Thailand approves 30 day visa exemption for indian travellers, ETTravelWorld

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved revised visa measures that will grant Indian nationals a 30-day visa exemption, replacing the country’s earlier 60-day visa exemption framework introduced in July 2024.The new measures, announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), will come into effect after publication in the Royal Gazette. Until then, Indian travellers will continue to use the existing Visa on Arrival facility.Under the revised policy, India will move from the Visa on Arrival category to the 30-day visa exemption list as part of Thailand’s new “one country, one entry category” principle. The framework classifies eligible countries under one of three categories – 30-day visa exemption, 15-day visa exemption or Visa on Arrival.A total of 65 countries and territories are covered under the updated measures, with 59 eligible for the 30-day visa exemption. Besides India, the list includes Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives.According to TAT, India’s inclusion in the 30-day visa exemption category reflects its growing importance in terms of trade, investment, economic relations and tourism, as well as the longer average stay of Indian visitors, which stands at approximately 7.17 days per trip.The revised policy is also intended to simplify visa categories, improve security screening and streamline immigration procedures.Indian travellers entering Thailand before the new rules take effect will be allowed to stay for the duration permitted under their existing visa or entry approval.Visitors from India will also continue to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. Thai authorities said enhanced digital screening and greater integration between government databases will support risk assessment before departure and facilitate smoother immigration clearance.Separate bilateral agreements providing visa exemption periods of 90, 30 or 14 days for certain nationalities will remain unaffected where applicable.The Tourism Authority of Thailand has advised Indian travellers to monitor updates from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate in their country of residence for confirmation of the implementation date following publication in the Royal Gazette.