditional applications are made at the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi or the consulates-general in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Every foreign national entering Thailand, including visa-exempt visitors, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. It has been required since 1 May 2025 and replaced the paper TM6 form. Submit it no earlier than 72 hours (three days) before you arrive. The official form on the immigration portal is free. Paid third-party services exist, but you do not need one.
Before you travel
- Check that your passport has enough validity for your stay.
- Carry a return or onward ticket.
- Carry proof of funds, such as bank statements or cards.
- Keep a copy of your hotel booking or accommodation details.
- Complete the TDAC within the 72-hour window and keep the confirmation.
Ready to apply? Start your visa application or check your documents at OnlineEVisa.com.
Last verified: 5 November 2026 against the sources linked below. Visa rules change often, so confirm the details on the official link before you book or apply.
Official sources
Found something out of date? Tell us through our corrections policy. This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice: see our disclaimer.
Vinay Patel
Vinay Patel is Managing Director of Visa2Travel (Vinpay Overseas Pvt. Ltd.), based in Anand, Gujarat. He runs visa2travel.news and the Visa2Travel brand, which has served travellers since 2015.
