Thailand eases entry for Indian travellers with 30-day visa exemption

Thailand replaces the 60‑day visa exemption framework with a streamlined system. For Indian nationals, this means a direct upgrade to a 30‑day visa exemption.

What’s Changing
- New Rule: Indian citizens will soon enjoy a 30‑day visa exemption for entry into Thailand.
- Status: Approved by Thailand’s Cabinet, pending publication in the Royal Gazette before implementation.
- Previous Arrangement: India was under Visa on Arrival and briefly included in a 60‑day exemption (July 2024). The new update standardizes India’s entry to the 30‑day exemption category.

One Country, One Entry Category
- Thailand has introduced a principle of “one country, one entry category”.
- Each country/territory will fall into one of three groups:
- 30‑day visa exemption (India, EU states, Maldives, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, etc.)
- 15‑day visa exemption (Mauritius, Seychelles)
- Visa on Arrival (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia).

Why India Moved Up
- Reflects India’s economic importance, trade, investment, and international relations.
- Indian visitors average 7.17 days per trip, longer than many other nationalities.
- Aligns India with 59 other countries eligible for 30‑day exemptions.

Practical Notes for Travelers
- Until the new rules are published, Indians must continue using Visa on Arrival.
- Those entering before implementation can stay for the full duration of their current visa.
- Travelers must still complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online.
- Enhanced screening will ensure smoother entry and secure verification.

Advice
Indian travelers should monitor updates from:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thailand)
- Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate in India
- TAT Newsroom for official announcements.

This is a significant upgrade for Indian tourists, making Thailand trips easier and more seamless.