Thailand is now looking beyond visitor numbers and placing greater emphasis on attracting "quality tourists".

Thailand, one of the most visited destinations for Indian travellers, has introduced a significant change to its entry rules, impacting how tourists plan their trips. The country has cancelled its widely used 60-day visa-free scheme for all 93 countries and territories, including India, as part of a broader effort to simplify and reorganise visa categories.

The revised framework, approved by Thailand's Cabinet, shifts the focus towards more streamlined entry processes and clearer regulations. For Indian travellers in particular, the change marks a notable shift, especially after the relatively recent introduction of extended visa-free stays in July 2024.

Thailand's Cabinet approved the revised visa exemption and visa-on-arrival rules on May 19, 2026, according to the Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"One Country, One Visa Privilege"

The revised system operates on a new guiding principle: "one country, one Thai visa exemption privilege". This aims to establish clearer and more consistent standards for foreign visitors.

Under the updated framework, Thailand will:

• Allow only one visa exemption category per country or territory
• Scrap the 60-day visa-free scheme (Phor 60) for all eligible nations
• Reduce the list under the 30-day visa exemption scheme (Phor 30) from 57 to 54 countries
• Introduce a new 15-day visa exemption category (Phor 15) for three countries
• Scale down the Visa on Arrival (VOA) list from 31 countries to just four

These measures will come into effect 15 days after they are officially published in the Royal Gazette.

Why Thailand Is Rolling Back The 60-Day Visa Exemption Scheme

The 60-day visa exemption was initially introduced to boost tourism and support economic recovery. However, the policy later came under scrutiny due to concerns related to security, illegal employment, nominee businesses and transnational crime.

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, had earlier indicated that the country would review the policy and likely revert to shorter stays for many nationalities. He noted that the government is now looking beyond visitor numbers and placing greater emphasis on attracting "quality tourists", while balancing both economic benefits and security considerations.

What Happens To Travellers With Existing Permission

Travellers already in Thailand under the existing visa exemption scheme, or those planning to visit before the new rules are implemented, will not be affected immediately. They will be allowed to stay in the country until their permitted duration expires.

Once the updated system comes into force, travellers will need to enter Thailand under the revised visa exemption categories, bilateral agreements, or apply through Thailand's e-Visa system where applicable.

What This Means For Indian Travellers

For Indian tourists, the change is particularly significant. India had been added to the 60-day visa exemption scheme in July 2024, with an option to extend the stay by an additional 30 days. This made Thailand an even more attractive and flexible destination for longer holidays.

Under the revised rules, however, India has now been moved to the Visa on Arrival category. This means Indian travellers will no longer enjoy visa-free entry.

Instead, they can obtain a visa upon arrival at designated immigration checkpoints in Thailand by submitting the required documents. The permitted stay under this category is limited to 15 days, making it more suitable for short trips rather than extended holidays.

Updated Visa Categories For All Countries

Following the overhaul, Thailand's visa structure now includes:

30-day visa exemption (Phor 30): Available to 54 countries, including:

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

15-day visa exemption (Phor 15): Applicable to Seychelles, Maldives and Mauritius.

Visa on Arrival (VOA): Limited to four countries - Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia and India.

90-day reciprocal visa exemption (Phor Phor 90): Covers Argentina, Peru, Chile, Brazil and South Korea.

30-day reciprocal visa exemption (Phor Phor 30): Includes China, Hong Kong, Russia, Laos, Macau, Timor-Leste and Kazakhstan.

14-day reciprocal visa exemption (Phor Phor 14): Applies to Cambodia and Myanmar (for air travel only).