IBNS-CMEDIA: Thailand, one of the most popular international destinations for Indian tourists, has introduced a major change to its entry rules that could impact travel plans this year.
The tourist hotspot has scrapped its 60-day visa-free stay scheme for all 93 countries and territories, including India.
The move is expected to affect Indian travellers, particularly after Thailand had extended visa-free stays to 60 days in July 2024 to boost tourism.
According to a Facebook post by Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs, the Cabinet has approved revisions to the country’s visa exemption and Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) schemes.
Key changes include:
Only one visa exemption scheme will now be granted per country or territory.
The 60-day visa exemption scheme has been revoked for all 93 eligible countries and territories.
The 30-day visa exemption scheme for tourism has been revised, with the list of eligible countries reduced from 57 to 54.
A new 15-day visa exemption scheme for tourism has been introduced for three countries/territories.
The Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) list has been significantly reduced, from 31 eligible countries/territories to just four.
The department said detailed criteria and implementation guidelines will be published through relevant announcements by the Ministry of Interior in the Royal Gazette, and the revised measures will take effect 15 days after publication.
What about travellers already in Thailand or those planning to visit before the new rules take effect?
The department clarified that foreigners already in Thailand under the current visa exemption schemes, as well as those entering before the revised rules come into force, may remain until the expiry of their permitted stay period.
After that, travellers may enter Thailand under:
The new visa schemes
Existing bilateral visa exemption agreements
An appropriate visa, which can be applied for through Thailand’s e-Visa system
The latest policy revision marks a significant shift in Thailand’s tourism entry framework and could prompt Indian travellers to review their upcoming travel plans carefully.
