Thailand Visa-Free Stay Cut to 30 Days: What Indian and UAE Travellers Need to Know

Thailand is changing its visa-free entry rules for international tourists, cutting the maximum visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days from September 15, 2026.

The change will affect travellers from 60 countries and territories, including India. Indian passport holders will still be able to enter Thailand without applying for a visa in advance for eligible tourist visits, but the maximum visa-free stay will be reduced.

The revised rules were published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette on August 31 and will take effect 15 days later.

What changes from September 15?

Under the new rules:

• Visa-free tourist stays will be limited to 30 days.
• Indian travellers will continue to receive visa-free entry for eligible tourism visits.
• Travellers planning longer stays will need to explore the appropriate Thai visa options.
• People who enter Thailand before September 15 under the existing 60-day exemption can retain the period granted when they entered.

For most Indian tourists planning a one- or two-week holiday, the change is unlikely to have much impact. However, it could affect travellers planning extended holidays, longer family visits or repeated stays.

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What about travellers from the UAE?

UAE-based travellers should check the rule according to the passport they hold, rather than their country of residence. The revised Thai visa rules apply according to nationality and passport eligibility.

This distinction is important for Indian citizens living in the UAE. An Indian passport holder travelling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi remains subject to the rules applicable to Indian nationals.

Can tourists stay longer than 30 days?

Travellers who need to remain in Thailand beyond the visa-free period should check the appropriate visa or extension options before travelling.

Thai immigration authorities can consider extensions in eligible cases, but an extension is not automatic. Travellers should not assume that they can simply remain in the country after their permitted stay expires.

Thailand’s official e-Visa system provides travellers with a way to check visa requirements based on nationality and intended length of stay.

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What this means for Indian tourists

The change does not end Thailand’s visa-free access for Indian tourists. Instead, it halves the maximum stay available without a visa.

For travellers planning a short Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya or Koh Samui holiday, the new 30-day limit should generally be sufficient. Those planning longer trips should review their visa requirements before booking flights and accommodation.

The key date to remember is September 15, 2026. Travellers entering Thailand before that date remain under the stay period granted under the previous rules.

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