Thailand doubles visa-free stay for Indians to 60 days, introduces 30-day extension

Thailand has given an unexpected Valentine’s-week gift to Indian travellers and the travel industry by doubling visa-free stays for Indian passport-holders from 30 days to 60 days, with the option to extend once for a further 30 days at any Thai immigration office. The change took effect on 13 February and was confirmed on 18 February by the Royal Thai Embassy and the Thai government’s public-relations bureau.

The reform places India on Thailand’s new “Form 60” exemption list that now covers 93 nationalities. Indians entering for tourism, short-term business, family visits or medical treatment can simply complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before departure, show proof of accommodation and a confirmed return or onward ticket, and walk through the immigration e-gate on arrival. No fee is payable at the airport, eliminating the long queues and THB 2,000 payment that previously accompanied the visa-on-arrival process.



For Thailand, the decision is economic as much as diplomatic. India was the fourth-largest source market in 2025 with just over two million visitors, but average length of stay remained below one week because of the 30-day cap and paperwork required for extensions. Tourism authorities expect the longer, paper-light regime to encourage high-spending family holidays and repeat visits by digital nomads who can combine the 60-day entry and 30-day extension for a full three-month winter escape.

Indian travel agencies and airlines welcomed the move. Indigo, Air India and Thai Airways all plan to add frequencies on the Delhi–Bangkok, Mumbai–Bangkok and Bengaluru–Phuket routes for the summer 2026 schedule. Online travel agencies report a 40 % week-on-week spike in Thailand searches since the announcement. Corporate travel managers say the simplified entry will also make Bangkok an easier hub for regional conferences and incentive trips originating in India.

Travellers should note that overstay fines (THB 500 per day) continue to apply beyond the permitted period. Visitors must also complete the TDAC at least three days before travel; failure to do so could result in being asked to fill the form at the airport, undermining the time savings. Nonetheless, the reform is widely seen as a decisive step towards normalising post-pandemic travel flows between the two countries.