Thailand Visa for Indians (2026): Visa-Free Stay Cut to 30 Days from 15 September

Thailand remains one of the easiest international trips for Indians: no visa fee, no embassy visit and flights of around four hours from most metro cities. But the rules changed in September 2026. Here is exactly what Indian travellers need to know before booking a Thailand holiday.

What changed on 15 September 2026?

Thailand revised its visa-exemption and visa-on-arrival schemes for ordinary passport holders. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi confirmed that from 15 September 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days visa-free for tourism. Before that, from July 2024, Indians enjoyed a 60-day visa-free stay.

For most holidaymakers nothing practical changes — a 5- to 10-night Phuket, Krabi or Bangkok trip fits comfortably within 30 days.

Documents Indians need for Thailand

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
• Return or onward ticket leaving Thailand within 30 days.
• Hotel bookings for your stay and a basic itinerary.
• Proof of funds: India's embassy in Bangkok has advised carrying about THB 20,000 per person in cash. Officers don't check everyone, but you must be able to show it if asked.
• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) confirmation.

How to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

1. Go to the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th, within the 3 days (72 hours) before you arrive.
2. Enter your passport details, flight number and the address of your first hotel.
3. Complete the short health declaration.
4. Submit and save the confirmation — a screenshot or PDF on your phone is fine.

The TDAC is free. Several unofficial websites charge a fee to "process" it, so type the official address yourself.

Staying longer than 30 days

If your trip will be longer than 30 days, don't rely on extending at the last minute. Your options are:

• Tourist visa (TR) through Thailand's official e-visa system before you travel, which gives a longer stay per entry.
• Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers and people joining long courses such as Muay Thai or Thai cooking, if you meet its financial requirements.
• An extension at a Thai immigration office, if available under the current rules — confirm with Thai immigration first.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Booking a one-way ticket "to decide later" — you may be refused boarding or entry without an onward ticket.
• Forgetting the TDAC and filling it in a rush at the airport.
• Overstaying: fines are charged per day and serious overstays lead to bans.
• Working on a tourist entry — including paid shoots or freelance work.

Plan your Thailand trip

With entry sorted, the next question is budget. Our Thailand trip cost guide breaks down flights, hotels, island tours and food. Comparing beach honeymoons? Read Bali vs Thailand for a honeymoon. When you're ready, TravelHuge builds customised Thailand packages for Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok and Pattaya, and checks your travel documents before you fly.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi — "The revision of Thailand's visa exemption and VoA schemes, 2026 (for ordinary passport), effective from 15 September 2026".