Thailand Cancels 60-day visa-free entry: What It Means for Indian Travellers in 2026

Thailand’s Visa Rule Changes. The Thai Cabinet has pulled the plug on its 60-day visa-free entry scheme. Over 93 countries are affected so it is expected that most travellers will return to the old 30-day rule.

And if you're an Indian planning that Phuket holiday or Bangkok shopping run, you're probably wondering one thing. Does this hit me too?

It's complicated but worth a read. Here is exactly what changed, why, and what you should do before booking your next Thailand holiday.

What Just Happened: Thailand Cancels 60-Day Visa-Free Scheme 

On May 19, 2026, Thailand's Cabinet officially cancelled the 60-day visa-free entry policy. After 15 days of publishing the same in the Royal Gazette, the revised visa and entry conditions will be strictly applied.

The announcement came from Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister via a post on X from the PRD Thailand (the Government Public Relations Department) on May 19, 2026.

Source

So yes, Thailand has cancelled the 60-day visa-free policy in one clean sweep. The era of two-month stays without a visa is coming to an end.

Why Thailand Cancelled the 60-Day Visa-Free Policy 

The 60 day window sounded generous on paper. In practice, it was being misused. That's the main reason the 60-day visa-free scheme was finally cancelled.

A few things pushed the government to act: 

• Foreigners overstaying and quietly running businesses on tourist visas
• Rising security concerns linked to organised visa runs and shady setups
• A clear shift toward sustainable, controlled tourism instead of open door entry

Thailand is done playing easy host to long stay loopholes. The country still wants tourists, just not the kind who treat a tourist visa like a residence permit.

What Changes for Indian Travellers travelling to Thailand in 2026? 

Are Indians Affected by the New Rule?

The answer is yes.

India was among the 93 countries granted the 60-day visa-free benefit when the scheme launched in July 2024. With the new cabinet decision, Indian travellers will now be able to get a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA).

Here's the current confirmed status for Indian passport holders:

• Right now (in effect): Visa-free entry is not allowed. VoA is mandatory.
• The VoA allows only a 15-day stay (much shorter than the earlier 60-day visa-free benefit).
• The VoA fee is THB 2,000 (around ₹4,600), payable in cash in Thai Baht only at the immigration counter.
• It is a single-entry visa, available at 48 designated airports and land checkpoints.
• If you are already in Thailand with a 60-day stamp, you can keep it until it expires.
• For longer stays, you should apply for an e-Visa or a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
• Coming soon (not yet in effect): India is approved to move into the 30-day visa exemption category, once published in the Royal Gazette. When this takes effect, Indian travellers will no longer need a VoA for stays up to 30 days.

Tribe Travel Tip: The 60-day visa rule will be implemented 15 days after the announcement in the Royal Gazette.

Also, keep checking the Royal Thai Embassy in India website and follow Thailand’s 2026 visa news closely because the rules are changing week to week.

New Stay Duration and Entry Rules

Even with the new rules, entering Thailand is still easy if you have the right documents. Here’s what you need:

• You can get a Visa-on-Arrival at the border.
• You must fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before you arrive.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
• You will need a confirmed return ticket and proof that you have enough funds.
• A landing fee of around THB 300 (possibly higher) will be charged but the official roll-out date is still awaited. 

None of these changes should stop you from visiting. You just need to plan your Thailand holiday a bit more carefully now.

List of Countries Affected by the Cancellation of 60-day Visa-Free Policy

Here is the list of countries on which Thailand’s revised visa-exemption and VoA will be applied:

30-day Visa Exemption (54 Countries/Territories) 

1. Australia
2. Austria 
3. Bahrain
4. Belgium
5. Bhutan
6. Brunei
7. Canada
8. Czechia
9. Denmark
10. Estonia
11. Fiji
12. Finland
13. France
14. Georgia
15. Germany
16. Greece
17. Hungary
18. Iceland
19. Indonesia
20. Ireland
21. Israel
22. Italy
23. Japan
24. Jordan
25. Kuwait
26. Kyrgyzstan
27. Latvia
28. Liechtenstein
29. Lithuania
30. Luxembourg
31. Malaysia
32. Netherlands
33. New Zealand
34. Norway
35. Oman
36. Philippines
37. Poland
38. Portugal
39. Qatar
40. Romania
41. Saudi Arabia
42. Singapore
43. Slovakia
44. Slovenia
45. South Africa
46. Spain
47. Sweden
48. Switzerland
49. Taiwan
50. Türkiye
51. Ukraine
52. United Arab Emirates
53. United Kingdom
54. United States of America

Note: India is expected to join this list once the newer July 2026 update is published in the Royal Gazette.

15-Day Visa Exemption (3 Countries/Territories) 

1. Seychelles
2. Maldives
3. Mauritius

Visa on Arrival – VoA (4 Countries/Territories)

1. Azerbaijan
2. Belarus
3. Serbia
4. India (expected to move to the 30-day exemption list above once the Gazette publication takes effect)

Bilateral Agreements – 90 Days (5 Countries/Territories)*

1. Argentina
2. Brazil
3. Chile
4. Peru
5. Korea (ROK)

Bilateral Agreements – 30 Days (9 Countries/Territories)* 

1. China
2. Hong Kong
3. Kazakhstan
4. Laos
5. Macao
6. Mongolia
7. Russia
8. Timor-Leste
9. Vietnam

Bilateral Agreements – 14 Days (2 Countries/Territories)*

1. Cambodia
2. Myanmar (International Airports only)

*Visa-exemptions of 14,30 or 90 days will be given to nationals from the said countries depending on the arrangements that might be applicable.