Planning a trip to Thailand? New Visa Rules Could Ruin Your Summer Travel Plan - What Indian Travelers Need To Know

Thailand is sharply reducing the visa-free period for travelers from more than 90 countries as authorities crack down on crimes linked to foreign nationals, officials said earlier this week.

A recent spate of high-profile arrests of foreigners has included cases linked to drug offences, sex trafficking and foreigners operating businesses such as hotels and schools without proper permits.

Which countries are on the list?

Under Thailand’s current tourism regime, travelers from more than 90 countries – including Europe’s 29-nation Schengen area, the United States, Israel and several South American countries – can visit for up to 60 days without a visa.

Thailand’s cabinet approved restrictions on visa-free stays for travelers from those countries on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul told reporters in Bangkok.

Thailand was not targeting any specific country, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said, but rather individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country.

Read also | From the ocean view to the infinity pool, check out Rashmika-Vijay’s buddymoon villa

What is the new visa validity period?

The new visa-free period would be decided on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals allowed to stay for up to 30 days, while some could only get 15 days, Surasak said.

The visa-free period was previously limited to 30 days, but was extended to 60 in July 2024 as part of government efforts to boost tourism and the economy.

What does this mean for Indian travelers?

For Indian travelers, the move essentially means a return to the earlier visa-free regime that existed before Thailand introduced a temporary 60-day exemption in 2024. Under a previous bilateral agreement, Indian passport holders could stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days.

When will the new visa rule come into effect?

The measure will enter into force 15 days after notification in the country’s official gazette.

Can tourists extend their visa?

Tourists will be able to extend their visas once by visiting an immigration office, a government spokeswoman told AFP.

“The 60 days were automatic, but an officer will decide on renewal and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer,” she said.

Tourism is vital to the Southeast Asian nation’s economy, but foreign arrivals are yet to return to their pre-Covid highs.

Read also | FDI from China: Lessons for India from fellow EM peers

Tourism accounts for more than 10 percent of Thailand’s GDP, although visitor numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Foreign arrivals fell by around 3.4 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025, with visitors from the Middle East falling by almost a third, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism.

Thailand expects about 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, up from nearly 33 million visitors last year, the government said.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)